Commencement Rehearsal Information Graduation Office 102B Burgin Dossett 423.439.6822

Ceremony Schedule Ceremony times (10am and 3pm) are assigned by college/school Schedule can be found here: https://www.etsu.edu/reg/graduation/ceremony.php If you don’t know your college/school check your Degree Works audit

Security Students and guests are encouraged to arrive early to accommodate the additional security measures, which include metal detectors and bag searches.  Any unsearchable bag, container or package will not be allowed into the facility Prohibited items in the Mini-Dome include but are not limited to alcohol products, illegal drugs, firearms, or any weapons.  Animals are not allowed with the exception of trained service animals Graduates and visitors are encouraged to only bring essential items to the ceremony in order to expedite the security process For more information, call Andrew Worley at 423-439-6114

Security Graduates will be allowed to carry personal items such as cell phone, car keys and wallets on the floor level of the Mini-Dome as long as they are secured under regalia.  Name cards are the only items that should be held in hand by graduates while on the floor. Students are encouraged to leave personal items in their vehicles or in designated coat rooms.  Exceptions will be made for medical reasons Coat rooms will be available on either side of the Mini-Dome to check your personal items Do not leave any items in your seat as you cross the stage as you may return to a different seat

Guests Guests will not be allowed onto the floor until after the ceremony Guests will be subject to security check Guests are asked not to bring noisemakers as a courtesy to the graduates Seating for guests with special needs is available

Guests with special needs Floor seating is available First-come, first-serve basis One additional guest is welcome in the seating area Visibility in this area is limited Parking/drop off maps are available the day before the ceremony at the information table Restrooms are in a close proximity Special equipment such as wheelchairs will not be provided. Guests should bring their own needed equipment

Parking Parking is available across campus including the parking garage Assigned parking spaces are not enforced with the exception of handicap spaces Enter from Jack Vest Drive (between the Mini-Dome and Bojangles Disabled guest may use the roundabout between the Mini-Dome and parking garage After drop off, vehicles will then enter the parking garage Guests who park across the street should use the pedestrian bridge An interactive campus map and ceremony parking map can be accessed by visiting our website: https://www.etsu.edu/reg/graduation/ceremony.php

Name Cards The name card is used by the announcer to read your name as you cross the stage Your name card must be kept in your possession until you reach the stage If you lose your card find a staff member immediately Name cards can be picked up at the information tables the day before the ceremony or ceremony day If a colored hold attachment is stapled to the back of your card, it is a reminder that you have a hold that may prevent graduation/diploma pick up You may still participate in the ceremony

Name Cards Sample Name Card Please complete the back of your name card to receive your photos by mail

Name Pronunciation The announcer will be available the day before the ceremony from 8am-12pm to speak with students whose names may be difficult to pronounce If you cannot meet with the announcer, legibly write the phonetic pronunciation of your name very clearly

Name Pronunciation Sample name card with phonetic pronunciation written

Regalia Doctoral students being hooded on stage, remember to bring your hood Doctoral students not being hooded on stage and Master students see instructions for wearing your hood properly: https://www.etsu.edu/reg/pictures/hood_instructions.jpg Remember to bring honor medallions, tassels, stoles, chords, pins, and other appropriate regalia Regalia table will be posted behind the stage with a limited supply of materials Graduate regalia will be available in the West side Coat Room Tassels are to be worn on the right side of your cap until after the ceremony There is no specific dress code, but please wear appropriate clothing under regalia

Line-Up Line-up is in the lower level of the Mini-Dome Your card will indicate your line up number and color Colored number signs will be posted to guide you in your spot Green/Blue cards line up on the East side (undergraduate) Gold cards line up on the West side (graduate) Plan to remain in line 30-45 minutes before the beginning of your ceremony to assist other students in finding their position Be sure to allow time for security check and photographs Ceremonies will begin at 10am and 3pm

Ceremony Proceedings Plan to stay for the entire ceremony The ceremony generally lasts between 90 – 120 minutes Restrooms are available in the line-up area During the National Anthem men should remove their hats Be careful of flaws in the turf that may result in tripping Floor ushers will direct students when to stand to be recognized and when to be seated

Ceremony Proceeding The speakers on stage will instruct each group of students (Doctoral, Master, Bachelor) when to stand and be recognized separately Please stand only with your group You may be seated as you wait to be directed to the stage by a floor usher *add diagram*

Seating Ushers will lead your line from the hallway to the floor Follow the person in front of you An usher will direct you into a row of seats Please proceed to the furthest seat available in your row (do not cross the aisle to another section; do not skip seats) Remain standing as others are being seated

Crossing the Stage Remember your name card Hand your name card to the staff member assisting the announcer Do not talk to the announcer or assistants Cross the stage as your name is read Shake hands with your dean with your right hand, grab your diploma tube with the left Shake hands with the President and any other standing official Exit the stage and pose for photos Ushering will direct you back to your seat after crossing the stage

Exit Please exit the arena floor after the conclusion of the ceremony to allow for clean-up and resetting We encourage students and guests to plan a meeting location for when the ceremony is over outside the Mini-Dome See the following diagram for more instructions on crossing the stage and returning to your seat

Student Processional Diagram

Photographs Photographers will be available to take pictures before the ceremony, as you cross the stage, and immediately after you exit the stage at the Alumni banner Photographers are provided by: Island Photography www.islandphoto.com

Livestream The ceremony can be viewed live online The link will be posted on the Graduation homepage Streaming will begin a few minutes before the ceremony starts Ceremony videos will be posted to YouTube at a later time

Weather Be sure to check the weather forecast Be ready for any delays due to travel Designated coat rooms will be available for umbrellas, coats, etc.

Medical Emergency Emergency healthcare will be available during the ceremony If you experience a medical emergency, please find the nearest staff

Lost & Found Any found items should be left at the regalia table behind the stage Lost items will be taken to Public Safety (parking garage) after the 3pm ceremony

Items for Purchase ETSU Bookstore will be selling memorabilia on the East and West sides of the Mini-Dome Flowers will be sold on the West side of the Mini-Dome