Graduation Ceremonies – General Information

The graduation ceremonies at Southwestern Adventist University are both formal academic ceremonies and religious services. We want to honor the graduates on this joyous occasion, but even more we want to honor God. We require that all participants in the services behave with appropriate dignity. This year’s ceremonies will take place May 3-5, 2013.

Common Courtesy

Confetti, air horns, and silly string must not be used in the Leiske-Pultar Gym or the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Guests are not to bring placards or signs to the ceremonies.

Under no circumstances are guests to stand on seats, thus blocking views of the ceremony.

Fire regulations forbid anyone to congregate or sit on the stairs or in the aisles.

Only the official photographer and other photographers employed by the University may take photographs in the roped-off area at the front of the auditorium.

Video tripods cannot block aisles.

Dress and Decorum

All University policies regarding dress are in effect for these weekend services. Southwestern requires that graduates not wear jewelry or carry anything other than a diploma case while participating in these programs. Graduates are expected to wear shoes. (No one will be allowed to march in flip-flops or barefoot.) No messages or pictures may be attached to graduation regalia, though flowers are acceptable. We also expect graduates to refrain from disrupting the processional or the distribution of diplomas with personal demonstrations.

Diplomas

Provided there is no balance on the student account and the graduate has completed the exit counseling, diplomas will be mailed shortly after graduation. Graduates should update their address at the Records office prior to graduation.

Parking/Shuttle Service (May graduation)

Shuttle services to the gymnasium from satellite parking areas will be available during the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies.

Photos

To ensure that all students have a good photograph of the moment when they receive their diploma, the University has arranged for a professional photographer to take pictures. A few days after graduation, one free 5x7 watermarked print will be sent to each graduate. Additional photos may be ordered at that time.

Special Needs

Guests with special needs may telephone Silvia Collins in the Academic Administration office at (817) 202-6211 or email her at silviac[at]swau.edu. An accessible section with a good view is reserved for guests in wheelchairs along with one attendant.

Tickets

To make sure that family members have priority seating for Commencement, we are issuing a yet to be announced number of "First Access" passes to each graduate. These passes give entrance to the gym from 9:00 to 9:30. (Seats cannot be saved for guests arriving later.) The general public will be admitted at 9:30, when "First Access" passes will no longer be honored. Guests arriving after 10:00 will be admitted only at designated breaks in the program. Overflow seating is available in Wharton Auditorium.

Schedule and Instructions for May Graduation:

REGALIA

Order regalia at www.cbgrad.com. If you have any questions, please contact Jason Kowarsch (jasonk[at]swau.edu) or go by his office in the Findley Administration building.

Thursday, May 2

4:00 p.m Practice, Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium

All graduates are required to attend this practice. Graduates are asked to locate their seats on the stage by 4:00 p.m. The chairs will be marked accordingly.

Friday, May 3

8:00 p.m. Consecration, Keene SDA Church

Consecration begins at 8:00 p.m. at the Keene SDA Church. Church attire is required.

9:30 p.m. Reception, Meadows Gallery, Chan Shun Centennial Library

A reception follows at the Meadows Gallery at the Chan Shun Centennial Library for graduates and their families.

Sabbath, May 4

10:00 a.m. Sabbath School, Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium

Sabbath school begins at 10 a.m. in the gym.

11:00 a.m. Assemble for marching, Hagan Hall

11:30 a.m. Baccalaureate Service, Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium

Baccalaureate Service begins at 11:30 a.m. in the gym. Cap and gown are required of all graduates.

Marching Instructions

1. Assemble at 11 a.m. in Hagen Hall. Processional begins at 11:30 a.m. sharp.
2. March single file down the center aisle following the processional* order.
3. Men remove their caps for prayer and replace them after prayer.
4. Graduates should follow the recessional* order on their way out.

3:00 p.m. Business Department Recognition and Reception, Pechero Hall, #126

3:30 p.m. Theology Department Dedication Ceremony, Keene SDA Church Chapel

4:00 p.m. Education and Psychology Dedication, Wharton Auditorium

5:30 p.m. Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony, Keene SDA Church

A reception for nursing graduates and their guests will follow in the fellowship hall.

Sunday, May 5

9:30 a.m. Assemble for marching, Hagen Hall

10:00 a.m. Commencement, 10:00 a.m., Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium

Commencement begins at 10 a.m. in the gym. Cap and gown is required of all graduates.

Marching Instructions

1. Assemble at 9:30 a.m. in Hagen Hall. Processional begins at 10:00 a.m. sharp.
2. March single file down the center aisle following the processional* order.
• Men remove their caps for prayer and replace them after prayer.
• All graduates will stand to receive diploma covers.
• As instructed, form a line and wait for your name to be called.
• Receive diploma cover.
• Shake hands with the president.
• Return to seat as practiced and be seated.
3. Graduates should follow the recessional* order on their way out.
4. Stay in line and march all the way up to the area between the cafeteria and Pechero Hall. Please ask your family to meet you there for the reception.

* Order of Processional and Recessional

Processional

• Grand Marshal
• Platform Personnel
• Trustees/Emeriti
• Faculty
• Class Sponsors
• Class Officers
• Honors Students
• Class
• Grand Marshal

Recessional

• Grand Marshal
• Platform Personnel
• Trustees/Emeriti
• Faculty
• Class Officers
• Honors Students
• Class
• Class Sponsors
• Grand Marshal