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College of Education

Instructions for College of Education Graduation for Students

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  • Arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. for the 3:30 p.m. ceremony.
  • Guests are to assemble at the 2:30 p.m. An elevator is available for guests with accessibility needs. Wheelchairs and walkers will sit at the end opposite the stage.
  • Graduates should enter the Coliseum at the door to the right adjacent to the Jeter and Coliseum parking deck.
  • Check in with the Registration staff located in the inside the door on the right.
  • Registration staff will check graduates to ensure that all of those expected are present. Registration staff will provide each graduate with a note card which contains the name of the graduate (that he/she wants to be read at the ceremony) and an assigned number for placement order. This is the number order that names will be called on stage during the graduation ceremony, so it is very important to stay in that order. (Each graduate must keep this note card so that it can be handed to the reader who will announce the graduate as he/she takes the stage.)
  • At this time, the graduates must be appropriately robed. Graduates without regalia will NOT walk.
  • Caps will be worn in such a manner that the top is flat rather than slanted.
  • Tassels are worn on the right side.
  • Gowns should be free of any markings or other modifications. However, caps can be decorated.
  • Graduate Marshall will check the graduate list against the students that are present for the ceremony. Once graduate list is checked graduates will be lined up in numerical order for procession by the Graduate Marshall.

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  • When the check list has been completed, graduates will be led by the Graduate Marshall to the ceremonies. Students will follow the Graduate Marshall in the processional and will walk single file.
  • The graduate procession will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m.
  • Graduates will be seated in the graduate section. The Graduate Marshall will direct graduates to their seats. Graduates must stay in line and follow the Graduate Marshall
  • Once graduates arrive at their seats, they should remain standing and be seated at end of the entrance music.

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  • The Dean for the College of Education will address the graduates, guests, and faculty and staff.
  • The Graduate Marshall will walk up to the first row of seats from the speaker graduates’ and direct the graduates to the speaker’s stand.
  • Graduates must not leave the row until signaled to do so.
  • After the first row, it is important that each row not rise or file out until the Graduate Marshall signals.
  • Graduates will file out one row at a time up to the platform located to the left of the seated graduates. Graduating student should stand beside the podium and hand his/her note card to the announcer (Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs). Graduates must remain there until called to their position next to the Dean.
  • Each graduate, upon hearing his/her name called, will walk across the stage and receive a diploma cover with the left hand and shake hands with the Dean and Department Head with the right hand. Actual diplomas will be mailed to graduates.
  • After receiving a diploma, graduates will depart the stage and proceed to the photo session area.
  • After completing having their photo taken, graduates should return to their designated sea, and immediately sit down.

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  • After the platform party and faculty have filed off the platform, the Graduate Marshall will approach the first row and signal graduates to file out. Each row will follow the preceding row.
  • Graduates must follow the Graduate Marshall and not jump out of line to exit another area.
  • Graduates must keep moving so that other students are cleared out. After all students have filed out, graduates and guest are invited to attend the reception. The reception will be located on the first floor of the Grand Hall.
  • Remember, this is your day. You have earned it and have fun! We hope that you and your guests will enjoy your graduation ceremony and we wish you every success in the future. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the graduation committee chair(s) at cedgraduation@ncsu.edu.

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  • Please ask your guests to be on time.
  • Guests should keep large bags in their cars. Diaper bags are the exception.
  • Balloons are not allowed inside or outside the premises. Flowers are recommended in lieu of balloons.
  • Please do not carry anything with you to the ceremony. A program will be placed in each chair.
  • It is suggested that all students whose names appear on the graduation list attend the college graduation ceremony. However, this is not mandatory.

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[toggle title=”FAQ”]Are tickets required?
There are no special passes, tickets, or parking permits being issued for graduation.
How many guests can I bring?
We recommend that graduates bring up to 10 guests so that all graduates have the opportunity to bring their guests.
Will photos be available?
Yes, Photo Specialties will be taking formal shots at a designated location after the graduate exits the stage. Additionally, the College of Education’s Marketing and Communications team will be taking candid shots throughout the event. These will be available by the day after commencement.
Does the College of Education have its own graduation?
Yes, the College of Education hosts its own graduation. The Spring 2020 graduation will held on May 8 beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Reynolds Coliseum.
How long will the college’s graduation ceremony last?
We estimate the graduation ceremony will last about one-hour-and-a-half, meaning it will end at about 5 p.m. It will be followed by a 30-45 minute reception.
When is the University graduation held?
The Spring 2020 university graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9.
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Any additional questions concerning the ceremony should be directed to cedgraduation@ncsu.edu.