SATURDAY, MAY 7 | SUNDAY, MAY 8
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CONTENTS
5
Important Dates
7
Preparing for Commencement
11
Spring Commencement Weekend
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Eligibility to Participate
Graduation Fair
Caps and Gowns
IMPORTANT
Commencement Tickets
Graduation Announcements
Senior Barbecues at the President’s House
Career Services
Graduation Census
Friday, May 6
Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8
Things to Know
Commencement Weekend
Photography
Commencement Ceremony Videos
Flowers for Graduates
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities
Getting to AU
IMPORTANT
Parking
Alcohol and Smoking Policies
16
Campus Map
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For More Information
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IMPORTANT DATES
FALL
SEMESTER
MARCH 11
MID-MARCH
MARCH 23
MARCH 23–24
MARCH 31
APRIL
Deadline to submit doctoral regalia orders to
Registrar’s Office
Regalia rental forms available to eligible
students at american.edu/commencement
Job and Internship Fair
Graduation Fair
Deadline to submit graduation application
via myAU.american.edu
Senior barbecues at the President’s House
APRIL 8
Deadline to rent regalia
MAY 4—7
Regalia distributed in Campus Store
MAY 6
10:30 a.m.
Students completing degree requirements in
spring 2016 submit graduation applications at
myAU.american.edu
Phi Beta Kappa Induction
2:00 p.m.
Honors Recognition Ceremony
5:30 p.m.
University Student Awards Reception
7:00 p.m.
Baccalaureate Service
8:00 p.m.
Toast to Graduates
MAY 7
9:00 a.m.
School of Communication Commencement
2:00 p.m.
Kogod School of Business Commencement
7:00 p.m.
School of International Service Commencement
MAY 8
10:00 a.m.
School of Public Affairs Commencement
3:00 p.m.
College of Arts and Sciences Commencement
7:00 p.m.
Deadline to return regalia to Campus Store
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PREPARING FOR COMMENCEMENT
Eligibility to Participate
Eligible May 2016 degree candidates are invited to participate in
the spring commencement ceremonies. The graduation application
for students completing their degree requirements in May 2016
is due by March 31; it is available at myAU.american.edu.
Late applications may result in omission of the student’s name
from the commencement program and other printed materials
and will delay rental of commencement regalia.
The graduation application triggers a review of the student’s academic
records by the academic advisor to determine whether degree
requirements can be completed at the end of the specified term.
All qualified students are eligible to participate in commencement.
Students who will not have completed degree requirements must
reapply for graduation and participate in a later commencement.
The university strictly enforces the policy for participation in
commencement. Students are responsible for maintaining an
appropriate course load and completing degree requirements in
time to be eligible for their targeted graduation.
A degree is awarded only after a student has satisfied all degree
requirements; the degree is subject to final certification by the
university registrar. Diplomas are mailed within five weeks after
certification of degree requirements.
Graduation Fair
AU’s Campus Store will host the Graduation Fair on Wednesday,
March 23, and Thursday, March 24 (University Club, Mary
Graydon Center, first floor; noon–6 p.m.). Students can get
information regarding commencement, speak with a Herff Jones
representative about regalia, announcements, and class rings—
and enter a drawing for a grand prize valued at $500. (The first
25 students to enter each day will receive a gift.)
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Caps and Gowns
Students participating in commencement must wear customized
academic regalia in AU’s distinctive red, white, and blue colors.
nEach student must rent a cap and gown (and hood, if receiving
a graduate degree) appropriate for their degree. Rental of
regalia serves as registration for commencement. Eligible
students must complete a rental form, available in mid-March
at american.edu/commencement.
nRegalia should be rented no later than Friday, April 8; exact fit
cannot be guaranteed for late orders.
nCaps and gowns will be distributed in the Campus Store
during regular business hours Wednesday, May 4–Saturday,
May 7.
n
All regalia must be returned to the Campus Store by 7 p.m.
on Sunday, May 8.
nDoctoral students may purchase regalia. Contact the Registrar’s
Office (degree clearance team) at record_services@american.edu
or call 202-885-2252 before Friday, March 11.
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Commencement Tickets
Guest tickets are not required for the School of Communication,
Kogod School of Business, or the School of Public Affairs
ceremonies. There is, however, a limit of seven guests per student.
n Seating in Bender Arena is limited. Tickets are required for
admittance to the School of International Service ceremony
on Saturday, May 7, at 7 p.m. and the College of Arts and
Sciences ceremony on Sunday, May 8, at 3 p.m. An allotment
of six tickets will be distributed to SIS and CAS students who
have rented regalia and registered to participate in the ceremony.
