Commencement 2012
The date and time for commencement 2012 is Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. Commencement will be located in the Doden Field House.
Seating
Doors to the Doden Field House will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 5. Because of the nature of the seating in the facility, there are no reserved seats. Tickets are required to enter the Doden Field House. Individuals sitting together will not be seated until the entire group has arrived. All ticket holders must be seated by 9:45 a.m.
Seating for Young Children
All children over the age of one must have a ticket. An auxiliary room served by video will be designated for young children. No nursery supervision will be provided, however.
Seating for Disabled Individuals
Since the facility is at ground level and no stairs are involved, individuals with physical needs can utilize the chairs provided or take advantage of the designated location. You may let us know this information when you reserve your tickets. Due to the location of this area, those that get cold easily may want to bring a sweater or jacket.
Announcements
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Please visit jostens.com to order personalized graduation announcements. Non-personalized announcements can be purchased at the Bookstore.
Convocations
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Engineering and Computer Science Convocation
Sponsored by the Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering and Computer Science, this ceremony honors the graduating engineering and computer science majors. Open to the public, this convocation will occur from 1–3 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012, in the Stevens Student Center DeVries Theatre. The ceremony will be followed by a reception and public exposition of the seniors' capstone projects in the lobby outside the theatre.
Biblical and Ministry Studies Convocation
Sponsored by the department of biblical and ministry studies, this ceremony recognizes the graduating biblical and ministry studies majors. Open to the public, this event will occur from 2–3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012, in the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies, room 104. The ceremony will be followed by a reception in the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies lobby.
Music and Worship Convocation
Sponsored by the department of music and worship, this ceremony recognizes the graduating music and worship majors. Open to the public, this event will occur from 2–3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012, in the Recital Hall of the Dixon Ministry Center. The ceremony will be followed by a reception in the Dixon Ministry Center, room 149.
Social Work Convocation
This ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of the graduating social work majors. Open to the public, this event will occur on Friday, May 4, 2012, from 3–5 p.m., with a reception following (location to be announced).
Nursing Convocation
Sponsored by the department of nursing, this convocation recognizes the graduating nursing majors. Open to the public, this event will occur from 3:30–5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012, in the Jeremiah Chapel of the Dixon Ministry Center. DVDs of this event will be available for purchase.
ROTC Commissioning
Commissioning ceremonies culminate the completion of military training and effect entry into the US Military Officer Corps. The graduates are sworn in as second lieutenants and become members of their respective military services. A reception immediately follows each service.
This year there will be ceremonies for the Air Force and Army. All will take place on Friday, May 4, 2012.
All ceremonies are open to the public.
Dates and Times
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| Date (2012) |
Event |
Time |
| Thursday, October 20 |
Graduation Application Deadline! |
(See office of the registrar) |
| Tuesday, April 10 |
Senior Party |
7 p.m. in Alumni Hall in the Dixon Ministry Center |
| Sunday, April 15 |
Senior Reception |
Sunday afternoon at the Browns' Home (See below for more details.) |
| Wednesday, April 25 |
Senior Chapel |
10 a.m. in the Jeremiah Chapel of the Dixon Ministry Center |
| Thursday, May 3 |
Commencement Rehearsal |
4–6 p.m. in the Doden Field House |
| Friday, May 4 |
Engineering and Computer Science Convocation |
1 p.m. in the Stevens Student Center DeVries Theatre |
| Friday, May 4 |
Biblical and Ministry Studies Convocation |
2 p.m. in the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies room 104 |
| Friday, May 4 |
Music and Worship Convocation |
2 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Dixon Ministry Center |
| Friday, May 4 |
Social Work Convocation |
3–5 p.m., location TBA |
| Friday, May 4 |
Nursing Convocation |
3:30 p.m. in the Jeremiah Chapel of the Dixon Ministry Center |
| Friday, May 4 |
Air Force ROTC Commissioning |
5 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Dixon Ministry Center |
| Friday, May 4 |
Army ROTC Commissioning |
7 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Dixon Ministry Center |
| Friday, May 4 |
Senior Celebration |
8:30 p.m. in the Jeremiah Chapel of the Dixon Ministry Center |
| Saturday, May 5 |
Commencement |
10 a.m. in the Doden Field House. Parking Information |
Senior Party
Far more than just a social event, this party on Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall in the Dixon Ministry Center is designed to provide you with what you need to participate in Commencement 2012. At the party, you will obtain your graduation tickets, regalia, and honor cords. You MUST present photo identification in order to obtain them. In addition, you can sign up for the senior reception at the Browns' home and visit the alumni area, and enjoy food fun with your fellow graduating seniors! Direct questions about the senior party to Cindy Davis at 937-766-7620 or send her an e-mail.
