 "Photo: File photo")
Graduation marks a major milestone for students, but due to minimal communication from the university about commencement procedures, some graduates are puzzled about how to prepare and what to expect at the ceremony.
John Brennan, director of the Office of Communications and Marketing, said commencement information is generated from the office of the vice president and university secretary.
"They do a mailing that goes to students and parents and we are working on a link to go on the university homepage that will take people to the commencement website," Brennan said. "We're trying to get that kind of thing a little more up front."
Gwen Davis, assistant to the vice president and university secretary, stated in an e-mail message that the main outlet for information is the official commencement Web site
"Commencement brochures can also be picked up at the bookstore in the Perkins Student Center and the Student Services Building," Davis said. "There is a link to the entire brochure on the Web site as well."
The brochure has details like the commencement's date and time, information about the smaller departmental convocations that follow and instructions about how to purchase senior portraits.
In addition, some seniors, like Julie Calabrese, were contacted by the university's call center.
"I got the call two weeks ago from a senior and he gave me a rundown on when graduation robes are coming out and when commencement is," Calabrese said.
However, not all graduating seniors received information from the call center.
"My roommates and other friends didn't get a phone call," she said. "And he asked if I wanted to donate for a senior gift, so I felt like he was calling more to get money than to fill me in on graduation."
Information from the call center and the commencement Web site did not suffice for some students, like senior Julie Wigley.
"I'm graduating from two different majors and I don't know if I have to call the English department since I'm not going to that departmental convocation," Wigley said. "The guy at the call center said someone would contact me but no one has."
Even after gathering information on her own, Calabrese still had uncertainties.
"I got an e-mail saying that my degree is incomplete and I can't graduate, which is incorrect because my transcript is done and my major was completed as of the fall semester," she said. "I talked to my adviser but I haven't heard any confirmation that everything got sorted out for graduation and I'm shocked and appalled that they waited until May, three weeks before graduation, to contact me."
Many seniors believe the university should have done more to prepare them for the big day.
Senior Chelsea Gussaroff said using e-mail would have been a more effective method of communication.
"I think the school should send an e-mail saying 'You're Graduating!' with your specific time and what you have to do, almost like a confirmation e-mail," Gussaroff said.
There is an element of cohesiveness commencement plans seem to lack, Wigley said.
"Senior pictures, rings, and announcements are all done by independent companies and I think if it was through the university then information would be more readily available," she said. "Also, they should have a giant sign outside of Trabant to get us excited about it. It's graduation!"
Calabrese said she has had to take more initiative in finding graduation information at the university than she had to in high school, where information was clearly provided to all students.
"It's funny because you think back to high school when you had graduation practice in the auditorium and they go over the procedure," she said. "Even though they don't do that here, I still feel ready for the ceremony part at least."
Elizabeth Perse, chair of the communication department, said even if the students have anxiety they should relax and have faith in the university.
"They shouldn't be worried because the university has the commencement down to an art," Perse said. "We've got it organized so that they don't need to worry, but the big thing they have to do is make sure they have their academic gowns and any various awards they'll be wearing."
Brennan offered additional words of wisdom.
"I've been to several commencements and there's sort of an extra charge in the air because everyone is so happy," he said. "I would say be prepared to celebrate that day, arrive early because traffic congestion can be bad, and bring your sun block."
Graduation Do's and Don'ts
Seating is on a first come-first serve basis, so graduates and their families should arrive by 8 a.m.
If graduates want to sit next to their friends, they should stand in front or behind the person, not to the side of them.
Graduates should arrive no later than 8 a.m. and immediately go to their assigned areas. Procession into the stadium will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
The event is rain or shine. If it does rain, however, attendees cannot bring umbrellas into the venue because it blocks the view of other people.
Caps are to be worn squarely on top of the head, not tilted.
What not to bring: Alcoholic beverages Other distracting and unsafe objects such as balloons, umbrellas and inflatable items Cell phones should be turned off - compiled by Danielle Leahey
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