Commencement: Rehearsal and Walking Cards  

Commencement rehearsal will be held in the Lisser Theatre on Friday, May 16, at 10:00 am. Upon arrival, sit in the seats closest to the stage. There will be demonstrations of what will happen on stage when diplomas are distributed, on walking procedures, and academic regalia protocol. You will also be given the opportunity to help the Provost or Associate Provost with the correct pronunciation of your name.

All candidates who participate in rehearsal are invited to a rehearsal continental breakfast in the Student Union on Friday at 9:00 am before rehearsal.

Walking Cards 

At rehearsal, on Friday, May 16, you will be given an opportunity to help the Provost (undergraduates) or Associate Provost (graduates) with the correct pronunciation of your name. If your name is frequently mispronounced, you should ask this person to print a phonetic pronunciation of your name on your walking card.

On Commencement Day, Saturday, May 17, before the ceremony, you will pick up your walking card at the table near your lineup area on Mills Hall Oval.

The lineup area is also on the Mills Hall Oval. Once you have picked up your walking card, line up with another degree candidate of your choice in your degree area. There will be signs and staff directing you to the proper area.

Keep your walking card and at the degree granting portion of the program, hand this card to the Provost or Associate Provost when you reach the stage. The Provost or Associate Provost will then read your name and major(s) as you walk across the stage to receive your diploma. They will keep your card, as this enables the official photographer to determine who is being photographed.