PROCESSION
The procession line-up will begin at 9:50 a.m. for a prompt ceremony start time of 10:00 a.m., so it’s important all
graduates are in their designated rooms no later than 9:45 a.m. Ceremony marshals and university staff will be present
before the ceremony to organize the procession lines. You will be briefed on the procession, ceremony, graduate
portraits, and recession.
President Wallace E. Boston, Ed.D. will begin the procession at 10:00 a.m., led by the macebearer. President Boston will
be followed by the platform party, which includes members of the board of trustees, board of directors, provost, deans,
and special guests. Faculty marshals will lead the faculty into the ballroom following the platform party. You will follow
your school marshal and proceed to the reserved seating area at the front of the ballroom.
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
Marshals will advise you and your fellow graduates when to rise and will lead you to the stage to receive your
ceremonial diploma. You will not receive your official diploma during the ceremony. Official diplomas are mailed after
your official conferral date or after the completion of all degree program requirements, whichever is later. You should
not bring your official diploma to the ceremony.
When you reach the stage, you should present your name card to the announcer at the podium on the side of the stage.
You will cross the stage as the announcer reads your name and hometown and receive your ceremonial diploma,
presented to you by the dean of your academic school. After you receive your ceremonial diploma, you will shake hands
with President Boston (a picture will be taken at this moment), exit stage left, and have your picture taken again before
returning to your seat. Marshals, dressed in regalia, and staff, in royal blue coats, will direct you during the ceremony.
RECESSION
All graduates and guests will stand as the platform party exits the ballroom. Marshals will lead faculty and graduates out
of the ballroom. Guests will be directed out the side doors.
GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING GUESTS
GUEST ARRIVAL AND SEATING
Your guests will be allowed to enter the Potomac Ballroom at 9:00 a.m. Gaylord staff members will be positioned at
guest entrances to check tickets and assist with guest seating. All guests should be seated by 10:00 a.m., as the doors
will be closed at that time for the procession to begin. Doors will re-open after the National Anthem and Invocation.
Seating is determined on a first come, first served basis. Large screens will be placed on either side of the stage for
additional visual aid.
GUEST TICKETS
All guests and children above the age of two must have a ticket to enter the ballroom. You will be able to request up to
eight guest tickets. Your guest tickets will be given to you or your ticket representative at check-in.
Please note: All guests over the age of two must have a ticket to enter and re-enter the ballroom. For safety purposes,
no exceptions will be made to this policy. It is important to notify your guests of this policy so there is no confusion on
the day of the ceremony.