Senior Reception
President and Mrs. Brown cordially invite you and your classmates to a reception at their home on Sunday, April 15. You'll enjoy good food, share memories with your senior friends, and visit with the Browns. In order to accommodate everyone in your class, the two-hour reception has been divided into four, 30-minute segments. You will have the option to attend at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., or 3:30 p.m. Be sure to meet with your fellow graduating seniors before the senior party to decide which of the four times you would like to attend. Vans will be shuttling from the SSC upper level entrance starting at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 15. Please do not drive your personal vehicles since parking is so limited. Please note that this is a "seniors only" event. You must have a ticket to attend, and business casual/dressy casual is appropriate dress. To request your tickets, please use the online ticket request form. All online ticket requests must be received by Friday, April 6, at 5 p.m.
Senior Chapel
You will enjoy reminiscing and reflecting on your Cedarville experience during this special chapel presented to the University family on Wednesday, April 25. See your class officers for details.
Senior Celebration Program
Dr. Brown will present a final challenge to seniors at this special program to honor families and celebrate the class of 2012. No tickets required. Program begins at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, in the Jeremiah Chapel of the Dixon Ministry Center. DVDs of this event will be available.
Diploma
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Multiple Degrees and Multiple Majors
Degrees, not majors, are listed on your diploma. If you earn two degrees, you will receive two diplomas. However, if you earn two majors, you will receive one diploma.
Distribution
After grades are submitted, the office of the registrar will review your academic file to ensure that you have met the graduation requirements. If you owe the University any money, you will not receive your diploma. Please check with the cashiers office if you have any questions about your account.
Framing
The Bookstore provides two attractive options to display and protect your diploma. Both feature distinctive cherry molding, deluxe marble matting with a gold foil inner mat, gold silkscreen lettering, and the University logo. You can purchase the 12-inch by 14-inch frame for $42.95 or the 14-inch by 22-inch frame, featuring a print of Founders Hall, for $62.95. In April, an order form will be sent to each graduating senior's home. At that time, you may mail in the order form, or contact the Bookstore to place your order. By ordering ahead of time, you can pick up your frame when you graduate on May 5!
Information
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Academic Information
Graduation Application
The deadline for submitting your completed application for graduation was Thursday, October 20, 2011. If you have not already done so, turn your application into the office of the registrar located in Stevens Student Center, room 132.
Completing Degree Requirements
If you have changed your anticipated course schedule for spring semester that was listed on your graduation application, please contact Karisa Linafelter in the office of the registrar. You are ultimately responsible to make sure that you have completed the degree requirements. Your application will be reviewed again early in spring semester by the office of the registrar. You will be contacted if problems arise.
GPA
Contrary to the opinion of some, all of the grades you earn during your senior year at Cedarville count toward the final grade point average, which appears on your transcript. Study diligently until the end!
Grade Changes
If you anticipate any changes in grades earned in specific courses, take the time to review your transcript to ensure that those changes actually occurred. Taking care of it now is much easier than addressing it from a distance!
Graduation With Honors
Grade point averages to determine who will be recognized for "graduation with honors" at commencement are calculated on credits earned through fall semester. Grade point averages for "honor," "high honor," and "highest honor" are 3.50, 3.75, and 3.90, respectively. One, two, or three gold cords are distributed for graduating with "honor," "high honor," and "highest honor." Plan to pick up your honor cords at the senior party or see the office of the registrar between 8:30–5 p.m., on or after Wednesday, April 11.
NOTE: Actual "graduation with honors" as reported on the final transcript includes grades from all subsequent terms required to complete degree requirements.
Multiple Majors
At commencement you will be seated and recognized by academic department and degree. If you earn degrees or majors in two different departments, you must indicate the degree/major for which you wish to be recognized in commencement. Please contact the office of the registrar or send an e-mail with this information.
Early Commencement
Early commencement involves participating in commencement prior to completing your graduation requirements. To gain approval for this privilege, consult your University catalog and contact the office of the registrar. Note that participation in commencement does not signify the earning of a degree. Your degree will be conferred upon the completion of your degree requirements. Upon receiving and reviewing your grades and/or transcripts, the office of the registrar will send your diploma or notify you of any difficulties. Please make sure that the University has on file the address to which your diploma should be sent.
Commencement Information
Commencement Rehearsal
Rehearsal for commencement will take place in the Doden Field House on Thursday, May 3, 2012, from 4–6 p.m. Plan to be present!
