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University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan

Graduation Ceremony FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

and

Important Information

Pre-Commencement Planning

 

Is there a Graduation Fee? No, however, students participating in graduation will need to wear the appropriate attire (see below) and may need to purchase a nominally priced set of regalia through the Business Services Office.

Are tickets required for Commencement? No.

I have friends and family coming from out of town, where can they locate information about lodging and find directions to campus? Directions to our campus are available on our website.

Can children and infants attend Commencement?

Absolutely! Please identify a member of your party that can leave the Theatre, if necessary with a child.

Where should guests park?

Guests may park in either the east or the west lots.

When will I receive my diploma? Commencement participants will receive their diploma covers during the ceremony. The actual diplomas will be mailed in early July due to official degree conferral taking place at the end of May. Diplomas for August graduates will be available during the month of September (diplomas for fall graduates will be available during February) and will be mailed to your permanent address. Student accounts must be paid in full to receive a diploma.

What am I supposed to wear? All graduates who choose to participate in the ceremony must wear the appropriate academic attire (gown, cap, and tassel) which can be purchased or rented in Business Services Office. Remember to wear any academic medals you may have earned.  

What color are the cap and gown? The cap and gown are black.

What color should my tassel be? Red and White

What should I wear under my gown?  Appropriate attire is requested. Dressing nicely is a plus—this is, of course, a celebration! Dress to stay cool. The theatre will be warm, and you will want to be comfortable.

Where do I pick up my cap and gown? Cap and gowns will be distributed out of Business Services Office.

Who qualifies for honor cords? In order to receive an honor cord you must be an undergraduate student and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

When will I receive my honor cords? If you qualify for honors cords, the Student Affairs Office will lend you the cords for the graduation ceremony. You will receive them during graduation practice and will need to return them prior to leaving campus.

Is there anything else I should remember? Don’t forget to get your UW-S mementos from the Bookstore!!

Day of Commencement Procedures

 

When should I arrive to campus? All commencement participants should arrive at 5 p.m. and proceed to the check-in station in the Acuity Technology Center.

Where am I supposed to go when I get to campus? Faculty, staff and graduates will be directed by attendants to their designated robing and staging areas upon arrival to the Acuity Technology Center.

What side of my graduation cap should my tassel be on? Your tassel will start on the right side until the Dean requests that your turn your tassel and you are pronounced graduated.

How will I know what to do? Follow the instructions of Student Affairs staff  and the commencement marshals. They will lead you to the proper spots during the commencement.

Is there a seating chart for graduates? Yes, these will be available at the Pre-Graduation Meeting and in the Robing Area.

When does Commencement start? The Commencement ceremony will start promptly at 7 p.m.

How long is the ceremony? The general time line is one hour from start to finish.

Are accommodations available for my guests? Seating for guests in wheelchairs will be available at the back of the theater. Please contact the Student Affairs Office at 920.459.6633 so they can assist you with your or your guests' needs.

Is there a service for the hearing impaired? When there is a special need for the hearing impaired, the Student Affairs Office should be contacted in advance to discuss your circumstances.

Where should my family sit?  Families may sit anywhere in the Theatre except in designated areas for faculty/staff members.

Is there reserved seating? There are no reserved seats, except for the graduates and special commencement guests. Public seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Do I get to keep my cap and gown? Yes - all your regalia items (cap, gown, tassel) are yours to keep after the ceremony. (Honors cords must be returned.)

How will I connect with my family and friends after Commencement? Designate a location inside the Commons to meet your guests after the ceremony. There will be a reception following, and this is a good place to mingle.