Graduating? Worrying about what you should do to prepare? Don’t.
The Office of the Dean of Student Life and the University Bookstore have made the logistics of graduation simple.
Seniors who applied for graduation will receive a “Commencement Brochure” from Student Life. The brochure details where students need to be and when and also includes four tickets in case the June 10 main ceremony is relocated from Hayward Field to McArthur Court because of rain.
For undergraduates, there is no deadline to order the cap, gown and tassel. Masters and Ph.D. students must order their package before May 29 or pay a $10 late fee. Law students must order before May 12.
“Don’t panic, just relax — we can take care of it whenever you come in,” said Serra Morrison, a senior environmental studies major and bookstore employee.
The main commencement ceremony will last about two hours, and only in the event of rain will students’ families and friends need tickets to attend.
Because the details of the ceremony are so straightforward, said Mary Hudzikiewicz, commencement coordinator for the Office of the Dean of Student Life, seniors should use the last weeks before graduation to position themselves for future employment by polishing their resumés and contacting references.
For undergraduates, the cap, gown and tassel cost $35 and can be purchased anytime before graduation. Students completing more than one major can purchase extra tassels at the bookstore for $3.50.
Morrison said students need not worry about the bookstore running out of their size because they order more as supplies in a size are running low.
Javier Hernandez, a senior majoring in international and environmental studies, suggested students buy their caps and gowns early so they have time to get the wrinkles out.
A tip for wrinkle removal, Hernandez said, is to hang the gown in the bathroom and take a hot shower to steam the wrinkles away.
The bookstore’s policy on returns is that students who buy cap and gown and choose not to participate in the ceremony can return them if they are unworn until June 9, the day before commencement.
None of the departmental ceremonies requires tickets for entry, and there is a full list of times and locations at the bookstore and on the Office of Student Life Web page.
Students who wish to send graduation announcements or invitations can order them at the bookstore at 1-800-433-0296 or order them on-line.
Hudzikiewicz said announcements can be sent at anytime, but invitations should be sent at least a month before commencement.