2016 Commencement Information
Saturday, May 14, 2016, 10 a.m.
Davidson Campus Parking Lot B
Graduate Line Up Procedures
· Only those students who have applied for graduation may participate in the ceremony on Saturday.
· Arrive at the Brinkley Gym by 9 a.m. to check in and line up according to your school of learning and program of study.
Checking In Process
· A staff member will provide you with a color-coded Name Card with your credentials and honors (if applicable). The color indicates your school and program.
· Proofread this card very closely for proper spelling; the person checking you in will make any needed changes. This is the only opportunity to make changes.
o Take your name card to the Deans’ Table and share the correct pronunciation of your name – particularly, if your name is often mispronounced.
o You will give this card to the Marshall in the white cap and gown upon reaching the stage. Please make sure to keep this card with you at all times and do not bend it.
· Gray Photo Card – Please complete this and carry it with your name card. It will be collected once you cross the stage and approach the photo area.
· Make a final check of your gown and regalia to make sure it is on correctly. Staff will be available to assist you. If eligible, pick up honors tassels at check in. Please note:
o Your tassel hangs from the right side of the cap throughout the entire ceremony. The SGA President will indicate when to move the tassel to the left.
o Please position your cap evenly on top of your head and wear it throughout the entire ceremony.
Processional & Seating
· At 9:50 a.m., marshals will lead the DCCC class of 2016 to the courtyard to line up behind the faculty.
· A DCCC staff member will direct you to your chair. Be sure you stand in front of that chair and remain standing until instructed to sit.
· A program will be in your chair and a bottle of water under your chair.
Walking Across the Stage
· Listen for the Vice President, who will indicate when it is time to stand. She will do this by academic area.
o File out of your row toward the stage.
o A staff person will be near the stage to assist.
o Hand your colored card to the person at the top of the ramp.
o When you hear the announcer call your name (as it appears on the card), walk towards Dr. Rittling.
(Note: All your Degrees/Credentials may not be called – only the highest, but all of them will be listed in the program.)
· Accept your diploma with your left hand while shaking Dr. Rittling’s hand with your right hand. Please do not rush as a photographer will get your photo at this moment! (Make sure your tassel is placed behind the right side corner so that the tassel doesn’t swing in front of your face during your photo.)
· Exit stage to photo area with your gray photo card. (While all students have this photo taken, you do not have to purchase them.)
· Proceed to your seat as instructed. When all credentials have been announced, the SGA President will tell you to switch your tassel from right to left.
Recessional
· Marshals will lead you out of the ceremony area one row at a time.
· Guests remain seated until all Faculty and Graduates have recessed out of the ceremony area.
Caps & Gowns (Regalia)
· Bring the cap and gown you purchased at the bookstore, ironed and ready to wear. (Note – follow ironing instructions on the label carefully!) Pick up your cap, gown and tassel no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. (Note – the bookstore closes at 2 p.m.)
· Associate Degree graduates receive a hood with their gown. Please check to make sure it is included before leaving the bookstore.
· Students can wear up to 5 cords and 1 stole.
· Approved Regalia Organizations/Clubs include:
§ PTK
§ SGA
§ Leadership
§ Ambassadors
§ School of Arts & Sciences
§ Scholars of Global Distinction
§ Military
Personal Attire & Other Recommendations
· Men - dark slacks, dark shoes, shirt and tie under your gown.
· Women – dress with low heel shoes. (Note – you will be walking some distance; high heels may become uncomfortable.)
· Please leave personal belongings with family or locked in your car – there will not be a place to leave items in the gym.
· Please silence your cell phone during the ceremony.
· Remember to wear sunscreen, and remember to leave your sunglasses in your chair before walking across the stage.
· Bottled water will be provided underneath your seat. Do not carry the bottle water or any other items on stage with your except your name and photo cards.
· Also don’t chew gum, you don’t want your photos to have you chewing gum in them.
Photography
· Picture proofs will be available online at www.gradimages.com about 48-72 hours after the ceremony. Please direct all photo inquiries to Chappell Graduation Images.
Family & Guest Information
· Please direct family and friends to Parking Lot B for the ceremony site. There will be event signage for parking, security & staff will be on hand to provide direction as well.
· Thank you for being considerate of others during the ceremony. Please do not reserve seats or stand up during the ceremony as to not obstruct the view of others. It is recommended you arrive early to ensure a good seat.
· We want you to have the best graduation experience possible. That includes accommodating your family and friends. Because we do not limit the number of guests that can attend, seating is offered on a first come first serve basis. In previous years, this has lead to standing room only. Guests are allowed to bring lawn chairs but will be restricted to the open space behind the seating provided by the college.
· Restrooms are available on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Mary E. Rittling Conference Center.
· The Campus Bookstore will be open for your convenience by 9 a.m. DCCC apparel, snacks, bottled water, and merchandise will be available for purchase.
Special Accommodations
· Special Needs parking and seating is available. Please follow signage or locate a guest services representative for assistance.
· The Commencement Ceremony will be broadcast live at http://www.davidsonccc.edu/graduation-live for those who cannot attend or it can be viewed on the 1st floor of the Rittling Conference Center for those in need of special accommodations.