Convocation Procedures
Congratulations on your graduation! We hope your plans include the excitement of receiving your diploma at the Convocation ceremony for the College of Engineering to be held Friday, May 2, at 1:45 PM in the Jon Huntsman Event Center.
The instructions included here are very important if you plan to attend. Please read them carefully!
Instructions
All candidates for degrees will line up outside (in case of rain see below) on the west side of Huntsman Event Center near the tunnel entrance, beginning at 12:45 PM. (Although convocation does not begin until 1:45 PM, we will begin marching students in by 1:30 PM.) There will be markers at the head of each line indicating the specific degree; candidates should line up behind the appropriate marker. If you are not in the correct line, you may not be seated appropriately and your name will not be read under the correct degree.
While you are lining up, departmental representatives will give you a reader card with your name printed on it. Please check the card carefully for its accuracy. If your name is a difficult one to pronounce, make sure it is phonetically spelled out on the card; otherwise, the reader may mispronounce it. If you wish, you may indicate on the card that you have achieved "Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude." You may also place honorary ribbons on your regalia. (See below for instructions on appropriate display of ribbons.) There will be a professional photographer taking pictures of the diploma ceremony. If you wish to have proofs mailed to you, please write your permanent mailing address on the back of the reader card. (This may possibly be your parent's address.)
The processional into the Event Center will begin promptly at 1:30 PM. You will proceed double file through the tunnel into the arena area. Faculty and staff will provide directions and assistance to the seating areas.
During the awarding of diplomas (covers only), you will be directed to a reader's table where you will hand the reader your card. As your name is read, walk to the Dean's reception line closest to your reader table..
Candidates for the MS and ME degrees wear their hoods.
PhD candidates carry the hood over the left arm when approaching the reception line. The Dean and appropriate faculty member will place the hood over the candidate's head. (Instructions for the procedure will be given to you when you line up outside and are also included on this web site.)
After receiving your diploma (cover only), you will be directed to the photographer, then back to your seat.
At the conclusion of the program, undergraduates will exit up the stairs at Sections P & Y and graduates at section K.
Early Arrival
We cannot over emphasize the importance of your early arrival to line up. Late arrivals cause unnecessary confusion and once the march begins, it is impossible to pick up your card or to find your proper place in line.
Parking
Parking is available across the street, south side of the Huntsman Event Center, and also in the Guardsman Way parking lot, using the shuttle service to the Center.
Photographs
We have arranged to have a professional photographer take your picture as you receive your diploma. Once again, if you wish to be contacted, include your mailing address on the back of your reader card.
Guests
Because there is ample seating in Huntsman, we encourage you to invite family and friends. The best seats will be in Sections A through N, and Z. Sections C, K, Y, and P will be reserved for the undergraduates.
Regalia and Honor Ribbons
The regalia worn at commencement and convocation are to celebrate academic achievement. Ribbons or cords may be attached to the robe to denote membership in an officially recognized academic organization or honor society when membership is by nomination and/or election. Ribbons or cords are to be designed by the organization and must be consistent for all members. They must be no larger than 2 inches in width and 11 inches in length, and must be attached to the front of the robe at the left or right shoulder. Other embellishments to the academic robe or cap are not permitted.
In Case of Rain
Graduate candidates will line up inside the west tunnel. Undergraduates will pre-seat in section C (Chemical, Civil, Mechanical) and section K (Bioengineering, Electrical & Computer, Materials Science, and School of Computing).
This is a special time for you and your family. We offer our congratulations and best wishes and will do everything we can to make the Convocation a memorable one. If you have any questions or have special needs, contact the Dean's Office. We look forward to seeing you at Convocation 2008.
Instructions for Ph.D. Hooding for Convocation Ceremony
It is the practice of the College of Engineering to have faculty hood their Ph.D. candidates during the diploma presentation of the convocation ceremony. In order to assure that this process proceeds smoothly, please read the instructions carefully:
Step 1: After the Ph.D. candidate's name has been read, s/he proceeds to the Dean's reception line to receive the diploma. The hood should be draped over the left arm so the right hand is free for handshaking.
Step 2: As the candidate approaches the Dean, the faculty advisor or department chair will step forward and stand at the right hand of the candidate. Hand the hood to one of them. The Dean and the faculty/chair will each take one side of the hood and, stretching the opening, lower the hood over the candidate's head from the rear. (The opening must be wide enough to clear the graduation cap, which means the hood must be unbuttoned.)
Step 3: The candidate shakes hands with the faculty/chair and the dean and receives his/her diploma.
Step 4: The candidate proceeds forward to the center aisle where the faculty will be standing to offer their congratulations.
Step 5: Proceed to photographer for photos and then reseat in original seats
Commencement
For information go to http://www.sa.utah.edu/commencement