Commencement

Senior Checkout

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Distribution of Commencement Regalia

Cap, Gown, and Ticket Distribution

(Cap & Gown orders are placed well in advance, if you are not sure you provided information to order a cap and gown please contact Alice Busan as soon as possible)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009.

Traditional Undergraduates: 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm in Wikholm Student Lounge

Grads/School of Adult Learning: 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm in Wikholm Student Lounge

You may wear your cap, gown, and hood for a time after the ceremonies for pictures and the general adulation of family and friends, but your attire is numbered and will be checked for return.  You will be charged a $210 fee if your gown and hood are not returned that day. You may be required to show proof of return receipt after the ceremony if we do not have record of the return.  Academic attire (gown and hood) must be returned to Wikholm Student Lounge in the basement of Carlson Tower.

You will be able to keep your tassels, honor cords, and caps. You will also want to hold onto your diploma folder.

Commencement Rehearsal

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Traditional Undergraduates: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm North Park University Gym

Grads/School of Adult Learning: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm North Park University Gym

Fall 2009 University Commencement Ceremony

ALL students are required to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Traditional Undergraduates: 7:30 pm at the North Park University Gym  

Grads/School of Adult Learning: 7:30 pm at the North Park University Gym

Graduation Status

When ALL grades, exams, practicum results, and any pending administrative issues are completed, a student will be officially graduated and will receive an email stating they have completed their requirements and are now considered graduated.  Any pending issues will cause delay or even may require the graduation date to be moved forward.  Please keep in mind that this process can take several weeks to finalize as final grades and results need to be submitted.  Transcripts will not reflect the completed program immediately after graduation. 

A student will be charged a $125 graduation fee in the semester you graduate regardless if you are participating in commencement or not. If your graduation plans change you MUST contact Alice Busan NO LATER than 6 weeks prior to graduation in order to have the fee reversed.

Tickets

Fall Commencement-Undergraduate 

Each graduate will receive five (5) tickets for the Ceremony during the commencement rehearsal. We expect a capacity audience for this event. Doors to the Gymnasium and Viking Café will open for ticket holders at 6:30 pm. Please notice that tickets will be honored only until 7:15 pm. At 7:15 pm, the ushers will admit persons who do not have tickets, space permitting.

A limited amount of seating will be available in Viking Café after 7:15 pm. for viewing the ceremonies on live video. This option may be advisable for persons with small children (we expect the ceremony to last 2 hours), or persons (such as the elderly) who might find climbing the bleachers difficult.

Participating in Commencement

ALL students are required to participate in commencement, however; to be eligible to participate, all courses must be completed and degree requirements must be met.  Students completing degree requirements in August have the option to participate in the December ceremony or the following May ceremony.  Students completing degree requirements in December have the option to participate in the December ceremony or the following May ceremony. 

If you do not plan on participating in the ceremony and you are a traditional undergraduate, you will be required to submit a written petition to the Dean of the University.  All SAL/Graduate students should petition their school if they are unable to participate.

Petitioning to Walk in Commencement

You can not participate in an earlier commencement than you are completing your requirements without prior approval.

You would need to write a letter to the Dean of the School requesting approval to walk in a term different than the term you are graduating (contact Alice Busan for more information).  The last day to submit a petition to walk request for December 2009 is October 31st. 

Remembering Commencement

DVD of Commencement Convocation

A DVD of the entire Commencement Convocation may be purchased from the North Park Media Services Department.  Please contact Media Services, (773) 244-5577.

Class Rings and Insignia merchandise

If desired, you may purchase personalized announcements, diploma frames, or a class ring from Jostens.