Hampton University
Division
of
Continuing
Studies
2011
COMMENCEMENT
HANDBOOK
Best Wishes
Graduates!
The Hampton University Office of the Registrar provides
information to graduating seniors in the 2011 Undergraduate
Commencement Communiqué. If you have not read this document,
please go to www.hamptonu.edu and click on departments and
offices. From there, go to the Registrar’s link and click on
Graduation. The Division of Continuing Studies Commencement
Handbook serves as an additional resource to provide information
that is specific to graduation candidates of the Division of
Continuing Studies. Please make sure that you read both documents
thoroughly.
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There are five important events associated with commencement
at Hampton University and the Division of Continuing Studies (DCS). Event
#1 is Commencement Rehearsal, Event #2
is the Dean’s Reception and Open House, Event #3 is the taking of the
commemorative photograph of the graduating class, Event #4.
the main Commencement Ceremony and Event #5 is the Diploma
Awarding Ceremony.
EVENT #1: COMMENCEMENT
REHEARSAL
What:
Commencement Rehearsal
for all Hampton University
and Division of Continuing
Studies degree candidates.
Graduating seniors are required
to attend rehearsal.
.
SPECIAL NOTE:
DCS Graduates must pick up the
following items on Friday, May 6,
2011 after graduation rehearsal.
 *Clearance cards
 Admission tickets
 Banquet tickets
 Honors Cords
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PICK UP
THE ABOVE ITEMS FROM THE
MAIN CAMPUS!!!
*Candidates are encouraged to
regularly check their student
accounts to ensure that there
are no remaining balances
Clearance cards will not be issued
to students with account balances.
When:
Friday, May 6, 2011 at 7:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon (approximate). Arrange
to meet at the Division of Continuing Studies no later than
7:30 a.m. to obtain parking pass. We will assemble in the Hampton
Harbors parking lot and then walk together across the street to the
Student Center to rehearse for the Diploma Awarding Ceremony.
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Where:
Student Center (Ballroom) – Diploma Awarding Ceremony Rehearsal
Armstrong Hall Lawn – En Masse Rehearsal
Immediately following the College rehearsal, proceed to Armstrong
Lawn to line up for the University rehearsal.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather.
Please do not bring small children.
Bring:
Commencement caps and hoods for practice of hooding ceremony. Do
not bring your commencement gown. Eat a good breakfast before you
arrive. It is suggested that you bring a bottle of water to stay
hydrated. This will be an important day for you.
Parking:
All Graduating Seniors must obtain a parking pass from the Division of
Continuing Studies to park in the Hampton Harbor parking lot for
rehearsal on Friday, May 6, 2011. (Remember that vehicle towing is
enforced at the Hampton Harbor vicinity.) The parking pass is free.
Note:
Photographs may not be taken in front of the stage area at the en
masse ceremony. However, photographs can be taken during the
Diploma Awarding Ceremony at a designated area to the left of the
stage.
Exit Survey
ID Cards:
You must have a valid, updated
Exit Survey as part of the final
University identification card (ID
clearance process. Surveys will
card) with you when you pick up your
be administered after
clearance card from the Division of
Commencement rehearsal.
Continuing Studies. Don’t wait until
the last minute to update your ID
card. Candidates for graduation not
currently enrolled in the Spring 2011
semester may present a valid driver’s license as an acceptable form of
identification.
Note:
ALL GRADUATING SENIORS MUST ATTEND THE MAIN
CEREMONY AT ARMSTRONG STADIUM ON SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2011
IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE DIPLOMA AWARDING CEREMONY AT
THE STUDENT CENTER (BALLROOM). STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO
All graduates must complete an
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ATTEND THE MAIN CEREMONY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE DIPLOMA AWARDING CEREMONY.
Provisional: Provisional students are those who have 6 or fewer credits left to
complete before graduation. Students must apply for provisional
status. Provisional students are not eligible to have their names
called, nor are they eligible to be present on stage to receive their
diplomas at the Diploma Awarding Ceremony. (See the 2011 Hampton
University Commencement Communiqué for additional details.)
EVENT #2 DEAN’S RECEPTION
SAVE THE DATE
Dr. Cassandra Herring, Dean
and the Faculty and Staff
of
The College of Education and Continuing Studies
Cordially invite you to attend a
Dean’s Reception
Saturday, May 7, 2011
3:00 – 5:00 pm
at
Phenix Hall Lawn
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EVENT #3 COLLEGE COMMEMORATIVE PHOTOGRAPH
What:
The Graduating Class of 2011 will gather to take a photograph on
Commencement morning.
