NOTE: This web page is archived for the Class of 2005. To see the Commencement site for this year's class, click here.

Information for Seniors

What Seniors Need to Know…

…in the Weeks Before Commencement

GRADUATION ELIGIBILITY
A student's year of graduation is established by the Registrar's Office. To be eligible to participate in the May 2005 Commencement ceremony, students must have fulfilled all requirements by the time of the ceremony or or be scheduled to do so by September 2005.

Students scheduled for February 2006 graduation who wish to attend the May 2005 ceremony must file a "Petition to Participate in an Earlier Commencement" form, available as of May 2 at the Registrar's Office (207 Whitmore).

HONORS GRADUATION ELIGIBILITY
Commonwealth College seniors are strongly advised to meet with a College adviser well before Commencement to confirm that they are fulfilling all requirements for graduating with honors.

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM LISTINGS
Because of publication deadlines, the names of students added to the graduation list after April 1 and the names of those who petitioned to participate in an earlier commencement will not be printed in the Commencement program.

Students who have a full-privacy request on file but wish to have their names printed in the Commencement program must so notify the Dean of Students Office no later than close of business on March 28. Those who fail to do so will not be listed.

CAPS AND GOWNS
Caps, gowns, and tassels (all paid for by the student's Graduating Fees) and an accompanying packet of four commencement announcements may be picked up at the Textbook Annex, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., between May 2 and 20. Students are strongly advised to pick them up as soon as possible. A student ID card is required to confirm eligibility. (On Commencement Day, caps and gowns may be obtained after 8:30 a.m. at the graduate assembly area in Yellow Lot 11, north of the Stadium.)

Commonwealth College graduates will need their caps and gowns by Saturday, May 7, in order to attend the Celebration of Excellence. The Dean will present each student attending the celebration with a gold cord to be worn at Commencement. Graduates who cannot attend the celebration may pick up their cords at the Commonwealth College office (504 Goodell) as of May 9. They must arrive in person and bring a photo ID.

…in the Days Before Commencement

FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE CEREMONY
There is no pre-Commencement rehearsal for students. While picking up their caps and gowns, students will receive a handout containing important information about the assembly area, gate assignments, seating locations, and related matters. This information will also be published in one of the semester's last issues of the Collegian and on this website.

…on Commencement Day

ASSEMBLING FOR THE CEREMONY
Students should arrive at Yellow Lot 11, north of the Stadium, carrying their caps and gowns, no later than 9 a.m. They should follow the posted signs to the designated area for their school or college. Commencement marshals will line up students for the procession and escort them onto the field. Students who have not yet obtained caps and gowns may do so in Yellow Lot 11 after 8:30 a.m.

NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED
University regulations prohibit the possession or use of alcohol at the stadium. This policy will be enforced. Your cooperation is appreciated.

CEREMONY TIMETABLE
The following schedule will be strictly adhered to:

9 - 9:15 a.m.
Degree candidates arrive at Yellow Lot 11

9:15 - 9:40 a.m.
Degree candidates assemble by school or college, don their robes, and receive processional instructions from marshals

9:40 - 10 a.m.
Taking of photos of individual graduates

10 a.m.
Ceremony begins

Noon
Ceremony concludes
Chancellor's reception for graduates and guests, Reception Tent at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Chancellor Lombardi will greet graduates and pose for family photos. Punch and cookies will be served. Call 577-1101 for more information.

OTHER EVENTS: Full listing here.

COMMENCEMENT PHOTOGRAPHS
As the procession of degree candidates gets underway, graduates will be photographed in their regalia. Proofs of these photographs will be mailed to graduates along with order forms and information for those wishing to purchase prints.

…after Commencement Day

DIPLOMAS
To ensure the delivery of diplomas, every graduate's permanent mailing address must be on file with the Registrar's Office. Diplomas are usually mailed by the end of summer. Questions regarding diplomas should be addressed to the Registrar's Office (207 Whitmore), (413) 545-0555.

HOMETOWN PRESS RELEASES
UMass Amherst automatically sends graduation announcements to the press for in-state graduates. Announcements are sent during the summer to daily and weekly hometown newspapers in Massachusetts. Due to the large number of in-state graduates, names usually appear in a list published by the newspaper.

Out-of-state graduates must complete a hometown press release form, available by contacting the News Office at (413) 545-0444, or online. Once the completed form is returned, an announcement will be sent to the press outlets designated.