When does graduate school Commencement take place? Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, R.I. The ceremony begins at 6:45pm. Students should arrive to assembly no later than 6pm.
When does undergraduate Commencement take place? Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (DDC) located at One LaSalle Square in downtown Providence, R.I. The ceremony for the College of Culinary Arts and The Hospitality College begins promptly at 8:45am. (students must be assembled no later than 8am). The ceremony for the College of Business and School of Technology begins promptly at 2:45pm. (students must be assembled no later than 2 p.m.)
What time do the doors open at the DDC? One hour before each ceremony. Students enter through the back of the DDC on the ground level while family and friends enter through the front doors.
Are tickets needed to attend Commencement? No. Students may invite as many friends and family members as they wish.
What about commencement invitations? Personalized commencement announcements may be ordered from the university bookstores, but should be ordered in advance to ensure timely receipt. You may contact either of our two bookstore locations at 401-598-1105 (Downcity) or 401-598-1445 (Harborside).
How long does the commencement ceremony usually last? All ceremonies will last approximately two and one half hours. If you are making luncheon or dinner reservations, please allow some extra time to be on the safe side.
Is there a way to know where I will be sitting? There is no assigned seating. Students march in with others by major and sit with their friends.
Do the students sit in alphabetical order? No. Students are given an index card with their name printed on it when they arrive. This is handed to the person on stage announcing the graduates.
How can I ensure I am listed in the Commencement program? The graduation program listing will be made available for student proofing beginning in early April on the Student Academic Services Web site. All graduates must review the list for first name, last name, middle initial and degree information accuracy and submit their changes by the published deadline. If no information is submitted by the designated due date, it will be assumed that the student first name, last name, middle initial and degree information is correct. NOTE: There will be no reprints of the graduation program as all graduates have the opportunity to proof their listing in the program as described above.
How are students selected to carry flags during the Parade of Nations? Students interested in carrying a flag of their ancestry, or a favorite nation, should contact the JWU International Office at 598-4669. If selected they will have the honor of participating in one of the most unique and special components of the JWU commencement ceremony.
What if a student is unable to attend the ceremony? If you have completed all graduation requirements — including meeting with Student Financial Services (SFS) representatives, completing the online diploma information and the online Student Employment Survey — but are unable to attend, you are still considered a member of the graduating class. If you cannot attend the ceremony you must still complete a Student Employment Survey. NOTE: Whether students are attending the ceremony or not, you must verify their names online to be listed in the commencement program. You should note the spelling of your name and major and ensure both are correct.
What is a Student Loan Exit Counseling Session and a Student Employment Survey? What does completing the information have to do with picking up my cap and gown? Students with student loans are required to complete an exit counseling session with SFS and a student employment survey with the Career Development Office prior to leaving school. Sessions will be held Monday, April 21 through Friday, May 2. (Winter grads can complete this process between Monday, Feb. 4 and Friday, Feb. 15). Students on the Downcity Campus should go to the SFS office in the Kinsley Building and students on the Harborside Campus should go to the SFS office in The Friedman Center. After completing the session, students can pick up their cap and gown order form. If your student does not conduct this session and complete the Student Employment Survey, he/she will not receive a cap and gown. Those students who are on co-op will receive their student loan exit counseling paperwork and Student Employment Survey, along with the cap and gown form in the mail. Note: All students — whether they have loans or not — must stop by their campus SFS office to complete the necessary paperwork.
What qualifies a student to walk in the commencement ceremony? To participate in the May 2008 Commencement Ceremony (and be included in the Commencement Program) degree recipients must meet one of the following criteria:
Will the commencement ceremony be videotaped? Yes. Chappell Studios will videotape the ceremony and information pertaining to ordering a tape/DVD can be found at www.chappell.com or you can complete an order form.
Are photos taken of students receiving their diplomas? Yes. Chappell Studios will be taking photos of each student and will contact the student directly with the opportunity to purchase photos. Students are under no obligation to buy the photos. For more information about photos, go to www.chappell.com.
Guests are not allowed on the main floor to take photos during the ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates and their guests are welcome to return to the arena area and use the platform as a backdrop for photographs.
Do students actually receive their diplomas at Commencement? No. Graduates receive a diploma cover containing a letter from the president of the Providence Campus. Official diplomas are mailed to their home address approximately eight weeks after the students complete all degree requirements. It is very important that the university have the current permanent address of the graduate and the correct spelling of their name as this is used when preparing and mailing out the diploma. If your student would like their diploma sent to another address, they must download a graduation application on uconnect.jwu.edu and submit it to Student Academic Services.
How is my hometown newspaper notified of my student’s Commencement? To celebrate the success of our graduates, the Office of Communications and Media Relations at the Providence Campus issues a press release to the hometown newspaper(s) for each individual within the hometown region of all graduating students. It is up to the discretion of the individual editors to run the information. This process takes up to six weeks after commencement. Questions can be directed to the Office of Communications and Media Relations at 401-598-1157 or by email to miriam.weinstein@jwu.edu.
Is parking available for commencement ceremonies? There are ample private parking facilities in close proximity to the DDC and around downtown Providence. Rates will vary.
Is there a special section for wheelchairs at the ceremony? Yes. A limited number of wheelchair-access spaces are available on the concourse level of the DDC (Sections 124 and 106).
Does the DDC provide wheelchairs? No. If a member of your party requires ambulatory assistance you must provide your own wheelchair.
We need your support in making this day even more memorable. The university realizes the significance of this day, and wants to ensure that all students’ academic achievements are recognized with respect. To achieve this, students are notified that disorderly conduct, rowdiness, or the presence of alcohol or drugs will be grounds for immediate ejection, and may result in their diploma being retained by the university.
If you have any further questions, call 401-598-4746.
PROVIDENCE
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