Eleven days and counting and the culmination of hard work, all-nighters and parking tickets finally arrives.
Graduation.
The smile that lit up the faces of graduating seniors at the start of fall 2005 may now be replaced with a frown.
The symptoms of senioritis may seem unbearable. Studying for finals and finishing final projects may be overwhelming.
Remember to turn in that late paper. Check with the professor about extra credit. Schedule an all-night cram session with the study group. When is the final?
With two days left in the semester, most soon-to-be graduates are just glad it will soon be over.
But wait. The graduation announcements haven't been ordered, final forms haven't been filled out, and when is the cap and gown fitting?
Calm down seniors. Actually, according to the commencement office, most graduates are on task and don't have much to worry about.
"Most have done what they are supposed to do," said Marion Emslie, the director of commencement. "If they haven't, they've got a problem."
Currently, 900 are expected to graduate in December's commencement, although this number can change by week's end.
With the implementation of online access to graduation information (saweb.memphis.edu/commencement) three years ago, Emslie said the process is easier and quicker. She said that prior to online access, students had to do everything manually. Now, even parents and family can access information like the date, time, location, parking and photographs.
"When people realize online access is up, they come in freaking out," said John Marquart, who works in the commencement office. Marquart is a graduating arts and sciences senior and will serve as marshal for his college at graduation.
"Students still can put in their reservation on the Web, but they must do it this week."
For fall's graduation, the ceremony is Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the FedExForum. The doors will open at 8:30 a.m., and officials suggest everyone arrive around this time to avoid problems and to get a good a seat. The ceremony is expected to last two hours and 15 minutes.
The entire experience - including parking, greeting and returning to cars - will last until about noon, Emslie said. The commencement office and Raines ask everyone stay until the end, even though many will tire before it is over. Fall graduates are likely the last group to have to endure the long ceremony.
"This is in all probability the last [ceremony] that will have the entire University graduating at the same time," Emslie said.
The extra-lengthy ceremony in Spring 2005, which graduated 1400 people, propelled the graduation committee's decision to split the process. Beginning with Spring 2006, commencement activities will be split into two ceremonies, one at 10 a.m. and the other at 3 p.m.
The Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Communication and Fine Arts, Audiology and Speech Pathology and the University College will graduate at 10 a.m. The Colleges of Business and Economics, Education, Engineering and Nursing will commence at 3 p.m.
"When you get 1,300 graduates and 15,000 in the arena it can run long," Emslie said. "Last spring's commencement ran two hours and 45 minutes which was the longest ever in my 12 years."
Emslie said one issue likely to come from a split ceremony might be having related graduates at both times. This can cause family and loved ones to spend the entire day at the event.
"Nobody's complained so far," she said. "They see the merit in (two ceremonies)."
If you are expecting to graduate in less than two weeks, here is a checklist to follow so your big day runs smoothly.
First, it is important to check with the appropriate graduation analyst to be "certified" for graduation. Your college may require an exam for graduation, so checking with the analyst will ensure all exams have been completed.
Second, contact the Bursar's Office to determine if there are any outstanding balances that can delay the release of your diploma.
Next, check to make sure your name is correctly listed on the program and with the central computer Student Identification System. Proofing the program can be done online. The spelling of your name in these places is how it will be spelled on your diploma. Name changes can be done through the Registrar's Office. The college analysts will mail out diplomas after March 1, 2006.
It is important to complete an attendance card or there will be no seat for you at commencement. Also, the commencement office requests you complete the diploma mailing card, Career & Employment Services survey and Alumni Information form. These can also be completed online.
To ensure your name is pronounced correctly, pick up your personalized "pronouncer name card" in the Commencement Office (117 University Center) Dec. 12 through 16.
Finally, caps and gowns can be picked up in Room 217, the main lobby, of The University Center on Dec. 15 and 16.
If you have neglected to order announcements, it is probably too late.
Once this checklist has been checked, all that is left is enjoying one of the most significant days in life. Guests will be able to view graduates shaking hands with Raines on the Jumbotron and pictures will be made by a professional photographer. Of course, guests are welcome to take their own and may video the ceremony.
"We pride ourselves on having a really nice ceremony, and a lot of colleges copy it," Emslie said. "College graduates are a small percentage of the population so this is clearly a passage and an exciting time. It is a time of celebration."
Some suggestions for guests the commencement office gives include bringing your own concessions (for small children and those needing a quick bite or drink), because none will be available during the ceremony. Also, they ask noise and excitement be kept to a minimum until the conclusion of the ceremony. Raines will show a short video prior to the start of activities to ensure this happens.
"The most important part of the ceremony for parents and loved ones who have invested greatly in the student is to hear their name called at graduation," Emslie said.
For more information on commencement, please call 678-5547 or visit saweb.memphis.edu/commencement.