(Participating graduates do not need a ticket.)
n Tickets will be distributed in AU Central, Asbury Building,
Wednesday, April 27–Tuesday, May 3 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.,
except Wednesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.).
n Tickets will be distributed in the Campus Store Wednesday,
May 4–Saturday, May 7.
n Students must pick up tickets in person; a student ID is required.
Lost tickets will not be replaced.
n
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Graduation Announcements
Students can purchase personalized announcements beginning
in late February at herffjones.com/graduation. Generic
announcements will be available in the Campus Store in late March.
Senior Barbecues at the President’s House
In April, President and Mrs. Kerwin host barbecues for graduating
seniors. Preregistration (starting in late February) is required for
these free events; invitations are emailed in March. For information,
visit american.edu/alumni.
Career Services
The Career Center and Kogod Center for Career Development offer
support for graduating students. Career advisors are available to
help students refine their job search; meet with potential employers
at recruiting events, such as the Job and Internship Fair; connect
with alumni at networking receptions; and browse job opportunities
via AU CareerWeb or Kogod CareerSource. Advisors will also
counsel students about graduate school applications or merit-based
scholarships. All alumni have lifelong access to AU’s career services.
Graduation Census
This annual census surveys students’ experiences at AU and their
plans after graduation. It provides vital information for improving
services and support for current students and alumni. The survey
also generates information useful to prospective students, their
parents, and recruiters. Outcomes and statistics from previous years
are available at american.edu/weknowsuccess.
Please complete the Graduation Census when you order your
cap and gown. Students not participating in commencement
will receive an email about the survey in early May.
Legacy Alumni Network (LAN)
The LAN recognizes AU alumni and students who are children,
grandchildren, parents, or grandparents of an alumnus or alumna.
For information, visit alumniassociation.american.edu/legacy.
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SPRING COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND
Friday, May 6
Phi Beta Kappa Induction
Invitation only
10:30 a.m. | Kay Spiritual Life Center
Reception to follow at Mary Graydon Center, first floor
Honors Recognition Ceremony
2:00–3:00 p.m. | Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church
(3401 Nebraska Avenue NW, corner of New Mexico Avenue NW )
Reception to follow at Mary Graydon Center, first floor
AU recognizes graduates of the University Honors Program.
Information will be mailed in early spring.
University Student Awards Reception
Invitation only
5:30–7:00 p.m. | Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center
Event honors recipients of the President’s Award, national
scholarships, and awards for outstanding scholarship, service,
and student achievement.
Baccalaureate Service
7:00–8:00 p.m. | Kay Spiritual Life Center
Organized by the United Methodist chaplain’s office, this ecumenical
service is open to graduates, their families and friends, and the
AU community.
Toast to Graduates
8:00–10:00 p.m. | Rotunda, Katzen Arts Center
The AU Alumni Association invites graduates and their families
and friends to an appetizer and dessert buffet and champagne
toast (with cash bar) and presentation of the 2016 senior class gift.
Invitations and ticket information will be mailed in early April.
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Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8
Commencement Ceremonies
Bender Arena (see schedule below)
American University’s 131st commencement ceremonies feature
commencement addresses, remarks by President Neil Kerwin,
recognition of university and student achievement awardees,
and conferral of degrees.
SATURDAY, MAY 7
9:00 a.m. School of Communication
2:00 p.m. Kogod School of Business
7:00 p.m. School of International Service
SUNDAY, MAY 8
10:00 a.m.School of Public Affairs
3:00 p.m.College of Arts and Sciences
School and College Receptions
Immediately following the ceremony, each school and college
will host a reception for their graduates and guests at the
following locations:
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor
KOGOD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Massachusetts Avenue lawn
Rain site: University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor
SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
Sharjah Plaza
Rain site: School of International Service
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Ward Circle Building steps
Rain site: University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor
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THINGS TO KNOW
Commencement Weekend
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The doors to Bender Arena will open for guests approximately
45 minutes prior to each ceremony. No one will be permitted
to enter before that time.
Students should plan to arrive at Bender Arena 45 minutes
prior to the start of the ceremony. There is no rehearsal for
commencement; students will receive line-up instructions via
email in late April and at the Campus Store during cap and
gown distribution May 4–7.
Participants must wear the proper AU academic regalia
(see Caps and Gowns).
