The Ceremony
All graduands should arrive no later than 9am Saturday, May 20, 2006
at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Family
and guests should enter the North Charleston
Performing Arts Center and find seats in the auditorium. Graduands
will be assembled by college. You will then line up to form the academic
procession. Graduation committee members will distribute numbered name
cards that will be used to coordinate the line-up
for the processional and to announce your name as you receive your degree
on the stage. Be sure you have your name card with you before you begin
the procession, and that you are lined up in the correct numerical order
(e.g., that the number on your card is between the numbers of the persons
on your immediate left and right).
the graduation ceremony Graduation programs will be on the chairs of all graduands at the ceremony. The program will list the order of exercises. The ceremony begins with the academic procession. Students will be seated by college, and their degrees conferred accordingly.
conferring of degrees At a certain point during commencement, the graduands eligible for bachelor's degrees will be asked to stand. The president will confer the degree upon these individuals and then ask them to be seated.
receiving your diploma At a designated time, graduates will be invited to the platform to receive diplomas. Please note that this will not be your official diploma — official diplomas will be mailed approximately ten (10) weeks after your official completion of your program. Ushers will escort you to the platform in a systematic and orderly fashion.
Once you reach the platform, you should present your individual name card to the announcer. As your name is read, you will receive your "diploma," then proceed to center stage to greet the president and other dignitaries. Following that, please proceed down the center staircase and promptly return to your seat as directed by the ushers.
benediction & recession The academic formalities conclude with the benediction. Graduates will stand as the platform party and faculty leave the auditorium. You will be directed by the ushers for a swift and orderly exit. Do not leave the auditorium until directed to do so by an usher.
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