Commencement
Commencement will take place at 10 a.m. in the Doden Field House on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Report to the Stranahan Gymnasium by 9 a.m. to line up for the processional. You should be dressed in your regalia at that time. The service will conclude at approximately 12 p.m.
Commencement Dress
Ladies: Sunday dress (dark if dress or slacks go below gown), hose, dark dress shoes (either flat or low heel, no sandals or flip-flops)
Men: Shirt and tie, dress slacks (dark), socks, dark dress shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)
Commencement - Not Participating
If you do not plan to participate in commencement, please contact the office of the registrar or send an e-mail so that they can plan accordingly. If for some reason you have to cancel your participation after indicating your intentions to participate, please contact them as well.
Commencement Parking
Area Accommodations
Multimedia
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Photographs
Parents and family members are permitted to leave their seats to photograph you as you shake hands with Dr. Brown and walk across the platform to receive your diploma. Professional photographs of this event may be purchased through GradImages. A photographer from GradImages will be at commencement to take a candid photograph of you at your special moment of recognition. You will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo on an order card in the week following the ceremony. After commencement, you may order online at gradimages.com or call 1-800-261-2576.
Registering with GradImages provides them with the information they need to deliver your graduation proofs to you in a timely manner. Giving them an accurate mailing address and e-mail address will allow them to get your proofs to you on the first try. You may also provide them with e-mail addresses of up to six friends and family members to allow them to celebrate in the accomplishment.
DVDs
DVDs of Senior Celebration, Nursing Convocation, and Commencement will be available. Prices range between $12 and $15 each and do not include shipping cost and tax. Call 937-766-7905 to place an order. Discover, Visa, and MasterCard orders can be accepted by phone. Also, you can place your order online at mediastore.cedarville.edu.
Regalia
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Ordering
You will order your regalia at jostens.com. Details will be sent to seniors by e-mail. The cut off date to order is February 27, 2012. Your height, weight, major, and degree are required to order your regalia.
Distribution
Pick up your commencement regalia at the senior party, on April 10, 2012. If you are unable to attend the senior party, please pick up your regalia in the Bookstore after April 10, 2012, during normal hours. You will need to show that you have your graduation tickets and present your student ID. The regalia will be yours to use for commencement and to keep! If you have any questions, please contact Ann DeLange in the Bookstore.
University Rings
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Many seniors celebrate graduation by purchasing a Cedarville University ring. Designed specifically for the University by Jostens, the ring features a blue stone and is available in either yellow or white gold. To see samples, stop by the Bookstore.
Jostens representatives will be on campus several times throughout the school year to answer your questions and take orders. Students will be notified by e-mail with specific dates and campus locations.
Tickets
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Each graduate is eligible to receive eight tickets for commencement.
Seniors must complete the Graduating Senior Information Form in order to receive their tickets. You may request an additional four tickets if needed to accommodate your immediate family.
All tickets are for general seating (in chairs or bleachers) in the Doden Field House. Remember, tickets are free of charge and the selling of tickets is considered inappropriate activity and may result in disciplinary action.
To request your tickets, please use the online ticket request form. You do not need a ticket for yourself. All online ticket requests must be received by Friday, March 30, 2012, at 5 p.m.
Distribution
Plan to pick up your tickets for Commencement 2012 at the senior party, on April 10, 2012. You MUST present photo identification to obtain your tickets. If you cannot attend this event, please stop by the office of the registrar between 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., on or after Wednesday, April 11. Please bring photo identification with you. Keep in mind that tickets have been reserved in your name. They will not be redistributed unless we receive verification that you are not attending commencement. Tickets cannot be mailed.
Transcripts
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Content
The appropriate degree information will be posted to your transcript after final grades are submitted and the office of the registrar has verified that all of your degree requirements and other obligations to the University have been satisfied. In addition to the courses you took and grades you earned in each, your transcript includes the date your degree was earned, major(s), minors you have earned including the honors program, the total number of credits earned, and your final cumulative GPA.
Complimentary Transcript
A complimentary copy of your final transcript will be mailed to you at your home address after your degree has been posted. If you anticipate a change of address following graduation, please make sure to update your address information in CedarInfo as soon as possible.
Requesting Additional Transcripts
Additional copies of your transcript may be requested electronically or by letter, fax, or in person. To obtain a copy of your transcript for an employer, a graduate school, or for yourself, visit the office of the registrar website or stop into the office and complete the process to request an official copy of your transcript. Please allow three to five business days for regular transcript processing. A fee of $10 per transcript is applicable and payable at the time of the request. Additional fees apply if expedited processing and/or delivery service is requested.
Do you have a general question about graduation or commencement? Send an e-mail or call the Office of the Registrar at 937-766-7620. They will help you or direct you to the right place!