Congratulations Potential Graduate!

Commencement is the culminating event of an academic career, perhaps as significant to family and friends as it is to the graduate. As you begin planning for this very special occasion, this information will provide you with essential information you need to know for the recognition of your success.

December 2008 Commencement Details:

Graduates planning on participating in the commencement ceremony must take the following steps:

• Complete the Commencement Information form which will become an active link on this page around the first of September. After November 20, you must call the Office of Academic Affairs if you wish to participate in the ceremony (573-592-4316)
• Complete the press release form if you wish for your graduation to be printed in your local paper.
• Order your regalia through Herff Jones, Inc., after September 1, 2008 by clicking on the Herff Jones link. You may place your order without being charged a late fee through November 16, 2008 at 11:59 pm. You may order with a late fee until 11:59 pm on November 20, 2008.

Ceremony:

• Friday, December 12, 2008, 7 pm
• Check-In - Library Auditorium @ 5:15 pm

The ceremony will be held in the Cutlip Auditorium in the McNutt Campus Center. Students will assemble in the Library Auditorium, and should be there no later than one hour prior to the scheduled commencement ceremony. If you arrive late you will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Tickets are distributed based on the number you provide and the number of graduates participating in the commencement ceremony. We anticipate that each graduate will receive up to five tickets; however; this number is subject to change. All persons entering Cutlip Auditorium will need a ticket, regardless of age. If it is necessary to bring children, they must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend anyone with children to utilize the seating in the balcony.

Graduation Fee:
A non-waivable $100 Graduation Fee must be paid to WWU Financial Services before your diploma will be released. All graduates must pay this fee even if they are not participating in the graduation ceremonies. The fee will be added to your accounts receivable statement approximately one month prior to graduation.

Official Diplomas:
Diplomas are not issued at the ceremony. If you have successfully completed all coursework and your account is clear, your diploma will be mailed to you four to six weeks after graduation. Diplomas are released after the graduation fee is paid. The name on your diploma will be the exact name WWU has on record. For any name changes or personal information updates please contact the Registrar's Office at 573.592.4249 at least 4 weeks before graduation.

Regalia/Invitations/Announcements:
Printed invitations and announcements for mailing to family and friends may be ordered from Herff Jones. Click on the Herff Jones link on our web site to order invitations and announcements. All regalia must be ordered from Herff Jones. You will find their link on the commencement page. You are only required to order a regalia set. All other purchases from Herff Jones are voluntary. The deadline for ordering regalia without a late fee is November 16, 2008.

When you receive your regalia make sure you have the correct colors etc. with the following list:

Associates: Gray gown with white tassel
BA: Black gown with white tassel
BFA: Black gown with brown tassel
BS: Black gown with gold tassel
BSW: Black gown with light yellow tassel
MBA: Black Gown with drab hood and drab tassel
M.Ed.: Black gown with blue and green hood and blue tassel
Ed.S.: Black gown with blue and burgundy hood and blue tassel

Services:

Professional Photos:
A professional photographer will be provided by Chappell Graduation Images, 1.800.247.3435. Photographs may be purchased at a cost determined by Chappell. There is no obligation to purchase the photographs, and there is

no cost for the service.

Area Accommodations:
For information on accommodations, please contact the Chamber of Commerce of Callaway County at 573.642.3055 or the Heart of Missouri Tourism Center at 573.642.7692.

Although commencement is not a required activity, WWU encourages you to participate. Commencement marks a very important step in life as an occasion of celebration and achievement. You have worked very hard, and this ceremony gives the University the opportunity to congratulate you.

For questions, please contact Jan Pundmann at 573.592.4316 or Jan.Pundmann@WilliamWoods.edu.