How Graduation Works

May 17—seniors’ last day—All paperwork must be turned in!

May 20— senior party and parade

May 21—Senior Awards 9:00 a.m.—dress nicely in black and/or white. Students assemble in
the theatre hallway by the dance locker rooms by 8:30

May 21—Beginning at 2:00—Cap and gown distribution on the patio

 Bring your fully stamped debt clearance card
 You will receive your graduation tickets as well
 All cords are distributed by the sponsors according to their timetable.
 You may also come during the following times. Please be mindful that I do still have
classes, so I won’t be able to accommodate you at other times.
o May 22—2:00—3:30
o May 23—any time EXCEPT 12:00—2:00
o May 24—10:00—11:30

May 22—senior movie

May 23—REQUIRED In-house rehearsal in the DA theatre

 Each graduate will get 9 tickets.
 Rehearsal begins at 1:00.
 Be on time.
 No caps and gowns necessary
 Baccalaureate rehearsal will follow the graduation rehearsal. Only students planning to
attend Baccalaureate need to stay.

May 23—Baccalaureate 7:00 p.m. in the DA theatre

 Baccalaureate is an inspirational ceremony that signals the start of graduation season. It
features student performances and an inspirational message from a former DA student.
 Arrive at DA no later than 6:30.
 Wear your caps and gowns.

May 28--Graduation day—Commencement Ceremony 7:00 P.M.

 Rehearsal at the Moran Theatre—buses leave at 8:30 a.m. REQUIRED.
 You do not need your caps and gowns for rehearsal, but you should bring the shoes you
plan to wear during the commencement ceremony, especially if they are high heels.
 All graduates must ride the bus to the rehearsal to and from the theatre. We will return
to DA by noon.
 Arrive at the theatre by 6:00 p.m. that night.
Immediately after the ceremony, return to the robing area to get your diploma from the
same person you checked in with. You will keep your cap, gown, diploma cover, tassels,
cords and medallions.
Other important information
 The Times-Union Center will be checking bags. Guests should come early and be
prepared to have all bags searched. This is the venue’s policy.
 The graduation rehearsals are mandatory for any student who plans to participate in the
commencement ceremony.
 There are no extra tickets for graduation. Tickets belong to the graduate who may do
with them as he/she wishes. I encourage all seniors to be kind and generous in
disbursing extra tickets.
 Graduates are held responsible for the behavior of their guests. Please tell your guests
to refrain from applause or yelling when the graduates’ names are called.
 Dress code for graduation
o Pants must be dark colored dress pants, NO JEANS
o Shoes must be dress shoes, NO SLIPPERS, FLIP FLOPS or BACKLESS SHOES.
o Shirts must have collars
o Dresses should not hang below the robe
o Caps MAY NOT be decorated during the ceremony