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As your excitement builds in anticipation of the event, and as you make plans for graduation, we would like you to remember that the commencement ceremony is for you and every other graduate. We ask you to respect your fellow classmates and social distancing protocols. The following information is for you and your guests for the ceremony which will be held Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. on the Chuck Prophet football field of the Rice-Totten Stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the ceremony and what time will it start?

The Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremony will be on May 7, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.

What time should graduates arrive at the stadium?

Graduates should arrive between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Graduates must enter the football field from the visitor side of the stadium using a side gate that will be marked. Graduates should then proceed to the home side of the field for the line-up. Department Chairs will be on-site to distribute cards and last-minute instructions. Graduates will be seated on the field.

What time can guests arrive at the stadium?

Guests are welcome to enter Rice-Totten Stadium beginning at 7:00 a.m. Entrance to the stadium will be on the east side of the stadium, the entrance to the visitor side of the stadium. Seating for all guests will be in the bleachers of the visitor side of the Rice-Totten Stadium.

What is the inclement weather plan?

In the event of inclement weather, commencement will be held in the Walter Roberts Auditorium of the H. G. Carpenter Building. Graduates will be required to report at 6:30 a.m. dressed in regalia with doors opening to the public at 7 a.m. Tickets will be required.

Will graduates be limited in the number of guests they bring?

Graduates are not limited in the number of guests that are allowed to the event. However, in the event of inclement weather, graduates will be allowed only four guests. Each graduate will be given four tickets for each of their guests.

Are graduates required to wear regalia?

All graduates are required wear regalia.

Where can regalia be purchased?

Regalia may be purchased from the MVSU Bookstore, 662.254.3532.

What should graduates wear under their regalia?

All graduates are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing under their regalia, preferably dark colored clothing to not show through the regalia. As graduates will have to walk across the football field, black, flat comfortable shoes are also encouraged.

Will professional photos be taken when student receive their degrees from the President of the University?

Yes, Ralph Smith will take pictures of each graduate as they receive their diploma. Proofs can be viewed and purchased online within two weeks of the commencement ceremony (deltaweddings.com). Personal pictures should be taken either before or after the ceremony. Ralph Smith will be available for photos the week prior to commencement and on the day of commencement (662.207.1254).

Will there be a graduation program?

Yes. The graduation program will be distributed during the ceremony.

Can guests go onto the field after the ceremony?

No, guests are not permitted on the football field.

Where should graduates and guests park?

The following areas have been identified for visitor parking on the day of graduation in order of preference:

• Jacob Aron Student Union parking Lot

• Sutton Administration Building parking Lot (one-way traffic)

• Lawn across the street from Robert Harrison complex, pending weather

• Lawn across the street from William A. Butts Social Sciences Building, pending weather

• Industrial technology education Building parking Lot, South Side

Checklist for Candidates

Candidates for graduation should report to Rice-Totten Stadium with cap, gown and/or hood. Graduates and undergraduates will line-up alphabetically by department at the direction of the Commencement Marshals. Candidates must be in the line-up no later than 7:15 a.m. There will be no entrance into the line-up after this time. The Commencement Processional will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m.

Below is a checklist to help you prepare for a happy and memorable event.

• Academic and Financial Requirements: All individuals who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony must meet all academic and financial requirements of the University. Please take whatever actions are necessary to ensure you meet those requirements for your participation in the ceremony.

• Graduation Clearance: Please make certain that you are cleared in the following areas prior to graduation – Student Accounts, Community Services and Academic Course/Exam Requirements. We cannot release your diploma if any of the areas do not indicate “CLEAR”. There are no exceptions to this rule. Successfully passing courses presently enrolled will not show clear until after final exams have been processed and grades posted.

a. Student Account Questions: If you have questions concerning a balance or your student financial account, the questions should be directed to the Student Accounts Office at (662) 254-3914 and/or the Financial Aid Office at (662)254.3335.

b. Academic Clearance: If you have questions concerning your academic clearance, questions should be directed to the Office of Student Records at (662)254.3321.

c. Community Services: If you have questions concerning your community service requirements, please contact the Office of Community Services at (662)254.3832.

• Final Courses: Contact your department chair for any questions you may have concerning the completion of your degree requirements.

• Special Needs: Participants with special needs during commencement should contact the Office of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Office) at (662)254-3443.

• Diplomas: Graduates are advised that diplomas will be mailed after Commencement and clearance by the Office of Student Records. If you have any questions regarding the diploma distribution, please contact the Office of Student Records at (662)254-3321.

• Mailing Address: Please verify/update your mailing address via Banner and/or the Office of Student Records.

Protocols for Commencement

All participants, graduates and guests are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined here.

Graduates

• Graduates may NOT take purses or backpacks onto the field.

• Graduates may NOT bring alcoholic beverages, inflatable objects, umbrellas, balls, or any toys.

• Graduates may NOT bring any liquids into the Stadium.

Preparation for the Event

• Arrive 90 minutes before the ceremony with your cap, gown and/or hood.

• Graduate and undergraduates will line-up alphabetically by academic colleges at the direction of the Commencement Marshal.

• Candidates must be in the line-up no later than 45 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. There will be no entrance into the line-up after this time.

• The Commencement Processional and Program will begin promptly 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

Behavior at the Event

The University commencement ceremony is a celebration and a reflective and reverent event for all involved. Please refrain from loud expressions of pleasure for individual graduates. Such expressions detract from the recognition due the next graduate in line. The audience is requested to stand and remain at their places during both the processional and recessional. As a courtesy to those around you and to our graduating students, please turn off all cellular devices during the ceremony. Please inform family and friends that air horns and other noise makers are strictly prohibited from use during the Commencement Program.

Again, congratulations on your great accomplishment. We look forward to celebrating with you!