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PARTICIPATING IN THE GANNON UNIVERSITY GRADUATION TRADITIONS

Gannon Universityrecognizes the achievements of its graduating students in commencement ceremonies at the end of the spring and fall semesters.

Register for Commencement with the Registrar’s Office
When you and your advisor have determined that you have almost completed all academic requirements toward your degree, you must apply for graduation by the dates specified through the Registrar’s office and pay a the required fee.

Graduation Cap and Gown; Dressing for the Ceremony
You will order your academic regalia (cap, gown, hood, tassel) when you apply for graduation. The graduation application has a special section for ordering the graduation garments, and the Registrar’s office will notify you about the dates and times at which you may pick them up. Please take the gown out of the package ahead of the ceremony and ready it for wear. If you iron the gown, take care with the heat settings!

Underneath the gown you should plan to wear comfortable but neat clothing, either in a “Western” style or something from your home country. Graduation caps and gowns are uniform across colleges and disciplines, so please do not alter them. Fellow students and staff will help you get into your garments just before the ceremony, if you require assistance.

Click here to learn more about the history of graduation garments, as well as history and cultural notes on American graduation ceremonies and other traditions.

Baccalaureate Mass
Gannon Universityand many other educational institutions usually offer a baccalaureate service for students and family members who would like to celebrate their academic achievements within the context of a religious practice. These services are usually part of a Christian ritual, but graduates and family members of all faiths are welcome to participate. Dates and times for the service are included with the schedule for other graduation events and ceremonies.

Participating in the Graduation Ceremony
Since those who will earn a degree have usually invested a great deal of time, energy, and money, and have often depended upon the support and sacrifice of family and friends, the graduation ceremony is considered a time of immense significance for all those participating.

Each university and college within the university has its own traditions. Ask faculty, staff, and students about what some of those local traditions and practices might be so that you may share in the excitement!

Generally speaking, though, you can fully experience the pride and joy of any graduation function in harmony with your community, and show your respect for the accomplishments of all ceremony participants, if you will keep just a few guidelines in mind:

• Be on time for the ceremony, whether you are marching as a graduate or will applaud from the audience.
• Listen for directions from the stage about when you should rise or sit, applaud, take pictures, etc.
• Do not speak during addresses by ceremonial dignitaries, and otherwise keep discussion and movement in the audience to a minimum.
• Do not use cellphones, I-pods, computers, etc. during the ceremony
• Do not block aisles or the sightlines of other audience members during the ceremony. Everybody in the audience wants to hear the name of their graduate and see them receive the diploma!
• Do not plan to leave the ceremony early, unless it is an emergency. If you must depart before the end of the ceremony, do so discretely

Your Diploma
You will not receive the official diploma at the commencement ceremony. Once your advisor and the Dean’s office have reviewed your academic qualifications, and you have met all other responsibilities, such as submitting required documents, paying any tuition or fees still due, returning library materials, etc. , the official diploma will be mailed from the Registrar’s office several weeks later to the address which you provide to that office directly.