Sunday, May 12
1 p.m., Main Lawn

Graduate lineup noon, Shattuck Music Center
(Van Male Field House if weather requires)

Commencement is the ceremony at which degrees are conferred. It is an occasion of great significance to graduates, families and friends, and a formal recognition of academic achievements. Attendance is expected.

Seating is reserved for the graduates, faculty, special guests and those with disabilities by request. The rest is general admission for family and guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets, up to four per graduate, are required only if the event is moved indoors due to inclement weather. The ceremony generally is two and a half hours long.

Commencement begins with bagpipers leading the procession of graduates and includes speeches by Carroll’s president, the chair of the board of trustees, the class speaker and an honored guest speaker. Then the president calls the graduates forward for individual recognition, receiving handshakes and well wishes from university administrators and accepting the covers that will hold their diplomas.

Due to concerns about decorum, comfort and safety, it is suggested that:

• Cell phones are turned off.
• Air horns and other noisemakers are not used.
• Graduation caps are worn or held in the hand (not thrown).
• Alcoholic beverages are saved for parties later in the day.
• Graduates wear their caps (tassels to the right), gowns and undergraduate hoods. Master and Doctoral degree graduates receive their hoods as part of the Commencement ceremony.

Not attending the ceremony? Your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address. Confirm with the registrar that the correct address is on file.