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 Undergraduate
Commencement 2000
all information subject to change
For your convenience, we plan to make this information
available for download to a Palm Connected Organizer (a Palm III or
later or any Windows CE equivalent is required). More information will
follow.
Congratulations seniors, your families, and friends.
The following information will assist you and your guests to prepare
for Commencement. Further details will be provided to seniors in May
when caps and gowns are picked up.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Information for Bachelor’s Degree Candidates
The Commencement ceremony for Bachelor's degree candidates will be held
rain or shine on Sunday, May 21, 10:30 a.m.-12 Noon, at
McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the University campus. The Processional of
Degree Candidates will begin at approximately 10:10 a.m.
Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number
of guests who may be invited! In the event of heavy rain, the ceremony
will still take place outside but the program will be shortened, for
a total running time of approximately one hour. See "Guest Seating".
The speaker and honorary degree recipients will be announced in late
April.
INFORMATION FOR SENIORS
Eligibility
A student's year of graduation
is established by the Registrar's Office. To be eligible to participate
in the May 2000 Commencement ceremony, students must have graduated
in February 2000 or be scheduled May 2000 or September 2000. Students
scheduled for February 2001 graduation who wish to attend the May 2000
ceremony must file a "Petition to Participate in an Earlier Commencement"
between May 1 and May 19. This form is available at the Registrar's
Office, 207 Whitmore. See also "Program Listings." Students
requesting this cannot have their name in the Program listing. It will
appear with their official graduating class.
Questions about
a student's status, degree requirements, and/or graduation credits should
immediately be directed to the Registrar's Office "Senior Staff"
at 207 Whitmore (413-545-0555).
Program Listings
Because of publication deadlines, additions to the graduation list made
after April 7 will not be included in the Program book. Confirmation
is available at the Registrar 's Office.
If a student has a "full" Privacy Request on file but choose to be
listed in the Commencement Program book, the student must notify the
Dean of Students Office not later than the close of business on March
20, 2000, that you wish to have the "privacy" removed. Otherwise, your
name will not be listed.
Caps and Gowns, Tassels, Announcements
Caps, gowns, tassels, and a packet of four Commencement announcements
for your guests, all of which have been prepaid by your "Graduating
Fee", should be picked up at the Textbook Annex between May 1 and 19,
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Early May pick-up is strongly
advised. Please bring your ID card so that your eligibility can
be confirmed. On Commencement day, caps and gowns may also be obtained
at the Stadium, after 8:30 a.m.
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed after grades have been received, recorded, and
processed by the Registrar's Office and the diplomas have been engrossed,
which is usually by mid-July. Inquiries should be addressed to the Registrar's
Office at 207 Whitmore (413-545-6296). A current mailing address
must be on file with the Registrar's Office.
Yearbook
"Index" orders may be placed no later than April 26. The cost is $50.
To order, please send a check or money order payable to "Walsworth
Publishing Company" with the student's name, permanent mailing
address, year of graduation, and a daytime telephone number to: Walsworth
Publishing Company, 306 North Kansas Ave., Marceline, MO 64658. Your
copy will be mailed in October or November. For additional information,
please call (413) 545-0848.
Where to Assemble on Commencement Day
There is no pre-Commencement rehearsal for students. When caps
and gowns are picked up, students will also receive a handout about
the Commencement Ceremony. It is very important that you read it in
detail. It not only updates this brochure but provides information about
Stadium entry points, assembly areas, gate assignments, seating locations,
and related matters. This information will also be in one of the last
issues of the Collegian.
Students should arrive at the Stadium, carrying your cap and
gown, not later than 9:30 a.m. Students should report to the assembly
area for their school or college. Posted signs will indicate where to
go. At the appropriate time, "Commencement Marshals" will
line up students for the procession and escort them onto the field.
Commencement Ball
On Friday, May 19, the Commencement Ball offers graduating seniors the
opportunity to celebrate their final days at the University in a familiar,
yet formal setting. The Student Union will be transformed into a formal
hall, where guests will enjoy an evening of music and dancing, gourmet
foods, refreshments, and rides in a horse-drawn carriage around campus.
Social hour begins at 7:00 p.m. and music and dancing from 8:00 p.m.
to midnight. Advance ticket purchase ticket is required. The cost is
$30 per ticket. To order tickets, please call the Alumni Office at 5-2317.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND OTHER GUESTS
Guest seating
Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests.
Guest seating is unreserved. The Stadium is uncovered and seats
approximately 17,000. Depending on weather conditions, protection from
the sun or rain is suggested.
Lodging
Many area motels, hotels, and B & B's are already booked for Commencement
weekend. To accommodate those who cannot obtain reservations in other
facilities, or who wish alternate space, rooms will be available in
selected residence halls for parents and other guests of the University
on Saturday, May 20.
Applications and further information may be obtained from University
Conference Services, 918 Campus Center, (413) 545-2591. Students must
come to the UCS office to pick up an application. Applications will
not be mailed. Space will be guaranteed if the form is returned with
full payment by April 28.
The cost will be $52 for a double occupancy room and $42 for a single.
A linen packet will be provided consisting of two sheets, one towel,
pillow, pillowcase, and blanket.
Residence halls are not air conditioned. There are no private bathrooms,
and pets are not allowed.
Food Services
The Campus Center Coffee Shop will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, muffins, and pastries
will be available at the stadium prior to Commencement. Film, one-time-use
cameras, UMass logo hats, banners, and sweatshirts will also be available
for purchase.
Following Commencement, there will be a Food Court adjacent
to the Stadium. Grinders, grilled quarter pound burgers, hot franks,
salad wraps, fruit cups, and vegetarian burgers.as well as gourmet desserts,
coffee, and other beverages may be purchased.
