May Graduation
Frequently Asked Questions
Commencement
All students within the Health Professions Division Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry, Medical Sciences, and Dental Medicine are required to attend. In addition, students in the College of Health Care Sciences Entry-Level Physical Therapy program are also required to attend.
Please note: The commencement ceremonies are a very separate process from the degree application process. Applying for the degree application does not mean that a graduate has completed all of the forms necessary to participate in the various graduation activities. It simply means that you have applied for your diploma. The diplomas are mailed to the graduates when their degree applications have been approved.
How and where do I get my cap and gown?
The Health Professions Division rents caps and gowns for our graduates.In order to receive their cap and gown, graduates must fill in the the Graduate Information and Regalia Order form no later than Friday, February 26, 2010. The caps and gowns will be distributed at the graduation rehearsal.
Where and when is the graduation rehearsal?
For students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, including the Public Health Program, the rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Steele Auditorium.
For students in the Colleges of Pharmacy, Optometry, Medical Sciences, Dental Medicine, and the Physical Therapy Program, the rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in the Steele Auditorium.How long do the ceremonies last? How early can I schedule an after-graduation celebration?
The HPD Commencement ceremony usually lasts about 3 hours. However, students have 45 minutes to return their caps and gowns, and then there is a lot of traffic leaving the arena, so we would suggest that you make any dinner reservations or plans for no earlier than 6:00 P.M.
Do my guests need tickets?
Tickets are not necessary for your guests. The facility is very large and there is plenty of room.