Utah State University 120th Commencement

Utah State University
December 12 and 13, 2008

Commencement Undergraduate Ceremony videos

Watch the processional
Watch the ceremony
Watch the Ceremony in Sign Language
Undergraduate Ceremony Scrapbook

Commencement Graduate Ceremony videos

Watch the processional
Watch the ceremony
Watch the Ceremony in Sign Language

Information Technology will be producing a DVD of the 2008 Commencement Ceremony for $12, including shipping/handling (cash or checks only). Call 435-797-2406 to purchase. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony
Friday, December 12, 2008
1:30 p.m.
Dee Glen Smith Spectrum
800 East 1000 North

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, December 13, 2008
10:30 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:

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 summer 2008 or fall 2008 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 Fall 2008 completion. If further clarification is required, please call (435) 797-1187,
www.usu.edu/graduateschool/student_resources/checklist.cfm.

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 Ballroom on November 11, 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, December 12, in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

Tassel Colors

Maize
College of Agriculture

Drab
College of Business

Light Blue
College of Education and Human Services

Orange
College of Engineering

White
College of HASS

Russet
College of Natural Resources

Yellow-Gold
College of Science

Black
School of Graduate Studies

Commencement Activities

Senior Celebration
The Utah State University Alumni Association will host a Senior Celebration for all graduating seniors and friends. The Celebration will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Alumni House. The event is free to graduating seniors and $5.00 for guests. Dinner and prizes.

Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony
The Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony for master's and doctoral degree candidates is Friday, December 12, 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 Fieldhouse 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.

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is Saturday morning, December 13, in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Undergraduate students assemble in the Nelson Fieldhouse with their colleges no later than 9:30 a.m. Undergraduate students must bring their procession line-up card and line up in the correct college order. Beginning December 8th, procession line-up cards for undergraduate students can be picked up in the Registrar's Office. Bring your line-up card to the ceremony. Find the sign for your college, then take your place in line behind your sign. Your place in the procession is indicated by the college number listed on the card you received. College personnel will be present to assist you. The procession begins at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony begins in the Spectrum at 10:30 a.m. Degrees will be conferred and all candidates will hear their names formally announced. Tassels on caps should be worn on the left side.

University Celebration
A University Celebration for graduates and guests will be held in the Taggart Student Center immediately following the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, December 13. Tickets are free but are required. Tickets will be available at the USU Ticket Office beginning November 17.

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 8-10 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 November 1, 2008. 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 8-10 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 November 1, 2008.
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. November 11 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. 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, December 112, and 9 a.m., Saturday, December 13.