When:
Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 8:15 a.m. on the steps of Phenix Hall.
EVENT #4 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
What:
Commencement ceremony for all degree candidates. This is referred
to as the en masse ceremony because all Hampton University students
participate.
When;
Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Armstrong Stadium. The
stadium is where the ceremony will take place; however, before the
ceremony, seniors must be lined up. You will proceed directly to
Armstrong Hall Lawn immediately after taking the Commemorative
Photograph to be placed in line. You will be lined up in alphabetical
order according to degrees. Division of Continuing Studies faculty and
staff will assist you. Stay with your group and stay in line until it is
time for the ceremony. When it is time, all degree candidates will
proceed to Armstrong Stadium. Once there, you will be directed to
your seat. (Remember all graduating students must have their
Financial/Clearance and Student Identification card for admittance
to the stadium.)
Plan to arrive early as on-campus parking will be limited and traffic
will be hectic. Good parking location: Hampton Harbors parking lot.
Where:
Graduating seniors proceed to Armstrong Hall Lawn and look for the
College’s sign. Begin to line up according to majors. (See Processional
Line up on page 13)
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Attire:
Wear your academic regalia (your commencement gown) and your
commencement cap with tassel to the right. Wind your tassel securely
around the button on top of your cap so that you don’t lose it at the
last minute. Your hood should be folded and carried over your arm.
Wear conservative (and weather-appropriate) attire beneath your
commencement gown. Gentlemen should wear dark dress slacks and a
dress shirt and tie. Ladies should wear a dark dress or skirt and
blouse. No slacks for ladies. Black or dark colored dress shoes are
appropriate for both ladies and gentlemen.
Commencement is a special time for graduates and their families as
well. Please dress appropriately for this memorable occasion. Do not
decorate your academic regalia with messages, pins, corsages, large
necklaces, etc. (Note: Ceremonial Occasions enforces the
commencement day dress code; students who do not observe the
dress code will be removed from the procession.)
Note:
Only University Honors may be worn to the En Masse Ceremony.
(Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, and Honors).
Designations for other honors and honors organizations may be
worn during the College Diploma Awarding Ceremony at which
diplomas are issued.
Caps:
Commencement caps are worn the tips (corners) in a horizontal
position (not tilted). Tassels should be on the right side of the cap.
Hoods:
Bring your academic hood with you but do not place it over your
shoulders yet. Your hoods will be placed on your shoulders by a fellow
graduating senior during a special pause during the en masse
ceremony. This procedure is referred to as the Hooding Ceremony and
will take place only at the main ceremony. Hoods should be neatly
folded and carried on your right arm with the border touching the
base of your thumb.
Decorum:
Hampton University’s Commencement Exercises are conducted with a
level of dignity that is appropriate for the occasion. Appropriate
decorum is expected of all students and guests participating in the
graduation ceremony. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited during the
processional and ceremonies. Please refrain from making cat calls and
other attention drawing tactics that disrupt the ceremony.
In case of inclement weather:
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Weather:
 The en masse ceremony will take place in the nearby
Convocation Center (see map). Guest seating is on a first- come,
first-served basis to those with admission tickets.
 Seniors should assemble with their school deans and wait for
further instructions.
 The location of the Diploma Awarding Ceremony will remain
unchanged (Student Center Ballroom) in the event of inclement
weather.
Note:
Commencement Day weather is usually clear, breezy and warm.
EVENT #5 DIPLOMA AWARDING CEREMOMY
What:
Diploma Awarding Ceremony for the College of Education and
Continuing Studies graduating seniors. No admission tickets are
needed. Graduating seniors must participate in the University En
Masse Ceremony in order to participate in the Diploma Awarding
Ceremony. This ceremony is the last event on Commencement Day.
When:
Sunday, May 8, 2011 immediately following the En Masse
Commencement Ceremony.
Where:
Student Center Ballroom rooms A, B, and C across the street from
Armstrong Stadium. This is where the Diploma Awarding Ceremony
rehearsal was held.
Note:
At this ceremony, graduating seniors will have their names and
degrees announced before gathered guests, families, friends, faculty
and staff of the College of Education and Continuing Studies.
