Raleigh-Durham NC Campus
Commencement 2016
Frequently Asked Questions
(Revised 1/5/2016 )
Online Student Participation
Q)
I am an online student. Can I participate in the Raleigh ceremony?
A)
Yes—we would be happy to have you join us! Be sure to contact Online
Student Services at (877) 496 9050 to confirm you have met all graduation
requirements and to let them know you want to walk in our ceremony.
Then email our Commencement Coordinator (Arleen at
ahannich@devry.edu) to let her know you wish to participate.
Eligibility
Q)
I will still be a few credits short of completing my degree in June, but I
don’t want to wait another year to walk. Can I still participate in the
commencement ceremony on June 26, 2016?
A)
It depends! Here’s the policy:
If you are an undergraduate student, you can walk in the ceremony if you
have no more than 8 (eight) credit hours left in your program. For
example, if your program requires 124 credit hours, you may participate in
commencement if your expected completed credit hours is at least 116
credit hours.
If you are a graduate student, you can walk in the ceremony if you have
no more than 6 (six) credit hours left in your program. For example, if your
program requires 36 credit hours, you may participate in the
commencement if your expected completed credit hours is at least 30
credit hours.
Cost
Q)
Is there a fee to participate in the commencement ceremony?
A)
There is no fee to participate in the ceremony; however, participating
students must purchase appropriate regalia through Jostens.
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Purchasing a Cap and Gown through Jostens
Q)
Do I have to have a cap and gown to participate?
A)
Yes, you need to purchase the designated regalia for your school (DeVry
or Keller) and academic program from Jostens. You must have your
regalia with you when you arrive for the ceremony. There will be
no regalia available for purchase at the commencement ceremony.
DeVry graduates purchase an ASSOCIATE’S or BACHELOR’S cap,
gown, and tassel (as appropriate to your degree); Keller graduates
purchase a MASTER’S cap, hood, gown, and tassel.
Q)
A)
How much does a cap and gown cost?
Regalia is priced as follows:
Associate’s and Bachelor’s packages are $42.30 plus shipping
Master’s package (includes hood) is $72.05 plus shipping
Q)
A)
How do I order my cap and gown?
To order your cap/hood and gown, please attend GradFest on March 15th
at the campus or go to the Jostens website. To avoid express shipping
fees, be sure to order by May 18, 2016.
1. Go to the Jostens website by using one of these shortcuts:
 If you are a DeVry student, use this link:
 If you are a Keller student, use this link:
2. Click on “Graduation Caps & Gowns”
3. Click on “Student 2016 Grad”
4. Undergraduates may wish to use the “Filters” option located on the left
side of the page. The filter narrows your choices and makes ordering
easier.
5. Choose the appropriate robe/hood “package” for your graduating
class/program, and enter the requested information to customize your
regalia.
You may also call Jostens at 800-854-7464 to order your regalia.
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Q)
A)
When should I order my cap and gown?
Be sure to order before May 18, 2016. If you order after that date, you
may need to pay express shipping fees, and you may not be able to get
the correct regalia, as significant lead time is required due to custom
embroidery on our gowns. If you order your regalia early, you have plenty
of time to confirm you have been shipped everything you need in the
correct size, color, etc.
Q)
A)
I’m an undergraduate student. How is the color of my tassel determined?
When you purchase your cap and gown, you will be asked to provide the
name of your Major/Curriculum. Be sure to give the name of your Degree
Program. For instance, Business Administration, Computer Information
Systems, etc. (Do not provide the name of your concentration.)
What to Wear
Q)
What should I wear to the ceremony?
A)
Attire for the ceremony is business/professional:
Men: White shirt with tie, dark trousers, dark socks, and dark dress shoes.
Please no tennis shoes or sandals. Please note that graduation gowns are
fitted to wear with no jacket underneath.
Women: White top and dark bottom (skirt, dress, or pants.) Dark dress
shoes. (High-heeled shoes are not recommended as there are steps
to/from the stage.)
Guests
Q)
How many guests may I bring?
A)
The number of guests per student is not limited. Doors to the ceremony
room open at 1:00, and seating is first come, first served.
Q)
A)
Do my guests need tickets to enter?
No. Neither you nor your guests need a ticket to attend.
Q)
One of my guests is in a wheelchair. Is the McKimmon Center accessible
for guests in wheelchairs?
Yes, the McKimmon Center is accessible. If you wish to have a convenient
space/seat reserved for guests with limited mobility in the ceremony room,
please let the Commencement Coordinator (ahannich@devry.edu) know
in advance.
A)
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The Ceremony
Q)
How long will the ceremony last?
A)
The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
Grad Prep Room
Q)
What time do I need to be there?
A)
Grads must be in the Grad Prep Room, with all their regalia, by 12:30.
Q)
A)
Q)
A)
Can I leave my personal belongings in the Grad Prep Room during the
ceremony?
No, we advise you not to leave your personal belongings in the Grad Prep
Room during the ceremony, as the Grad Prep Room will not be secure.
We highly encourage you to leave all your valuables locked in your car
trunk or with friends and family.
My children/family/friends are driving to the McKimmon Center with me.
Can they come to the Grad Prep Room with me?
No, there is only room for Grads in the Grad Prep Room, and there is a lot
to be accomplished in there in a very short time, including lining up for the
ceremony. Please arrange for childcare as necessary. Your guests are
welcome to wait in the main waiting room which is located right outside the
main ceremony room. Guests can enter the ceremony room at 1:00.
Diploma
Q)
When/how do I get my diploma?
A)
If you have not already received your diploma, you will receive it 8-12
weeks after completing your academic requirements. If you are classified
as an online student, your diploma will be mailed to you at the address
you provided on your graduation application. If you are classified as a
Morrisville campus student, campus staff will notify you when your diploma
is ready. You may then opt to pick it up or have it mailed to you.
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Honors
Q)
How will I get my honor cords?
A)
When all Grads have gathered in the Grad Prep Room, honor cords-academic and military--will be provided to eligible students.
Q)
A)
Who is eligible to receive academic honor cords from DeVry University
and Keller Graduate School of Management?
Academic honor cords will be distributed on the day of commencement
based on the following CGPA requirements.
Associate’s Degree
 Honors: 3.50 and higher
Bachelor’s Degree
 Cum Laude: 3.50-3.69
 Magna Cum Laude: 3.70-3.89
 Summa Cum Laude: 3.90-4.00
Master’s Degree
 3.70 and higher receives distinction
Honor cords will be distributed on commencement day based on your
cumulative grade average effective as of the conclusion of the March 2016
session (April 24, 2016). This date will also determine the honors
indication on the commencement program. The honors connotation on
your diploma, however, will be based on your final cumulative grade point
average.
Q)
A)
I belong to an honor society. Can I wear my honor cords?
Yes, feel free to wear the honor cords you have been given by the honor
society.
Parking
Q)
Is there adequate parking available? Is there a charge for parking?
A)
There is ample parking. Parking is free!
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