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Graduation FAQ
Why are there two lines of graduates in the Exhibition Hall?
We send two lines of graduates out to the arena at the same time. Once we take you out to the arena where the ceremony is held, both lines of graduates will converge in the middle and everyone will be taken to their seats. Having two lines helps to seat everyone faster, and creates a more professional look for the guests in the audience.
How will I know when its time to go up on stage?
There will be ushers to guide graduates up to the stage, across the stage, and back to their seats. When you get to the stage entrance, an usher will remind you what to do. These are the steps to keep in mind:
1. Stop at the top of the stairs
2. Hand your card to the reader.
3. Be ready to assist the reader if they need help pronouncing your name.
4. PLEASE WAIT until the reader finishes reading everything on your card.
5. Walk across the stage to receive your congratulatory scroll and shake hands with the dignitaries.
6. Walk down the steps in the center of the stage, and go back to your seat.
Will I receive my diploma on stage?
You will receive a congratulatory scroll, not your diploma. Your diploma will be mailed to you shortly after graduation if you have not already received it.
Whats the proper way to receive the congratulatory scroll?
Extend your right hand to shake hands with the dignitaries on stage. As you shake hands, extend your left hand above the right to receive the scroll.
What should I do if I'm feeling nervous?
Relax, take a few deep breaths. Make eye contact with someone. Smile. Talk. Its not a final exam, so just have fun; and be careful on those stage stairs!
What side should the tassel be on?
Bachelor Students: The tassel should be on the right side of the mortarboard. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the President will pronounce you as an official graduate of Northcentral University and at that time you can move the tassel to the left side.
Masters and Doctoral Students: Your tassel should start out and remain on the left side of your cap or tam- moving of the tassel is an undergraduate tradition only- it is assumed that you have already participated in this ceremony upon receiving your 1st degree.
Where do I get my honor cord?
Honor cords are distributed only to Students who have joined the Honor Society specific to their school. If you have been invited to join the Honor Society, your honor cord or pin were sent directly to you upon induction in to the Honor Society.
I had a 4.0 grade point average in my Masters program; will I be named Summa Cum Laude in the program?
Distinctions of Summa Cum Laude (GPA 4.0), Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.75 to 3.99) and Cum Laude (GPA 3.50 to 3.74) are for undergraduate Students only. It should be noted that Northcentral University maintains a high standard of academics for all of our Students with Students earning advanced degrees being required to maintain a 3.0 GPA therefore earning your advanced degree (Doctorate or Masters) is a designation of honor.
The Commencement Ceremony
Q: How long is the Commencement ceremony?
A: Commencement will be approximately two hours long.
Q: Why is Commencement scheduled on this particular date, at this time?
A: There are many factors that enter into the selection of date and time for the commencement ceremony. First and foremost, we are limited to dates and times that are available at the venue where the ceremony takes place. Commencement is scheduled approximately 18-months in advance and we must negotiate a date that does not conflict with holidays (typically, Memorial Day weekend), and allows for optimum travel and work schedules for family and friends. In addition, the Commencement venue typically is hosting ceremonies for several other schools around the same time, as well as arts events and commercial clients. Our aim is to select a date and time that best meets as many requirements as possible, but, regrettably, it is virtually impossible to meet every individual's preferences.
Please note:
We have done everything possible to keep the ceremony lively and fast-paced. Please be sure to stay in your seats until the conclusion of the ceremony. The other graduates waited for you, so please do the same for them.
Please do not bring any Silly String into the ceremony. Unfortunately, Silly String stains the fabric of the arena seats. Repairing the seats costs the University valuable resources that could be better spent on providing services for students. We do not provide any security for purses or other personal items. We suggest you leave all personal items with your family and guests.
We send two lines of graduates out to the arena at the same time. Once we take you out to the arena where the ceremony is held, both lines of graduates will converge in the middle and everyone will be taken to their seats. Having two lines helps to seat everyone faster, and creates a more professional look for the guests in the audience.
How will I know when its time to go up on stage?
There will be ushers to guide graduates up to the stage, across the stage, and back to their seats. When you get to the stage entrance, an usher will remind you what to do. These are the steps to keep in mind:
1. Stop at the top of the stairs
2. Hand your card to the reader.
3. Be ready to assist the reader if they need help pronouncing your name.
4. PLEASE WAIT until the reader finishes reading everything on your card.
5. Walk across the stage to receive your congratulatory scroll and shake hands with the dignitaries.
6. Walk down the steps in the center of the stage, and go back to your seat.
Will I receive my diploma on stage?
You will receive a congratulatory scroll, not your diploma. Your diploma will be mailed to you shortly after graduation if you have not already received it.
Whats the proper way to receive the congratulatory scroll?
Extend your right hand to shake hands with the dignitaries on stage. As you shake hands, extend your left hand above the right to receive the scroll.
What should I do if I'm feeling nervous?
Relax, take a few deep breaths. Make eye contact with someone. Smile. Talk. Its not a final exam, so just have fun; and be careful on those stage stairs!
What side should the tassel be on?
Bachelor Students: The tassel should be on the right side of the mortarboard. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the President will pronounce you as an official graduate of Northcentral University and at that time you can move the tassel to the left side.
Masters and Doctoral Students: Your tassel should start out and remain on the left side of your cap or tam- moving of the tassel is an undergraduate tradition only- it is assumed that you have already participated in this ceremony upon receiving your 1st degree.
Where do I get my honor cord?
Honor cords are distributed only to Students who have joined the Honor Society specific to their school. If you have been invited to join the Honor Society, your honor cord or pin were sent directly to you upon induction in to the Honor Society.
I had a 4.0 grade point average in my Masters program; will I be named Summa Cum Laude in the program?
Distinctions of Summa Cum Laude (GPA 4.0), Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.75 to 3.99) and Cum Laude (GPA 3.50 to 3.74) are for undergraduate Students only. It should be noted that Northcentral University maintains a high standard of academics for all of our Students with Students earning advanced degrees being required to maintain a 3.0 GPA therefore earning your advanced degree (Doctorate or Masters) is a designation of honor.
The Commencement Ceremony
Q: How long is the Commencement ceremony?
A: Commencement will be approximately two hours long.
Q: Why is Commencement scheduled on this particular date, at this time?
A: There are many factors that enter into the selection of date and time for the commencement ceremony. First and foremost, we are limited to dates and times that are available at the venue where the ceremony takes place. Commencement is scheduled approximately 18-months in advance and we must negotiate a date that does not conflict with holidays (typically, Memorial Day weekend), and allows for optimum travel and work schedules for family and friends. In addition, the Commencement venue typically is hosting ceremonies for several other schools around the same time, as well as arts events and commercial clients. Our aim is to select a date and time that best meets as many requirements as possible, but, regrettably, it is virtually impossible to meet every individual's preferences.
Please note:
We have done everything possible to keep the ceremony lively and fast-paced. Please be sure to stay in your seats until the conclusion of the ceremony. The other graduates waited for you, so please do the same for them.
Please do not bring any Silly String into the ceremony. Unfortunately, Silly String stains the fabric of the arena seats. Repairing the seats costs the University valuable resources that could be better spent on providing services for students. We do not provide any security for purses or other personal items. We suggest you leave all personal items with your family and guests.
