Wayland Baptist University
Graduation Instructions for Phoenix
Graduation Location: First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch
10250 N. 59th Ave
Glendale, Arizona 85302
(See map below)
Graduates must arrive at the graduation location by 6:00 p.m. Men must wear black shoes, dark
trousers, and a light shirt. Women should wear appropriate attire (semi-formal dress and
shoes). Please press graduation robe with a damp towel and bring it with you to change in to.
Prior to the processional, Honor Cords will be distributed to those receiving the award. Graduates
will line-up in alphabetical order, by Degree. Those graduates receiving their Masters Degree will
be first, followed by those receiving their Bachelors, then those receiving their Associates. When
robed, the tassels for those individuals receiving an Associates or Bachelors degree, should be on
the RIGHT SIDE of the cap.
The processional will be led into the chapel at 7:00 p.m. by Plainview honored guests, the Phoenix
Campus Dean, the Grand Marshall (see program), and Faculty members, followed then by the
graduates.
A distance of three (3) steps should be maintained while in the processional, until reaching the
seating area. There will be Reserved seating for graduates and faculty.
Graduates are to remain standing until all graduates are in place; then they will be asked to be
seated. Men will remove their caps during scripture reading and prayer, and then replace them for
the address and presentation of degrees.
Following the Graduation Address, all graduates will be asked to stand. It will be announced that
the Board of Trustees and faculty have approved the following students to receive the appropriate
degree; each having satisfactorily completed all requirements. All rows other than the first row
will then be seated. The first row will file out as directed to await the calling of their name.
Subsequent rows will stand and file out as directed.
As the names are called, graduates will come forward across the stage to receive their diploma.
Greet the faculty and receive your diploma with the left hand, shaking hands with your right hand
(photo opportunity). Return to your seat and be seated. Those graduates receiving their Master’s
Degree will be “hooded” as they receive their diploma.
Once all graduates have returned to their seats, all graduates will be asked to stand for the
conferring of the degrees. Following this, those receiving their Bachelors degree will be instructed
to move their tassels from the right side to the left, signifying completion of the degree. Remain
standing; men remove your caps for the benediction.
Graduates will file out of the chapel through the same door they entered, in the same alphabetical
order they entered.
It is hoped that all graduates and their guests will stay for the reception. Snacks will be provided.
The cap and gown are the property of the graduate, and theirs to keep.
First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch
10250 North 59th Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85302