FAQ

The following information only pertains to the St. John's University Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 18, 2008.

Are there special arrangements for wheelchair-bound and/or hearing-impaired graduates, family and guests?

  • Graduates whose disabilities limit their ability to navigate stairs will be able to access their school’s designated seating area once the procession begins. Please contact your dean’s office for further information.
  • Guests of graduates who have disabilities may park in the lot next to the St. Thomas More Church.
  • Reserved seating section will be available for guests with disabilities on the front side of the audience, facing the stage. Please see a Public Safety Officer for assistance. Please note that due to the large number of guests expected to attend, we are only able to offer seating to the person with the disability and one companion.
  • Handicap accessible restrooms are located in St. Thomas More Church.
  • The University’s Commencement Exercises will include a sign language interpreter. Please see a Public Safety Officer to be directed to the seating area reserved for viewing of the sign language interpreter.

Will the St. John's University Commencement Exercises be simulcasted if guests are unable to sit outside?
Yes. Simulcast areas will be available in Marillac Hall Auditorium and Bent Hall Auditorium. Seating in the simulcast areas is limited, so plan to arrive early.

When do I receive my diploma?
The University requires a short period of time to confirm that all necessary degree requirements have been completed, therefore, diplomas should be available as of Monday, June 9, 2008. Please contact your dean’s office for further details.

You will be presented with a commemorative scroll on stage at the ceremony.

What time should guests arrive?
All guests should arrive and be seated no later than 10:45 a.m.

How long is the Commencement ceremony?
Great care has been taken to be sure that the ceremony is completed as quickly and smoothly as possible. We anticipate that the ceremony will run approximately 2 ½ hours. Please understand that Graduates will not be permitted to leave the Commencement Exercises until the student recessional has been completed. If you anticipate your participation in the entire ceremony to be a concern, please call the Office of University Events.

Due to the number of people expected on Commencement Day, we encourage family and friends of candidates to set up meeting places for after the ceremony in case anyone from your group should become separated.

Are restrooms readily available at the ceremony?
All University buildings are equipped with public restrooms, which will be available throughout the weekend.

What do I do when I arrive at the ceremony?
Candidates are to go directly to their assigned Line-up Location to assemble in their Academic Attire no later than 10:30 a.m.

Where will my school be seated?
Seating Plan

What should I wear?
All graduating students need to order and wear academic attire at the graduation ceremony.

What is my responsibility at the ceremony?

  • Arrive in your assigned Line-up Location.
  • Follow line-up instructions of marshals.
  • Students should wear their Academic Attire to the Commencement Exercises. Your cap tassel should be on the right side.
  • Once directed to your row, remain standing until the Invocation is complete.
  • Recessional: During the recessional, the graduates will wait until the Presidential Stage Party leaves the stage and then follow the instructions of your faculty marshals.

Note
The Dean for Student Life has advised Seniors that the University will not hesitate to take serious disciplinary actions against students for alcohol abuse, destruction of property or other violations of University policy during Senior activities and Commencement.

What is the path of the procession?
The academic procession will begin on each side of the Great Lawn processing on the east and west sides of the Great Lawn and then up the center aisle.

The schools will process in the following order:

  • East Side
    College of Professional Studies 
    St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • West Side
    College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
    The School of Education
    The Peter J. Tobin College of Business

The Presidential Stage Party will process from Council Hall, on the east side of the Great Lawn, and then up the center aisle. The ceremony will begin when all members of the Presidential Party have reached the stage.

Do I need tickets for my guests?
Guests require tickets. Each graduate will receive 4 tickets to the Commencement Exercises. Please plan your day accordingly. The graduate's cap and gown will serve to admit him/her to the ceremony. Children under the age of two years do not require a ticket, however, they must sit on an adult's lap.
Ticket Distribution Information

What to do in the event of inclement weather?
The University Commencement Exercises will be held on the Great Lawn rain or shine. It is suggested that guests bring suitable protection against the heat/sun or inclement weather. In the case of severe weather, the ceremony will be abbreviated.

Will parking be available?
Parking Information

What If I'm Not Attending the Commencement Exercises?
Students who are not attending the Commencement Exercises should contact their college office. Please note that a diploma application must be filled out.

How can I arrange for my senior portrait and yearbook photo to be taken?
To schedule your senior portrait, please visit http://cws.ouryear.com/ - School Code: 87128; or call (1-800) 969-1338.

How can I order a class ring?
Please contact Mark Sunderland of Herff Jones at (631) 226-2270.

How can I purchase photos taken at the St. John's University Commencement Exercises and at my Doctoral Hooding Ceremony ?
You can purchase your photos through our professional photographer from Chappell Studios at their Web site or by calling (800) 247-3435.

How do I order keepsake items?
Graduation Announcements
Personalized St. John's University announcements of graduation are available for purchase online. Announcements must be ordered six weeks before the graduation date – order early.

Note
Announcements can not be used as tickets. These items are not available for purchase at graduation.

Tassels
Commemorative red and white tassels are available for purchase during academic attire distribution. Prices range from $5 to $7.

Stole of Gratitude
The Stole of Gratitude can be worn during the commencement ceremony. After the ceremony, the new graduate presents the Stole of Gratitude to someone who provided extraordinary help or support, i.e., parents, relatives or mentors who have helped with wisdom, words of support or with financial assistance. The Stole of Gratitude is available for purchase for $20 during Academic Attire Distribution.

Diploma Frames
Diploma frames are available for purchase through Follett Bookstore.

Commencement Flowers
Flowers will be available on site for purchase at graduation. Pre order here.

Program Books
In an effort to support the University’s green initiative, each family will receive one commemorative copy of the Commencement program that will include graduate names. This copy will be given to the graduates participating in the Commencement Exercises at the start of the ceremony. Graduates should be sure to keep this program as a memento of their special day.

The programs for the guests at the Commencement Exercises will be printed without the student names.

In doing this, we are saving over one million sheets of paper, or…

  • 145 trees
  • Enough energy for 3 homes annually
  • Over 115,000 gallons of wastewater
  • Almost 14,000 pounds of solid waste