University of Wisconsin - Stout

Line up according to signs posted at the Johnson Field House

Commencement Marshals will guide graduates from the Johnson Field House entrances to the appropriate line up areas. Graduate candidates will assemble by major as well as college and school. The first student of any major group will be given a card to present the reader who will announce the major.

Commencement Marshals will lead the procession followed by degree candidates, Faculty and Academic Staff, and Platform guests. Following the direction of the Marshals and ushers, fill seats in the row to which you are directed. Upon reaching your seat, immediately face the cent aisle as a mark of respect while platform guests proceed to their places. Turn and face the stage as the last guest passes the front row. Remain standing until the platform guests sit down.

The Conferment of Degrees

Undergraduate degree candidates will be the first to receive their degrees. The dean of an undergraduate college or school, in the order indicated in the commencement program, will present the undergraduate candidates to the Chancellor for the conferment of degrees. The dean of said undergraduate college or school will request all candidates to rise and will then be presented to the Chancellor. After the Chancellor has conferred the degrees, tassels will immediately be placed on the left side and candidates will be seated so that those behind may see the stage. Following the direction of the ushers, stand and leave seating row in a single file order and approach the stage. The first person in the major/school group should move up the ramp and the others follow immediately. Keep the lines moving smooth and uniform. When candidates reach the top of the ramp, name cards will be given to the name reader for announcement. As the name reader reads the name, candidate will walk across the stage to receive the degree from the Chancellor. Upon receiving your degree, the undergraduate candidate will proceed back to the seating row following the direction of the ushers. Please be seated immediately.

Candidates for Master degrees will receive their degrees after undergraduate degrees. The Assistant Vice Chancellor will request all candidates to rise and will then be presented to the Chancellor for the conferment of degrees. Graduate candidates will proceed in the same manner, with hood folded on right arm, as undergraduate candidates with the exception of being hooded on stage. Approach and hand your name card to the name reader. As the name is read, start toward the podium, hand hood to the Graduate School representative, face the audience, and the hood will be placed. Proceed across the stage to the Chancellor to receive your degree. Graduate candidates will then return to their seats and be seated.

Candidates for the Educational Specialist degree will be the final graduates to receive their degrees. Educational Specialist degree candidates will be presented to the Chancellor and the Chancellor has conferred the degree, the candidates will then move to the center aisle where a Commencement Marshal will escort candidates to the stage to be announced and hooded (similar to Master degree candidates). After the reception of the degree, candidates will wait at the bottom of the ramp for a Commencement Marshal to escort them back to their seat. The candidates will remain standing until the Assistant Vice Chancellor presents an invitation to be seated.

Upon leaving the Fieldhouse proper, to avoid congestion in the lobby, the graduates are asked to move immediately and directly to the Multipurpose Room, Room 50, on the lower level of the Sport and Fitness Center for a commencement reception. Your guests will be instructed to meet you there. Do not stop in the corridor area immediately outside of the Fieldhouse doors. You will be directed to move completely past the area. Your cooperation will be appreciated to avoid congestion.

Reading of Name (Name Card)

All graduates are to bring a 3 by 5 inch note card with their name clearly printed on it. Candidates will hand this card to the reader for name announcement as they mount the stage. Should the spelling of your name not indicate its proper pronunciation, please spell it phonetically, as you would like it announced. Candidates who feel that the pronunciation of their name is difficult should take a duplicate 3 by 5 inch card to the Dean of Students Office, 130 Bowman Hall, no later than noon, May 9, 2008.

Pictures

As courtesy to all graduates and their guests, all guests are requested to remain in their seats during the ceremony. A professional photographer will photograph each graduate as the diploma is received. The firm will send a free color copy of the proof to each graduate in approximately ten days. The graduate can keep the proof copy whether or not an order is placed. There will be opportunities to take photographs at the Johnson Field House and at the reception following the ceremony.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities can fully participate in the commencement ceremony. The stage for graduation is fully accessible for students with mobility impairments. A specially designed ramp provides for easy access on and off stage. An interpreter can be provided for students with hearing impairments. Graduating students with mobility impairments or other disabilities who require accommodations during graduation are asked to contact the Dean of Students Office (715 232-1181) at least one week before graduations.

Seating Guests with Disabilities

There will be a section of floor seating available at Johnson Field House for individuals with physical disabilities. Please contact the head usher at the door the day of graduation or contact the Dean of Students Office (715 232-1181) to reserve one of these seats prior to May 9, 2008.

Alcoholic Beverages

Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in university facilities. Graduates should be aware that you will not be permitted to participate in commencement if they are in violation UWS Ch. 18.06(13)(a) which prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages on all university premises.