Utah State University 121st Commencement

Utah State University
May 1 and 2, 2009


Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony

Friday, May 1, 2009
1:30 p.m.
Dee Glen Smith Spectrum
800 East 1000 North

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 2, 2009
9:30 a.m.
Dee Glen Smith Spectrum
800 East 1000 North

For more details about the schedule, please visit the schedule page.

Please visit the following links for driving directions and maps:


Regional Campus Graduation Dates

Please visit the schedule page for dates and contact information.


General Information for All Students

Candidates for Bachelor's Degrees

To participate in commencement, a student must file an Application for Graduation with the Registrar's office (TSC 246) one semester prior to the semester of the intended graduation date, and be a graduate (or anticipated graduate) of Spring 2009, or Summer 2009 terms. The application process must be completed and fees paid. Students can obtain and complete the Request for Application for Graduation in the Registrar's office or apply online at www.usu.edu/registrar/graduation/apply-online.cfm. Attendance at Commencement is expected. Academic dress is required.

Candidates for Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Candidates for master's and doctoral degrees should already have completed all paperwork for the appropriate degree. Depending on whether a student is on Plan A, B, C, or a doctoral candidate, varying processes and paperwork exist which signal program completion and qualification for commencement participation. A visit to the Graduate School website of degree completion deadlines will help identify the deadlines and necessary steps required for students to participate in commencement, have their name appear in the commencement program, and have their transcript indicate Spring 2009 completion. If further clarification is required, please call (435) 797-1187, www.usu.edu/gradsch/current/06-07%20Completion%20Deadlines.pdf.

Academic Regalia

All participants in the ceremony are required to wear authorized caps and gowns. Commencement apparel is available to buy from the USU Bookstore. Your cap and gown can be purchased at the Graduation Fair in the Taggart Student Center East Ballroom on March 24 and 25, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For further information contact the USU Bookstore at 1-800-662-3950 or 435-797-3950. Candidates for degrees wear the black mortarboard with a tassel that is a color distinctive of the degree being received. Wear the prescribed academic costume without deviation. Each part of the regalia has a traditional meaning specific to your major field, Utah State University, and higher education. Candidates for master's and doctoral degrees will carry the hood over the left arm prior to the Graduate Ceremony on Friday, May 1, in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

Tassel Colors

maizeMaize
College of Agriculture
 
drab Drab
College of Business
 
light blue Light Blue
College of Education and Human Services
 
orange Orange
College of Engineering
 
white White
College of HASS
 
russet Russet
College of Natural Resources
 
yellow gold Yellow-Gold
College of Science
 
black Black
School of Graduate Studies
 

Commencement Activities

The Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony for master's and doctoral degree candidates is Friday, May 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Assembly of candidates takes place at 12:30 p.m. in the Nelson Field House for the procession. Candidates will hear their names and degrees formally announced; master's candidates are hooded by members of the Graduate Council while doctoral candidates will be hooded by their major professors and deans.

The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is Saturday morning, May 2, in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Undergraduate students assemble on the University Quad with their colleges no later than 8:30 a.m. In the event of rain assemble in the Nelson Field House. The procession will begin at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. Degrees will be conferred on candidates for the bachelor's degree. Tassels on caps should be worn on the left side.

Senior Celebration 2009 takes place Wednesday, April 15, 7-9 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center. This is a free event for graduating seniors, and $5 for guests. There will be refreshments, giveaways and entertainment. Tickets may be picked up at the David B. Haight Alumni Center starting April 1.

Alumni Graduation Picnic is scheduled for 11:30 - 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, on the Utah State University HPER field. In the event of rain the picnic will be held in the Nelson Field House. Tickets are on sale at the USU Ticket Office beginning April 1. The tickets are $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for children.

Diplomas

Undergraduate Students
If you do not attend your college ceremony, you may pick up your diploma cover in the Registrar's Office at no charge. If you want your diploma and cover mailed, there is a $4 postage fee.
Your diploma will be mailed to the address on your application for graduation 6-8 weeks after graduation. Please make sure this address is correct. If you wish to have your diploma sent via certified mail, you may do so by paying a $4 fee at the Registrar's Office.
Please check your transcript to ensure your name is complete and spelled correctly. Your name and degree will appear on your diploma and in the commencement program exactly as it is on the student database. If changes are necessary, complete the Change of Information Form in the Registrar's office by April 1, 2009. Please make sure your name appears correctly, as changes will not be made after this date.
Resolve any outstanding financial obligations to Utah State, such as library fines, parking tickets, etc. You will not receive your diploma and may not order transcripts, or have other documents released, if you have unresolved financial obligations.

Graduate Students
Diplomas for graduate students are mailed 6-8 weeks after Commencement. Your diploma is mailed to the address recorded on your Graduation Fee Payment Form. If you wish to have your diploma sent via certified mail, you may do so by paying a $4 fee at the Registrar's office.
Please check your transcript to ensure your name is complete and spelled correctly. Your name and degree will appear on your diploma and in the commencement program exactly as it is on the student database. If changes are necessary, complete the Change of Information Form in the Registrar's office by April 1, 2009.
Resolve any outstanding financial obligations, such as library fines, parking tickets, etc. You will not receive your diploma and may not order transcripts or have other documents released if you have unresolved financial obligations.

Graduation Fair

All graduating students, both graduate and undergraduate, should attend the Graduation Fair from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. March 24 and 25 in the TSC Ballroom. The Bookstore has joined with outside vendors and campus organizations to get everything you need for a successful graduation. This is the place to purchase your cap and gown, order announcements, class rings, and grad packs, buy a diploma frame, and have a graduation picture taken. Enjoy free drawings and discounted graduation items. Learn more about commencement ceremonies and how to join the USU Alumni Association.

Guest Tickets

Guest tickets are not required for the Commencement Ceremonies in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum or for the College Ceremonies. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors to the Spectrum will be open to the public for Commencement Ceremonies at 12 noon, Friday, May 1, and 8 a.m., Saturday, May 2..

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities

For information on sign language interpreting, accessible parking, and wheelchair access, contact the Disability Resource Center at (435)797-2444.

For more information contact the following representatives: