For some of our students, graduation is a year in the making. For others, it may have taken five years to complete the requirements for a master’s degree. Regardless of how long it has taken for students to get to this point, the earning of your master’s degree is a highly commendable achievement. On behalf of The Graduate School, congratulations to the 100 students graduating this semester with their master’s degree. And to the spouses, partners, children, family and friends of these students, thank you for patiently supporting them over the last few years. You are a significant factor in this tremendous accomplishment, and we are certain each student thanks you for the encouragement you’ve shown.
Several emails have been sent to graduating candidates about the Commencement Ceremony. It is important to read each email, the most important of which is copied below. Again, congratulations on your achievements!
Graduate Commencement will take place this Friday at 5:30 pm. in the Carolina First Arena. Free parking is available in the George Street garage with a Commencement program.
Graduate Students should meet in the Recreational Gym on the first floor, George St. Entrance side of the F. Mitchell Johnson Center, located at the corner of George and Meeting St. Graduate students need to be present at the gym no later than 4:00 PM. Please respect this time, as it is essential that you be punctual in order to line-up for the procession. Latecomers WILL NOT be able to process. There will be a guard from Public Safety remaining in the area, so you may leave your items there until after commencement. You can find a map of the Carolina First Arena here:
As a reminder, the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony no longer requires tickets for its guests. You are welcome to invite as many friends and family as you wish to celebrate!
PLEASE BE REMINDED THAT YOU MUST HAVE YOUR CAP, GOWN, AND HOOD WITH YOU AT THE CEREMONY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE! CHECK YOUR REGALIA SEVERAL DAYS PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY TO ENSURE YOU WERE GIVEN THE CORRECT REGALIA!
On the subject of cap, gown, and hood, because of the size of the graduating class, I am including pictures and directions on how you should carry your hood and what the hooding on stage actually entails. PLEASE DO NOT WEAR YOUR HOODS TO THE RECREATIONAL GYM, IN THE PROCESSION LINE, OR AT ANY POINT PRIOR TO BEING HOODED ON STAGE!!!
When you are in the processional line, you will carry your hood on your LEFT arm with the color of your program pointing outwards.
When you are on stage, you will sit on a bench in front of the Dean of your school. Your Dean will loop your hood over your head and arrange it. Please be sure to sit straight, but not too far forward that the Dean cannot reach around you.
Please notify us if you require special assistance in order to participate in the ceremony.
There will be a reception immediately following commencement for you and your guests in the Willard A. Silcox Physical Education and Health Center.
We look forward to your graduation and hope this will be a very happy time for you and your guests.
NOTE: If you have changed your plans and have decided not to participate in the ceremonies, please notify me at 953-5614 or Fantryr@cofc.edu immediately.
