Commencement Day Directions for Graduates

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Prior to Ceremony

All graduates must report to the Connecticut Convention Center Ballroom Level at 11:30 a.m. for individual and class photographs. Photographs are taken on the Grand Staircase of the Convention Center. Following photographs, students may congregate in the Meeting Room areas for refreshments and processional lineup.

The processional begins PROMPTLY at 1:45 p.m.

Processional Order:

• Dental Students
• Graduate Students
• Medical Students
• Faculty
• VIPs

Details

1. Attire: Wear gown and cap with tassel on the left, hood is drooped over the left arm. Staff members will assist with the proper folding of the hood.

2. Index Card: This is very important. Please obtain an index card at the check-in table on the Ballroom Level of the Convention Center. This card will have your name and number on it. It is used to line up everyone in the proper order. On the back of the card, please write your new address as well as your personal email address. This information will be used to send you your photographs. We cannot send them to you without a current mailing address.

3. Lining Up: Students will line up for the processional as instructed by assigned staff members and behind the school marshal. Once again the order is dental students followed by graduate students, followed by medical students. You must stay in order otherwise you will be handed the wrong diploma.

4. Marching: Follow the marshals. They are there to direct you to your seats. Please remain standing until all students have marched in.

5. Gifts: A copy of the commencement program bearing your name, a UConn Health Center logo Cross pen and a copy of the Hippocratic Oath, which is a gift from Alumni Relations, will be on your seat.

6. Distribution of Diplomas: To receive your diploma do as the marshal instructs. Approach the stage, hand your index card to the school marshal who will be the first at the podium. Your name will be read off the card, please proceed to the middle of the stage to shake hands and receive your diploma. To the right will be the hooding marshals. The chief marshal will then direct you to one of three hooders (the farthest from you, the middle hooder, or the one closest to you.) If you are directed to either of the first two, please walk behind the other hooders rather than walk in front of them. If your parent is a UConn Health Center faculty member, you may request to have him/her hood you. This must be arranged in advance. In that case, please tell the chief marshal that your parent will be hooding you. You will be hooded and professional photographs will be taken. You will then exit the platform, stage left (i.e., as you face the audience you will move to your left.) Please do not walk in front of other students who are having their pictures taken.

7. Exiting: Exit the stage and return to your seat.

Recessional Order

• VIPs
• Faculty
• Dental School Graduates
• Graduate School Graduates
• Medical School Graduates

After the Ceremony

8. Photographs: Following the recessional there will be time for you to meet up with family members outside the ballrooms for photographs.

9. Reception: Reception will immediately follow the ceremony in an adjacent ballroom. If you are making dinner plans for that evening, it is recommended that you make reservations after 6 p.m.

10. Professional Signature Book: A tradition since 1979, this book, which was the class gift from that year’s graduating class, is kept at the Health Center and brought out at the time of commencement to collect and record the signature of each graduate in a meaningful and lasting fashion. Be sure to sign the book with your first real M.D. or D.M.D. signature.

11. Returning Caps and Gowns: All caps and gowns must be returned at the check-in desk located outside the ballrooms before departing the Convention Center. Staff members will be available to assist you.