Procedures for Commencement
Assemble at 1:30 p.m. at the Recreational Sports Center (RSC).
Undergraduate degree candidates: Bring cap, gown, tassel and stole (honors cords and medallions if you attended the University Honors Convocation).
Graduate degree candidates: Bring cap, gown, tassel and hood.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Do NOT bring any personal items such as purses or jackets since there is no secure area in which to leave them during the ceremony.
At the check-in table located in the graduate assembly room, you will be given a name card. DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD. THESE CARDS ARE USED TO ANNOUNCE DEGREE CANDIDATES.
Go to the area which indicates your degree. Social Work staff will be standing by to assist in lining up for the processional.
Put on your cap and gown (instruction sheets posted on walls). Social Work staff will be available to assist you if needed.
Tassels should be worn on your right side and will not be changed during the ceremony.
Group pictures will be taken prior to the ceremony. Please be dressed immediately so everyone is ready for pictures and they can be taken quickly.
Follow the marshal promptly at 3:00 p.m. from the corridor, to the rear of the auditorium for the processional. Listed below is the order of the processional:
- Marshal
- BSW Graduates
- MSSW Graduates
- PhD Graduates
- Faculty Marchers
- Special Guests
- Dean White
Be seated after the processional. School of Social Work staff will help direct you to the correct row(s) and will help guide you when graduates are to be recognized.
During recognition of graduates, hand your name card to the Faculty member who is announcing names. Your name will be announced. (The card will not be returned to you.) Cross the stage following the pace set for you by previous students.
You will be photographed as you shake hands with Dean White. Accept the congratulations of Dean White at center stage; pause to allow the photographer to get a good, clean picture. Continue across the stage, return to your seat and be seated.
After the singing of "The Eyes of Texas," the recessional will be in the reverse order of the processional. Dean White will leave first, followed by speakers, faculty, graduating students, etc.
If you have any questions, please contact staff in the Academic Programs and Student Services office at 471-5457 or visit The University's Commencement Web page at www.utexas.edu/commencement/2008/.