REHEARSAL - Because there is no rehearsal scheduled, we recommend graduates read these instructions before Commencement to become familiar with the procedures involved in the day.

CHECK-IN AND LINE-UP - Prior to the ceremony (May - 9:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; December - 1:15 p.m.), graduates may enter through Sawyer Center NE doors (click here for map) and follow the signs to the SE lobby where you will be assigned your position in the graduation line. Graduates will be given a name card at that time. Graduates should verify the home and e-mail addresses listed on the card and note any corrections necessary. Phonetic pronunciation should be written on the card for any name that needs clarification. This card should be kept until the marshal on the platform takes it to identify each student as they cross the platform.

GROUP SEATING - If graduates wish to be seated as a group, ALL MEMBERS of the party should arrive and check-in NO LATER than 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Late arrivals may not be able to sit together.

PHYSICAL CHALLENGES - If a graduate is physically unable to stand in line to wait for Commencement to begin (e.g. leg or foot injury, back problems), University and/or Faculty Marshals (wearing medallions), or other Commencement personnel (wearing "Staff" badges) are available to assist. Also, if special seating is needed during the ceremony (e.g., wheelchair, hearing impaired) the Office of Academic Affairs should be notified at least one week prior to the ceremony so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

PERSONAL ITEMS - Graduates should be aware that there is no secure location to store personal items during the ceremony. Arrangements should be made with family or friends to hold these items during the ceremony.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS - Graduates and guests should be reminded that this event is a formal and dignified occassion, celebrating the educational accomplishments, diligence, and perseverence of all our graduates. It is expected that graduates and guests show courtesy and decorum during the ceremony with respect to other graduates and guests, and behave in a manner that reflects the SNU motto - "Character / Culture / Christ".

TASSELS AND HATS - Before the ceremony, tassels hang over the right edge of the cap for bachelors; over the left for masters. Men customarily remove caps for prayer.

LINE OF MARCH (PROCESSIONAL) - Graduates will be lead by the University Marshals into the auditorium. Graduates will remain standing (except those who are physically unable) until instructed by someone from the platform.

MARCH TO AND FROM THE PLATFORM - At the march to the stage, each row stands up all together at the Marshal's signal. Graduates will follow the Marshals to the stage. Once the graduate reaches the platform, the name card is given to the designated person. Graduates will wait for their name to be called and then proceed across the platform to receive a diploma cover. Graduates should pause for a photo. Then graduates will exit the platform down the center staircase and proceed to their assigned seat. Graduates may be seated individually.

LINE OF MARCH (RECESSIONAL) - The printed program lists instructions for the recessional for each ceremony. Graduates should listen for instructions from the platform and be aware of the guidance from the University Marshals.

For the traditional morning ceremony in May, University Marshals and faculty line leaders will lead lines out of the Sawyer Center directly to the Ivy Ring Ceremony at Centennial Plaza in front of the Webster Commons. In the interest of time and safety, all participants in the line should remain in place in the line of march until the march ends at the Centennial Plaza. A meeting place should be arranged in advance with family and friends.