The student processional will begin approximately 10 minutes
prior to the start of the ceremony. Entry to the arena will not
be permitted during the processional.
No large bags (e.g., backpacks, briefcases, duffel bags) will be
permitted inside Bender Arena.
University photographers and videographers will document the
ceremony for possible use on the AU website and in the press,
AU marketing materials, and other university publications.
The university requests that guests refrain from using air horns
or other noisemakers during the ceremony.
To avoid confusion, students should plan where to meet guests
after the ceremony.
Remote viewing will be available in the Ward Circle Building.
For family and friends unable to attend, the ceremony will be
streamed live at american.edu/commencement.
Ceremonies for the School of International Service and College
of Arts and Sciences will run approximately two and a half
hours—and the School of Communication, Kogod School of
Business, and School of Public Affairs approximately two hours.
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Photography
Parents and guests are not permitted on or near the stage during
the ceremony. A commercial photographer from GradImages will
photograph each student approaching the stage and shaking hands
with President Neil Kerwin; proofs and ordering instructions will
be mailed to students. For information, call 800-261-2576 or visit
gradimages.com.
Commencement Ceremony Videos
If you miss a commencement ceremony on May 7 or 8, you can
view archived videos at american.edu/commencement. A link
will be available on the website after the ceremony.
Flowers for Graduates
A local florist will sell flowers in front of Bender Arena during
commencement weekend. To order flowers in advance,
call Chevy Chase Florists at 301-986-0986.
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities
Commencement ceremonies are fully accessible to guests with
disabilities. Guests with valid, state-issued handicapped permits
or plates may park adjacent to the Asbury and Osborn buildings
(see campus map). Parking is limited; arrive at least 45 minutes
prior to the ceremony to secure a space.
Guests with disabilities can be dropped off at the accessible
entrance on the south side of Bender Arena, across from the
Asbury building, for ground-level access to the commencement
venue and seating. Accessible seating is limited and not reserved.
Sign language interpreters and closed captioning will be provided.
For more information, contact the Academic Support and Access
Center at 202-885-3360 or asac@american.edu.
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Getting to AU
Parking on campus will be limited during commencement
weekend. We strongly encourage our guests to use public
transportation, if possible.
The university will provide complimentary shuttle service to
and from the Metro station (take the Red Line to TenleytownAU). Shuttle buses will run every 10 minutes from the Nebraska
Avenue and south-side shuttle stops (see campus map); service
to and from the north-side shuttle stop will be suspended during
commencement weekend.
Taxi and ride-share pick-up and drop-off will be located between
the McKinley Building and Letts Hall.
Parking
Regular AU parking permits are not valid during commencement
weekend. Each graduate will be issued one complimentary
commencement parking pass during cap and gown distribution in
the Campus Store May 4–7; the pass is valid for a designated time
and parking garage (see campus map) determined by the student’s
school. You will not be able to purchase additional passes; however,
passes are transferable.
There will be limited overflow parking at 4801 Massachusetts
Avenue, with shuttle service to and from the Katzen Arts Center
operating as follows: Saturday, May 7, 7 a.m.–11 p.m.;
Sunday, May 8, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Parking for university events is prohibited on neighborhood streets
in accordance with Washington, DC, regulations and AU’s Good
Neighbor Policy.
Alcohol and Smoking Policies
No alcoholic beverages are permitted at the commencement
ceremonies. This policy will be strictly enforced.
American University is committed to the promotion of a healthy
and safe learning, living, and working environment. We are proud
to be a tobacco- and smoke-free campus.
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CAMPUS MAP
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AU shuttle stop to
Tenleytown Metro
(Red Line)
Drop-off location
for accessible
entrance
Disability parking
Guest parking with
commencement
parking pass
(SIS and Katzen
garages)
Satellite parking
information at
american.edu/
commencement
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Academic Support and Access Center
202-885-3360
Alumni Relations
202-885-5900
AU Central
202-885-2200
Campus Store
202-885-6322
Career Center
202-885-1804
College of Arts and Sciences
202-885-2439
Kogod School of Business
202-885-1982
Parking and Traffic
202-885-3111
School of Communication
202-885-2040
School of International Service
202-885-1600
School of Public Affairs
202-885-6480
Special Events
202-885-2430
For updates, please visit american.edu/commencement.
For information regarding the accreditation and state licensing of American University, please visit american.edu/academics.
An equal opportunity, affirmative action university. UP16-164
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american.edu/commencement
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016-8171