This popular event will offer graduates and their guests a chance to
celebrate graduation while waiting out the traffic! Further information
will be in the Collegian in the Spring or call Food Services at (413)
545-2472 or check this Web site: http://www.aux.umass.edu/diningservices/.
In addition, the University Club on campus will be serving from 12 Noon
to 4 p.m. (MasterCard and VISA accepted). Please call (413) 545-2551
to make reservations as soon as possible but no later than May 17. Reservations
elsewhere in the community should also be made as soon as possible.
Travel Routes
Traffic into the greater Amherst area may be heavy as early as 9:00
a.m. on the day of the ceremony. Delays may be encountered, so please
plan accordingly.
CONSTRUCTION WARNING: Beginning in the spring
of 2000, there will be construction on the Coolidge Bridge, between
Northampton and Hadley, MA, off exit 19 of I-91, on route 9. You may
wish to plan other routes to campus.
To Campus from the South
Via I-91 North, Exit 19 in Northampton. From the exit ramp, turn right
onto Route 9 and go approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North (left
turn at the lights) 1 mile to UMass Exit
Via I-91 North, Exit 24 in Deerfield. (Do not take exits
between 19 and 24!) At the stop sign at the top of the ramp turn right/north
onto Routes U.S. 5/10/116, and immediately turn right again at the traffic
lights onto Route 116 South. Continue 8 miles to the UMass exit
To Campus from the North
Via I-91 South, Exit 25 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp turn left
and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 &
10 South. Go 1 mile, then turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow for
8 miles to the UMass Exit.
Via I-93 South. Follow to I-495 South. Follow to Route
2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles
to blinking light at "Route 9 and 116 Amherst" exit (Pelham).
Turn right and follow for 7 miles to Amherst center. Follow signs to
UMass.
To Campus via I-90 East or West
Exit 8 (Palmer/Ware) Follow Route 32 South to Palmer,
take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route
9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.
Exit 7 (Ludlow) Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North
to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass
Exit 5 (Chicopee) Follow Route 33 North to Route 116
North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light into Route 9 West. Follow
signs to UMass.
Exit 4 (W. Springfield) I-91 North to exit 19 to Route
9 East to Amherst (see I-91 North above).
Parking and Shuttle Services
Upon arrival, University police and security officers will direct vehicles
to designated parking lots. Free shuttle buses (with frequent departures)
will run from these lots to and from the Stadium. Please note parking
lot numbers!
Public Facilities
Public telephones, restrooms, and first aid services will be available
at the Stadium.
Commencement Videotape
The full Commencement ceremony will be videotaped. The video will also
include scenic views of the campus and area. To order copies, please
send a check for $30 with your name and summer mailing address to: UVC-TV
19, 216 Student Union, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-7310.
The videos will be mailed in 6-8 weeks following Commencement. For additional
information, please call (413) 545-1283. The University's Union Video
Center is producing these VHS videotapes on a non-profit basis.
Disability Services
Sign language or oral interpreters are available upon
request. Call no later than April 28 (413) 545-0892 V/TTY.
Wheelchair seating is located on the west side of the
Stadium, accessible via the ramp at the southwest corner. Individuals
with documented disabilities who need handicapped-accessible parking
spaces adjacent to the Stadium must call (413) 545-0892 for an application.
Completed applications must be submitted no later than April 14. A limited
amount of space is available.
Lift-equipped van and shuttle bus information and/or
reservations for service from campus parking lots to the Stadium can
be requested by calling (413) 545-2086 V/TTY.
The Office of Disability Services will make every effort to accommodate
those with disability needs. For information please call (413) 545-0892
V/TTY or write c/o 231 Whitmore Administration Building.
SUMMARY
Undergraduate Commencement
Sunday, May 21:
9-9:30 a.m. Degree candidates arrive at the Stadium
9:30 a.m. Degree candidates assemble by school/college at designated
gates, robe, and receive processional instructions from marshals
10:10 a.m. Procession of Degree Candidates
10:30 a.m. Ceremony begins
Noon Ceremony concludes
Related events
Friday, May 19
7 p.m., Commencement Ball (413-545-2317), Student Union Ballroom. See
details above.
Saturday, May 20:
10:30 a.m., Graduate School Commencement (413-545-5271), Mullins
Center
2 p.m. Stockbridge School Commencement (413-545-2222), Stockbridge
Hall
2:30 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa Installation (413-545-5522), Campus
Center Auditorium
3 p.m. School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony (413-545-1329), Fine
Arts Center
5 p.m. AFROTC/ROTC Joint Commissioning Ceremony (413-545-2437)
7 p.m. Isenberg School Graduation Ceremony, Location:
UMass Fine Arts Center
Tickets are required and will be available Monday,
April 3, 2000, in Isenberg SOM Room 211. Each senior may pick up 3 tickets.
A waiting list will be established to obtain unclaimed tickets, available
May 1, 2000. The ceremony will supplement but not replace the University
Commencement. More information: call 413-545-5580.
Visitors Center
Prior to Commencement, the Robsham Memorial Center for Visitors serves
as a source for information concerning Undergraduate Commencement. This
facility will not be open on Commencement weekend (413-545-0306).
For additional information:
Commencement Coordinator (413) 545-4200
Academic status/eligibility (413) 545-0555
Caps and gowns (413) 545-3570
Diplomas (413) 545-0555
Disability Services (413) 545-0892
Food Services (413) 545-2472
Lodging (on campus) (413) 545-3400
Visitor's Center (413) 545-0306
Other (Switchboard) (413) 545-0111
World Wide Web
http://www.umass.edu/commencement
ALCOHOL
UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS PROHIBIT
THE USE OF ALCOHOL AT THE STADIUM.
THIS POLICY WILL BE ENFORCED AND
COOPERATION IS APPRECIATED.
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