It is important that graduating seniors proceed to the Diploma
Awarding Ceremony site (Student Center Ballroom) quickly in order to
be lined up again for the procession into the main ballroom. Advisors
will line students up in the hallway of the Student Center. Once lined
up, you will be directed to proceed to the ceremony. Ushers will
direct you to your seats in front of the stage area.
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Advisors:
Academic advisors will be seated to your right. Once the ceremony
has begun, each academic advisor will proceed to the stage where
he/she will recognize graduates by academic degrees. You must
present your Academic/Financial Clearance card to receive your
diploma upon proceeding across the stage. Your name will be called
and you will proceed to the stage to receive your diploma and be
recognized.
Diplomas:
When you walk across the stage you will be handed your diploma by
the Dean. You may pause briefly for a photograph at this time.
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Alma Mater
O Hampton, a thought sent from Heaven above,
To be a great soul's inspiration;
We sing thee the earnest of broad human love,
The shrine of our heart's adoration.
Thy foundations firm and thy rooftrees outspread,
And thy sacred altar-fires burning,
The sea circling 'round thee, soft skies overhead,
Dear Hampton, the goal of our yearning!
Refrain
O Hampton, we never can make thee a song
Except as our lives do the singing,
In service that will thy great spirit prolong,
And send it through centuries ringing!
Kind mother, we'll treasure the dear happy days
We've spent here in life's preparation,
Yet go with brave hearts upon our chosen ways,
Of service to God and our nation.
Still wearing thy colors, the blue and the white,
HONOR CORD
IDENTIFICATIONS
As pledge
that our fond hearts will cherish
A love which for thee ever shines true and bright,
A loyalty that ne'er can perish!
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
GOLD
Words by: Sarah
Fernandis, 1882
3.8Collins
and above
Music by: Chauncey Northern, 1924
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
BLUE
3.69– 3.799
COLORS OF THE ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Colors are used to represent the various academic disciplines. Some of the colors you
may see on Sunday’s Commencement Ceremony are:
Color
White
Academic Discipline
Arts & Sciences
Scarlet
Theology
Dark Blue
Philosophy
Yellow
Science
Brown
Fine Arts
Pink
Music
Light Brown
Business
Lemon Yellow
Library Science
Light Blue
Education
Peacock Blue
International Affairs
Silver
General Studies
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Diploma Awarding Site Diagram & Instructions
1. Seniors will be lined up by Division of Continuing Studies advisors in
the hallway outside the main ballroom. You will be lined up in
alphabetical order according to degrees. Once you have been placed
in line by an advisor, do not move from your place. The procession
into the ballroom for the Diploma Awarding Ceremony will begin
shortly. Remember that your friends and family will have already
been seated inside the ballroom. Walk into the ballroom at a dignified
pace.
2. Seniors will follow their academic advisors who in turn will follow the
Dean of the College of Education and Continuing Studies.
3. An usher will direct seniors to their seats in front of the stage area.
Remain standing at your seat until all of the graduating class has filed
in. You will be directed when to sit down.
4. Advisors will call the names of their graduating seniors. Seniors will
then proceed to the stage and walk across to receive their degrees.
Walk up to and across the stage at a dignified pace and pause so
that family members and friends can take your picture shaking hands
with the Dean. Remember that your families have waited a long time
to see you walk across this stage. When you have been handed your
diploma, proceed off the left side of the stage and return to your seat.
An usher will direct you. You may sit down.
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College of Education and Continuing Studies
Processional Line Up By Degree Program
Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Associate of Arts in Aviation Maintenance Technology
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
Followed by
Concentration in Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Systems Management
Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Followed by
Concentration in Aviation Maintenance Technology
Concentration in Information Systems Management
Concentration in Hotel & Restaurant Management
Bachelor of Science in Systems Organization and Management
Followed by
Concentration in Human Resources Management
Note: Please line up alphabetically in your respective program.
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COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND CONTINUING STUDIES
DIAGRAM FOR DIPLOMA AWARDING CEREMONY FOR BALLROOMS A, B, & C


4x4
Table
Podium
Walking Area
Stairs
Stage
Stairs
GRADUATES
GUESTS
GUESTS
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Sincere Best Wishes
to the
Class of 2011
from the
Faculty and Staff of
The Division of Continuing Studies!
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