Baccalaureate and Commencement Details

 

Please Note:  There will not be a rehearsal for the entire senior class for Baccalaureate or Commencement

Baccalaureate
Seniors, faculty and staff line up for this event at 8:30 a.m. on the sidewalk between King Chapel and Old Sem. The event begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. The program will include a processional and recessional performed by College organist Lynda Hakken, words of thanks from members of the senior class, and a sermon by Fr. Catherine Quehl-Engel. Attendance at Baccalaureate is optional. Wear your academic gown, but no cap.

 

Commencement

1. 12:45 p.m. Seniors must arrive at the basketball gym by 12:45 p.m. with cap and gown. Enter through the front doors of the building. Personal items (i.e. purses, umbrellas) should be left elsewhere prior to entering the gym or they will need to be carried into the arena or left unattended in the gym. Guests will enter through the east doors of the arena. Only seniors are admitted to the basketball gym, so photographs with family and friends should be taken before arriving at the Sports Center or after the ceremony.
2. Members of the Student Affairs staff will be in the gym to assist seniors with lining up in seating order, then moving to the arena. Once the senior line is in the arena, academic marshals will lead the seniors through the faculty and staff line and into the seating area. It is imperative that seniors sit in their correct seats, as the diplomas are arranged according to the seating chart.
3. During the ceremony, the marshal will notify your row when you are to stand and move to the platform. You will enter the platform from the west side, receive your diploma from President Garner when your name is read, and exit from the east side.
4. The ceremony will conclude with a benediction and recessional during which everyone will stand and remain standing until a marshal signals your row to march out.

PLEASE NOTE
If you have a question about your diploma, contact the Registrar’s Office at (319) 895-4374.

If you graduate with all-College honors or distinction within your field: “SUMMA CUM LAUDE”, “MAGNA CUM LAUDE”, “CUM LAUDE”, or “DISTINCTION” will appear on an insert in the Commencement program. You will receive a photo copy of your diploma in the jacket and a note explaining that the original is being returned to the printer for the honor to be engraved on it. The diploma will be sent to your home address unless you give the Registrar a different address.

Your term 9 grade report will be mailed to your home address or to your summer address if you have provided one to the Registrar’s Office. Notify the Registrar’s office if you want it sent to a different address.

Seating for persons with physical disabilities is available at both Baccalaureate and Commencement and will be clearly marked.

Neither alcohol nor being intoxicated is permitted at Baccalaureate or Commencement ceremonies. Your cooperation is appreciated.