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Steps to Graduation (for May Commencements, 2008)

Please note that some dates are different depending on the  school from which you are graduating.

  1. Insure that you will have completed all requirements for graduation by the end of the semester. If you have not already done so, immediately check the list of graduation candidates and contact the Student Records Office if you note an error concerning your intention to graduate this semester. If your name is missing and you think it should be there, it may simply mean that your advisor has not submitted your final degree check to the Student Records Office and you should contact your advisor first.

  2. You may purchase thank-you notes and souvenir announcement covers in the Samford Bookstore.

  3. Jostens will hold a Graduation Expo in the University Center Foyer on March 25 between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; on March 26 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; and on March 27, between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. At those times, you may order announcements, and be measured for your cap and gown.

    If you are unable to attend the Expo, you may get measured for your cap and gown in the Samford Bookstore no later than Wednesday, April 23 at 3:00 p.m. (Note: Divinity students must be measured by March 31,) You may avoid lines by going there sooner and not waiting until the deadline day. After the Expo dates, please contact the Bookstore at (205) 726-2532, if you need to order your announcements from Jostens.

  4. While we wish all graduates to be present for the Commencement Ceremony, there may be extenuating circumstances that prevent you from joining us. If this applies to you, please submit a letter to the Dean of Academic Services, by May 2, documenting the reason you would like to be excused from Commencement.
     
  5. Divinity students Only:  On May 5, go to the Samford Bookstore to pick up your cap and gown between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

  6. Pharmacy, Business and Nursing students Only:  On May 14 or 15, go to the Samford Bookstore to pick up your cap and gown between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
     
  7. All other students:  On May 15 or 16, go to the Samford Bookstore to pick up your cap and gown between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

  8. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, go to the President's Reception in the Quad. President and Mrs. Westmoreland and many of the faculty will be there until 5:30 p.m. to meet with you and any family members you may wish to bring with you.

  9. On Friday, May 16, at 5:35 p.m., assemble in Hamilton Reid Chapel, Burns Hall or Chapman Hall with cap and gown to line up for the Baccalaureate procession to the Wright Center that begins at 5:45 p.m. Baccalaureate will be at 6:00 p.m. Instructions for line up will be given to you when you pick up your cap and gown from the Bookstore. This event should last approximately one hour.

    Only the graduation candidates should report to the line-up area. You may pose for photos with family and friends before reporting to the line-up area. We suggest that family members and guests go to the Wright Center to be seated or stand along the processional route to watch. Please do not bring purses, cameras, etc., with you. You will NOT be able to carry such items with you as you process across campus and there will be no one to watch your personal items. Silence all phones, pagers and watches.

    Please remember that when wearing academic regalia the correct dress is dark clothing and black shoes.

    If the rain plan is in effect, there will be signs posted at both entrances into the campus and all entrances of the chapel instructing you to report to the lower lounge of the Wright Center by 4:15 p.m.
     
  10. Pharmacy Students, your Commencement Ceremony will be on Friday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m.  Check with the Pharmacy School for instructions.
     
  11. Business Students, your Commencement Ceremony will be on Friday, May 16, at 1:00 p.m.  Report to Brooks Hall at 12:15 p.m. to receive your name card and line up for the processional. If the Inclement Weather plan is in effect, Report to the lower lobby of the Wright Center at 12:15 to receive your name card and line up for processional.
     
  12. Nursing Students, your Commencement Ceremony will be on Friday, May 16, at 3:00 p.m.  Report to the lower lobby of the Wright Center at 2:15 to receive your name card and line up for processional.
     
  13. For the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 26, Arts and Sciences, Education and Professional Studies, and School of the Arts candidates report to the lower level of the Hanna Center by 9:00 a.m. with cap and gown to receive your name card and line up in correct position for the academic procession. Only faculty and graduates should enter at this entrance. You may pose for photos with family and friends before reporting to the staging area.  Please do not bring purses, cameras, etc., with you. You will NOT be able to carry such items with you as you process into the Corts Arena and there will be no one to watch your personal items. Commencement should last approximately one and one-half to two hours.
     
  14. On Saturday, May 17, at 2:01 p.m. Law Students assemble in Hamilton Reid Chapel, Burns Hall or Chapman Hall with cap and gown to line up for the procession to the Wright Center that begins at 2:45 p.m.
     
  15. Caps and gowns should be returned to the Bookstore as soon as possible after your Commencement.

  16. Arrangements have been made with Zap Photo for a professional photographer to take pictures of the graduates receiving their degrees.  The photographer will contact the graduates after commencement at their home addresses.  Please contact them at (205) 345-2686 if you have any questions.  Brennan Productions & Custom Video Labs will make a video of Commencement.  If you would like to purchase a copy of this video, in either VHS or DVD format, you may contact them directly at (205) 823-0088.

Commencement is a joyous time for you, your family and your friends; but it is also a very complicated ceremony that requires much advance work to be successful. If you will complete the above steps in the time frame stipulated, we will be able to hand you your diploma cover during the ceremony.

If you have any remaining questions about graduation, please contact the Student Records Office and let us help you.

Go to this page Graduation Candidates for links to the lists of graduation candidates.


Last update: 3/11/08 4:13 PM

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Page maintained by Jane Leask, Academic Eligibility Coordinator/Catalog Editor, jeleask@samford.edu.
Last update: 3/11/08 4:13 PM
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