The following information only pertains
to the Queens Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 15,
2011.
Will the graduate names be
called?
As an institution we understand the
importance of calling the names of each of our graduates, and
inviting each of the graduates to greet his or her Dean on stage so
that the Dean may offer congratulations on behalf of the
University. The names of our graduates will be read unless
extreme weather necessitates that we amend the
ceremony.
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 left 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 Queens 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 as well as many
classrooms throughout campus. Please ask any Public Safety
Officer or Commencement Host on campus for these
locations. 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 after Monday, June 20, 2011. Please
contact your Dean’s office for further details.
What time should guests
arrive?
All guests should arrive and be seated no later than 9:45 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. 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 9:30 a.m.
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 by 9:30 a.m. to line up for the
procession.
- 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.
- Follow the directions of the Faculty Marshal and Dean
representatives for your ceremony responsibilities.
- 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.
Please 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 procession follows the faculty
procession and goes up to the stage from the center aisle.
The ceremony will begin when all members of the Presidential Party
have reached the stage.
Where will my school
be seated?
Seating Plan
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 extreme weather, the ceremony will be
abbreviated. Please check the St. John's University Web site
for additional information up through Commencement. In the
case of a change to the schedule due to extreme weather, graduates
will receive a text message on the University's messaging
system.
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 to receive a diploma.
How can I arrange for my senior portrait
and yearbook photo to be taken?
To schedule your senior portrait, please visit www.ouryear.com (School Code:
087128)
How do I order keepsake items?
Full
details on Commencement Keepsake Items are available here.