Commencement Day Information

Commencement Lineup Information

DSU Faculty (Court 1) Wellness & Recreation Center (WRC)

Platform Party (Green Room/Aerobics Room) (WRC)

Graduate Students--Ph.D., Master degree candidates (WRC)

Please arrive by 8:30 a.m in the Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC)

ATTENTION UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:

Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. on the outdoor basketball courts located between the MLKSC and the WRC.

Line-up by College in alphabetical order. HONOR students are lined up in the FRONT of their College in alphabetical order.

College of Agriculture and Related Sciences - Outdoor basketball Court 1

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - Outdoor basketball Court 1

College of Business - Outdoor basketball Court 2

College of Education and Public Policy - Outdoor basketball Court 3

College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology - Outdoor basketball - Court 3

RESTROOMS for undergraduate students will be in the MLKSC only.

SEVERE WEATHER PLAN

Please refer to the following Severe Weather Plan [1] in case of severe weather on the day of Commencement.

PARKING FOR STUDENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS

There will be plenty of parking on campus available on Sunday, May 19th. Prospective graduates as well as their family and friends can park in any parking lot with the exception of reserved spaces and fire lanes. However, a section of Parking Lot 1 (near the main gate) will be designated for VIP and handicapped Commencement parking. Please do not park at area businesses during Commencement. Your vehicle will be subject to ticketing and/or towing. Fines and fees will apply.

Handicapped spaces will continue to be reserved for only handicapped designated cars. Handicapped parking and the wheelchair drop-off points for Commencement parking will be located in Parking Lot 1 and campus-wide. Special needs and handicapped seating will also be designated in Alumni Stadium. Parking on the grass anywhere on campus is prohibited. See campus map [2].

PROCESSIONAL AND RECESSIONAL

Processional (starts at 9:30 a.m.): The procession will move as directed by the Chief Marshal for Commencement. Keep the space in the line proportionate. The distance between you and the person in front of you should be kept at approximately arm’s length. When you reach the row to which you are directed, move into it promptly. Please make sure that there are no vacant seats in the row.

When you reach your seat, please remain standing until the signal to sit down is given by the Marshal, who will be on the platform stage.

Recessional: The faculty and students will stand on a signal from the Chief Marshal. On the second signal from the Chief Marshal, the platform party will exit out of Alumni Stadium. The faculty and the Class of 1963 will follow the platform party and then the students/graduates will recess last after signal.

COMMENCEMENT AWARDS

Student achievement awards will be presented by the president of the University during Commencement: The (Presidential Academic Award and the Presidential Leadership Award)

The Presidential Academic Award – This award is presented to the graduate(s) who have the highest GPA in the Class. The awarded graduate must have earned at least 90 credit hours from DSU. In the event of a tie, the award will go to the graduate with the most DSU credit hours. In case of a tie in GPA and credit hours, co-awards will be presented. The Office of Records and Registration will determine the eligible recipients.

The Presidential Leadership Award – This award is based on the judging of submitted nominations. Candidates for this award complete an application, and submit a resume and essay outlining leadership activities at DSU, three letters of recommendation, as well as a portfolio that includes copies of certificates, awards and other supporting documentation. Students graduating in December 2012 may apply for this award. However, this award will be presented at the Commencement in May of 2013.

DISTRIBUTION OF ACTUAL DEGREES

DEGREES WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTED ON THE DAY OF COMMENCEMENT.

ALL DEGREES WILL BE MAILED

All degrees will be mailed 4-6 weeks after Commencement via CERTIFIED MAIL by the DSU Office of the Registrar. Congratulations.

SPECIAL COMMENCEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions for the Platform Party, the Class of 1963, all DSU Staff and all Graduates:

High-heeled shoes will NOT be allowed on the turf of Alumni Stadium (wedge heels or flats ONLY). All footwear will be checked at the entrance of Alumni Stadium. Any individual in violation of appropriate footwear will be given disposable flip-flops to wear.
Absolutely no texting, cellular phone usage or wireless device usage will be allowed in Alumni Stadium during the Commencement ceremony.
Absolutely no disruption of any kind will be allowed in Alumni Stadium during the Commencement ceremony. Any individual causing a disruption will be escorted from Alumni Stadium by a police officer.