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 2009 Commencement ceremony, students must have fulfilled all requirements by the time of the ceremony or be scheduled to do so by September 2009. Students scheduled for February 2010 graduation who wish to attend the May 2009 ceremony must file a “Petition to Participate in an Earlier Commencement” form, available as of March 2 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 University Commencement, to confirm that they are fulfilling all requirements for graduating from Commonwealth College. At the Commonwealth College Honors Convocation "Celebration of Excellence" on Saturday, May 23 (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 University 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 24 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 10. 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 4 and 22. 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.

Graduation Announcements

UMass Amherst Print Services offers graduation announcements personalized with the graduate’s name, degree, and major presented in either standard or customized texts. Many type styles are available. For information, prices, or to order, contact Print Services, 151 Whitmore Administration Building, (413) 577-9500, or visit www.umass.edu/print.

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 at umass.edu/newsoffice or (413) 545-0444.

The Senior Campaign

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

The members of the Class of 2009 have voted to create a Class of 2009 Juice Bar and Lounge in the new recreation center. The 2009 Juice Bar and Lounge will not only provide a comfortable, dynamic space for future generations of UMass students to gather, but will also serve as a lasting symbol of the generosity of the Class of 2009 and as a reminder to students, alumni, and friends of the importance of private philanthropy in supporting UMass Amherst.

The goal for the 2009 Senior Campaign is $32,009. If you would like to support the Class of 2009 in their efforts, you can contribute in one of three ways:

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

For more about the Senior Campaign and how to get involved in it, contact Stephanie Flaherty, Senior Campaign Coordinator, at 545-1466 or stephanief@admin.umass.edu.

UMass Amherst Alumni Association

The UMass Amherst Alumni Association congratulates the members of the Class of 2009 on your impending graduation! Explore all that the Alumni Association offers, as you begin the next phase of your life.

Through UMassAlumni.com, you have access to an entire community of alumni worldwide! Search for other alumni by geographic area, professional field, degree or other affiliations. Use the Career Center, part of your online community, to search for jobs, post your resume, seek a mentor, or sign-up for individualized coaching. Stay in touch with friends by updating your personal profile or posting class notes, and visit UMassAlumni.com often, to keep abreast of events in your area, volunteer opportunities and new alumni benefits. And make sure you’ve set up your email forwarding address, so you can receive @UMASS, the free Alumni Association electronic newsletter, delivered to your email account each month. The newsletter will keep you informed of news on campus and events in your area.

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, you can attend targeted programs and workshops held around the country, throughout your career.

Through more than 35 regional Alumni Clubs across the U.S. and abroad, you can participate in social, educational, cultural and athletic programs to sustain, renew, and form friendships with other alumni. Come back to campus too, for events such as Homecoming and athletic pre-game receptions, to join other alumni cheering on our teams.

Get on the fast track today—use the tools and resources available to you, through your Alumni Association, now! Go to UMassAlumni.com to register in the alumni online community, or call 800.456.UMAS for more information.

You were. You are. UMASS.

Questions about Commencement? Contact us

This page is maintained by University Advancement Communications.

© 2009 University of Massachusetts Amherst • Amherst, MA 01003