Graduating in 2008?
If you will be participating in Commencement, please check the walk list AFTER March 24 to verify your name.

We want to make sure Commencement is a special occasion for you and your family. Here are the steps you will need to take to graduate:

Verify that you are eligible to graduate by filling out the necessary forms with the recorder in your school/division. Do this as soon as possible. Your recorder will then forward your name and necessary information to the Alumni Office. This is the official list that's printed in the Commencement program and in the newspaper, whether or not you are participating ("walking") in the ceremonies. 

Purchase your cap and gown at the Bookstore. Mark your name off on the sheet at the check-out counter. That indicates to us that you are "walking" (participating in Commencement exercises). 

Honor cords:  Graduates who are members of the nearly 60 nationally recognized honor societies listed here may also wear their societies’ honors cords or medallions during Commencement.

Check the "walk list" beginning March 24 to make sure your name is included. Please remember we update the list once a week (on Monday). Your name should be on the list  the week after you purchase your cap and gown. Call the alumni office at 520-4381 if your name is not on the list and you purchased your cap and gown during the prior week.

CAP & GOWNS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, CLASS RINGS

Cap & Gowns purchase at IU South Bend Bookstore.
Associates/Bachelor's:  $38.00 (includes cap, gown and tassel)
Master's:  $74 (includes gown and hood)
Extra tassels:  $5.98

Bookstore hours: 8-6 Mon.-Thurs.; 8-1 Fri.

Announcements: Also available at the bookstore.

Bookstore website: www.iusb.bncollege.com

INSTRUCTIONS FOR "WALKERS":

Graduates and Faculty: assemble in the Field House at 5:15 p.m. Graduates enter Gate 3. 

Families and Friends: (unlimited guests; no tickets required) enter Gate 10.
It is important to enter the correct gates. This is for security reasons - and because it is very easy to get lost in the JACC.

What to expect: There is no rehearsal for Commencement; just show up on May 6 ON TIME! Carry your cap and gown; do not wear it into the Field House (again, for security reasons). Until that time, hang it on a hanger to remove any wrinkles. You cannot wear anything over your cap and gown except honors cords and Honors Program medals. Please leave personal items with a friend or family member; we cannot be responsible for items left in the Field House. Staff will help you get robed, line up, be seated, and cross the stage at the appropriate time. They will give you a card with your name on it to hand to the reader on stage. Everyone's name is read, and everyone crosses the stage to be congratulated by Chancellor Reck and President McRobbie. The ceremony takes about three hours. 

Name difficult to pronounce? Professor Randy Colborn will be reading the names as you cross the stage. If you are concerned about the pronunciation of your name, call him at 520-4545 or email him at rcolborn@iusb.edu.

Photographers: Chadon Photographers will take your picture as you cross the stage. They will send you a proof and order form following Commencement. Individual portraits also available, no appt. necessary, starting at 4 p.m. in the Field House.

Diploma: You will receive a diploma cover before you walk across the stage at Commencement. Your actual diploma will be mailed to you about six weeks after your graduation.

Special needs? If you or any of your guests have a wheelchair or other special need, please let us know.

Reception: Your family and friends are invited to meet you back in the Field House following the ceremony for a cookies and punch reception. There will be ushers to direct them from their seats to the Field House and large signs on the Field House wall for each school (e.g. School of Business & Economics, School of Education, etc.). Each school will have its own cookies and punch table so you can celebrate with your fellow grads and faculty. Have your family and friends meet you near the sign for your school or at some other designated location following Commencement. 

Videos: To order a video of Commencement, e-mail pictures@chadon.com . Or, order by phone (with a credit card) by calling 800-788-1644.

Class ring: See the official IU class ring at http://www.herffjones.com  

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why is Commencement held at the Joyce Center?
It is held on the campus of Notre Dame because it's the only place in the area large enough to hold all the people who want to celebrate this event. You do not need tickets for your guests, and you can invite as many as you wish. 

Why is Commencement on a week night?
Commencement is held on a Tuesday evening because IU's president, who confers your degree, must travel across the state to conduct a series of commencements at all campuses during the week.

Other Questions? E-mail jmetzger@iusb.edu, call 520-4381, or stop by the Alumni Office, Associate Building, 2nd Floor.

Join your Alumni Association! Special "2 for $20" offer! The IU Alumni Association gives you a free one-year membership for your graduation gift. This is your way to stay connected to IU. This year, we are offering a special $20 price to extend that membership to two years, if you pay now. Plus, you will get a free IU goodies bag when you join!

We will be singing our alma mater, "Hail to Old IU" at Commencement. These words will be in your program. If you want to see the music, visit www.indiana.edu/~bands/hail.htm

Come and join in song together,
Shout with might and main;
Our beloved Alma Mater,
Sound her praise again.
Gloriana Frangipana, E'er to her be true.
She's the pride of Indiana,
Hail to Old IU!

If you are receiving a master's degree, the photo at the left illustrates how to wear your hood, with the colors proudly showing! Remember to carry your cap & gown into the Joyce Center; staff and faculty will help you robe there.