Congratulations Potential Graduate!

Commencement is the culminating event of an academic career, perhaps as significant to family and friends as it is to the graduate. As you begin planning for this very special occasion, this page will provide you with the essential information you need to know for the recognition of your success.

December 2010 Commencement Details:

Graduates planning to participate in the
commencement ceremony must take the following steps:

• Fill out the Commencement Information Form. This link allows you to register to participate in the ceremony and request tickets. It will not be active until after September 15, 2010. Please check back after that date.
• Complete the press release form if you want your graduation information printed in your local paper.
• Order your regalia through Herff Jones, Inc., by clicking here: Link will be activated after September 15, 2010.
• You may place your order without being charged a late fee through November 12, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. You may order with a late fee until 11:59 p.m. on November 16, 2010. Herff Jones will not take any orders after November 16.

Ceremony:

Friday, December 10, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.

• Check in 5:15 p.m. in Library Auditorium
• Commencement Ceremony - 7:00 p.m. in Cutlip Auditorium, McNutt Campus Center
• Reception following Commencement Ceremony – McNutt Campus Center

Commencement ceremonies are held in Cutlip Auditorium located in the McNutt Campus Center. Students will assemble in the Library Auditorium, and should be there no later than one hour prior to the scheduled commencement ceremony. Late arrivals will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Tickets are distributed based on the number you provide and the number of graduates participating in the commencement ceremony. We anticipate that each graduate will receive up to five tickets, however, this number is subject to change. All persons entering Cutlip Auditorium will need a ticket, regardless of age. If it is necessary to bring children, they must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend that anyone with children present use the seating in the balcony. Do not request a ticket for yourself. You will have a reserved seat!

Graduation Fee:

A non-waivable $100 graduation fee must be paid to WWU financial services before your diploma will be released. All graduates must pay this fee, even if they are not participating in the graduation ceremonies. The fee will be added to your accounts receivable statement approximately one month prior to graduation.

Official Diplomas:

Diplomas are not issued at the ceremony. If you have successfully completed all coursework and your account is clear, your diploma will be mailed to you four to six weeks after graduation. Diplomas are released after the graduation fee is paid. The name on your diploma will be the exact name WWU has on record. For name changes or personal information updates please contact the Registrar's Office at 573.592.4249 at least 4 weeks before graduation. Friday, November 19, 2010 is the last day a name change may be made to your diploma without a $50 fee.

Regalia/Invitations/Announcements:

Printed invitations and announcements for mailing to family and friends may be ordered from Herff Jones. Click on the Herff Jones link on our web site to order invitations and announcements. All regalia must be ordered from Herff Jones. You will find their link on the commencement page. You are only required to order a regalia set. All other purchases from Herff Jones are voluntary. The deadline for ordering regalia without a late fee is November 12, 2010.

When you receive your regalia check it with the following list to make sure you have the correct colors, etc.

Associates: Gray cap and gown with white tassel
BA: Black cap and gown with white tassel
BFA: Black cap and gown with brown tassel
BS: Black cap and gown with gold tassel
BSW: Black cap and gown with light yellow tassel
MBA: Black cap and gown with drab hood and drab tassel
MED: Black cap and gown with blue/green hood and blue tassel
EDS: Black cap and gown with blue/burgundy hood and blue tassel

Dress Code: Business casual, no flip-flops or tennis shoes. Only dark shoes are appropriate with academic regalia.

Services:

Professional Photos:

A professional photographer will be provided by GradTrak Graduation Images. Photographs may be purchased at a cost determined by GradTrak. There is no obligation to purchase the photographs, and there is no cost for the service. GradTrak offers a $5 discount on any photo order over $25 if you register your e-mail address prior to graduation at www.gradimages.com. Click on Pre-Event Registration at top of page. Proofs from the ceremony will be sent to your e-mail address.

Area Accommodations:

For information on accommodations, please contact the Chamber of Commerce of Callaway County at 573.642.3055 or the Heart of Missouri Tourism Center at 573.642.7692.

Although commencement is not a required activity, WWU encourages you to participate. Commencement marks a very important step in life as an occasion of celebration and achievement. You have worked very hard, and this ceremony gives the University the opportunity to congratulate you.

Links for driving instructions to the Fulton campus and a campus map with building locations and parking areas are located on the top, right section of this page. For other questions, please contact Jan Pundmann at Jan.Pundmann@WilliamWoods.edu.