CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES! Graduation Rehearsal & Information Session Office of Student Affairs | April 2013

Etiquettes Let’s Talk Fashion Graduation Agenda Practice! Important Reminders Questions?

What is commencement? com  mence  ment noun \kə- ˈ men(t)s-mənt\ –the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees, certificates, or diplomas (Merriam- Webster)

Graduate Etiquettes Arrive at the venue no later than 12:30pm to line up Wear proper attire (cap & gown for bachelor/master students; formal or professional dress for certificate/ESL students) Remain in your seat AT ALL TIMES; stand and move only when directed to do so Keep cell phones & other electronics TURNED OFF until the ceremony is over Show respect to speakers, your fellow graduates, and their families by REMAINING SILENT throughout the ceremony

Guest Etiquettes Keep cell phones & other electronics TURNED OFF until the ceremony is over Sit ONLY in seats designated for guests; REMAIN SEATED throughout the ceremony; only authorized personnel are permitted in the stage area Photos may be taken only from your seat Show respect to speakers, graduates, and other guests by REMAINING SILENT throughout the ceremony

WOMEN Formal or business attire Dress; OR Dress slacks, khakis Blouse Dress shoes MEN Formal or business attire Dress shirt Dress slacks, khakis Dress shoes

Also known as regalia How do I wear my cap & gown?

Also known as regalia Zip your gown up the front.

Also known as regalia Master degree recipients, you will have droopy sleeves!

Also known as regalia Your gown should hang to mid-calf.

Also known as regalia Your cap’s mortar board should sit parallel to the ground.

Also known as regalia Master degree recipients wear a hood.

Also known as regalia The velvet rim should be visible, as well as the colors inside the hood.

Also known as regalia In the front, the velvet will be visible around your neck. Wear your tassel on the RIGHT side!

We will notify you when your cap & gown are ready to be picked up from Student Affairs!

Commencement Agenda Processional Welcome United States National Anthem Pledge of Allegiance Diversity Celebration

Dr. Sarac’s Remarks Commencement Address (by guest speaker) Valedictorian Remarks Graduate Speaker Remarks Commencement Agenda

VIU’s Outstanding Faculty Awards Awarding of Degrees & Certificates Recessional Group Pictures Commencement Agenda

Woodson High School 9525 Main Street Fairfax, VA Take the GREEN BUS and get off at the Lee Highway at Fairfax Circle Plaza WB bus stop.

Parking Entrance from street Bus stop! Auditorium; enter at Gate 18

1.Find your name tag 2.Make sure your cap & gown are being worn correctly 3.Line up with your fellow grads Use the serial number on your name tag! 4. STAY THERE!

1.Cafeteria with live-feed of the ceremony & snacks 2.Restrooms 3.Staff & student volunteers to help you 4.If you need help, call: (703)

PHOTOGRAPHY Your picture will be taken… While you are lining up As you process into the auditorium As you walk across the stage and shake hands with your dean and/or Dr. Sarac After you have received your “diploma” (backstage)

OTHER PHOTO OPS Group pictures after ceremony Photo booth with the bookstore in the lobby area VIU banners in the lobby area; take photos before and after the ceremony!

OTHER PHOTO INFO Any photos taken by VIU’s photographers will be available to you within 2 weeks of the ceremony Family/friends will NOT be permitted to leave their seats to take photos!

Let’s Practice!

WHERE IS GRADUATION? Woodson High School 9525 Main Street Fairfax, VA

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? 12:30 p.m.

WHAT AMENITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE? Live feed; snacks in the cafeteria; restrooms; staff & volunteers to help when needed

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY FAMILY ABOUT PHOTOS? Don’t leave your seat to take photos; VIU will provide photos 2 weeks after ceremony; etc.

viu.edu/students/services/ commencement-ceremony