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 2008 Commencement ceremony, students must have fulfilled all requirements by the time of the ceremony or be scheduled to do so by September 2008. Students scheduled for February 2009 graduation who wish to attend the May 2008 ceremony must file a “Petition to Participate in an Earlier Commencement” form, available as of March 31 at the Registrar’s Office (207 Whitmore).

Commonwealth College Honors Graduation Eligibility

Commonwealth College seniors are urged to meet with a Commonwealth College adviser well before Commencement to confirm that they are fulfilling all requirements for graduating with honors. At the Commonwealth College Honors Convocation on Saturday, May 24 (9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Mullins Center), the Dean will present each graduating Commonwealth College senior with a gold cord to be worn that afternoon at Commencement. Shuttle buses will transport graduates and guests between locations.

Commencement Program Listings

Because of publication deadlines, the names of students added to the graduation list after April 23 and the names of those who petition to participate in an earlier commencement will not appear 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 the close of business on April 9. Those who fail to do so will not be listed.

Caps and Gowns

Caps, gowns, and tassels (previously paid by student 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 5 and 23. 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 10:30 a.m. at the graduate assembly area in Yellow Lot 11, north of the stadium.)

Mementos

See Keepsakes for information on ordering personalized graduation announcements, class rings, and Commencement DVDs.

Hometown Press Releases

Each summer the News Office sends press releases about in-state graduates to daily and weekly hometown newspapers in Massachusetts. Due to the large number of graduates involved, names are usually published in lists. Out-of-state graduates wishing to have press releases sent to their hometown newspapers must complete a form available from the News Office (umass.edu/newsoffice, (413) 545-0444).

The Senior Campaign

The Senior Campaign is a campus tradition dating back to 1917 offering graduating seniors the first chance to show appreciation for their UMass Amherst experience and begin their personal tradition of philanthropy.

This past fall, members of the Class of 2008 voted to create a scholarship as their Senior Class Gift. As a need and merit based scholarship, the Class of 2008 Scholarship fund will continue the legacy and commitment of the UMass Amherst community by providing essential support to current and future students.

The goal for the 2008 Senior Campaign is $30,000. Help your Senior Campaign be one of the most successful in UMass Amherst history by contributing in one of three easy ways:

1. Visit the Senior Campaign website.
2. Stop by the basement of Memorial Hall and make a gift.
3. Mail a check to the Senior Class Gift, 134 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003.

For more information about the Senior Campaign, contact Sarah Weisner, Senior Campaign Coordinator, at 545-1466 or sweisner@admin.umass.edu.

UMass Amherst Alumni Association

The UMass Amherst Alumni Association congratulates the members of the Class of 2008 on their impending graduation and urges them to explore all that the Alumni Association offers as they begin the next phase of their lives.

The UMass Amherst Alumni Association serves and supports UMass Amherst alumni and strengthens the lifelong bonds between the university and its graduates. Its website, UMassAlumni.com, keeps alumni throughout the world connected with one another through its vibrant online community and provides news and information on upcoming events, reunions, programs, and volunteer opportunities. When you join the Alumni Association, you’ll be able to use the online Alumni Directory to network with alumni by industry, region, or degree. You’ll also be able to update your personal profile to stay in touch with friends and classmates.

Through more than 35 regional Alumni Clubs across the U.S. and abroad, alumni can participate in local social, educational, cultural and athletic programs, to form and renew friendships with other alums. Alumni are also encouraged to return to campus to celebrate such events as Homecoming and athletic pre-game receptions before cheering on the Minutemen and Minutewomen.

The Alumni Career Services program provides an interactive alumni forum on career development and management. In addition to online resources, alumni can attend targeted programs and workshops held around the country at any point in their careers.

A first-year membership to the Alumni Association—a $40 value—is available to members of the Class of 2008 for only $20. New graduates are urged to take part in all that the UMass Amherst Alumni Association has to offer: advanced online search capabilities in the Alumni Directory, exclusive members-only discounts and privileges, and access to valuable programs and services which pay for the cost of membership many times over.

Get on the fast track—join the Alumni Association now! Go to UMassAlumni.com or call (800) 456-UMASS for more information.

Questions about Commencement? Contact us

This page is maintained by University Advancement Communications.

© 2008 University of Massachusetts Amherst • Amherst, MA 01003