Commencement Ceremonies

Information About Dress and Processional

WHAT TO WEAR WITH YOUR GOWN

• Dark dress shoes and dark clothing are recommended with
  academic attire and look good in the photos.
• Wrinkles in your gown? Try a steam iron or hang the gown
  in a steamy bathroom.

CAP & TASSEL

• The mortarboard cap should be worn horizontally (not tipped in any direction), with the point of the cap in the middle of the forehead.
• Until formal conferral, the tassel is worn on the right side of the cap.
• Masters degree candidates wear tassels on the left side at all times.

HONOR CORDS

• Only baccalaureate degree candidates graduating cum laude, magna
  cum laude or summa cum laude should wear gold cords.
• Honor society members (baccalaureate only) may wear as many
  as two silver cords.
• Honors are not assessed at the graduate level, therefore NO
  graduate students wear honor cords.
• Honor cords may be purchased at the University Bookstore.

MASTER'S HOODS

• Masters and Specialist in Education degree candidates must
  bring their hoods for the formal hooding ceremony.
• Masters and Specialist in Education degree candidates can find more information on the Special Instructions page.

LOSE SOMETHING?

• Don't panic. We have a box of tassels, caps, etc. at the information table.

LINING UP

• Enter the "Graduates Only" door to Zorn Arena and get your reader
  card from the marshals.
• Once you have gotten your reader card, do not leave the line-up area.
• Stop at the Information Table to talk to the reader if your name is
  hard to pronounce.
• Find your college and use the number on your reader card to find
  your place in the procession.
• Once in line, please stay there (yes, it's a pain, but please be patient).
• The procession begins to move about 15 minutes before the ceremony.
• In the arena, remain standing until the marshal directs you to sit.

DURING THE CEREMONY

• Candidates should turn and face the platform party as they enter.
• Sit after the National Anthem.
• After the "Charge to the Class," the chancellor will confer degrees;
  follow directions.
• Grasp your tassel with your left hand and transfer it to the left
  side of your cap.
• Follow directions for standing and sitting; watch your marshal for signals.
• Hand your card to the reader just before ascending the platform.

 

For further information, contact
Jennifer Brockpahler, Commencement Coordinator
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Davies Center 133
Eau Claire, WI 54702
(715) 836-4833
Email: brockpjl@uwec.edu

Congratulations! Have a wonderful day!