Leuallem Solomon is the assistant to the University of Minnesota Parent Program and a senior majoring in communications, with minors in French and journalism. She has developed this commencement guide that answers some commonly asked questions. She has also developed a vocabulary list for parents.

Congratulations!
Commencement recognizes the hard work and dedication that your student has achieved here at the University of Minnesota. To fully enjoy this day, the information that follows will help you as a parent to prepare your student for graduation.

Because the University is so large, it holds graduation in smaller, college specific ceremonies; this helps to better recognize your student and his or her accomplishments. Every college holds graduation ceremonies in May and June, but the Graduate school and the College of Liberal Arts hold an additional ceremony in December to accommodate the large number of graduates from these schools. More specific information about your student’s graduation ceremony that may not be listed in this guide or contact information can be found at www1.umn.edu/twincities/commencement/.

Attendance and wearing a graduation gown for commencement is voluntary, but about 80 percent of students choose to wear a cap and gown.

This is a special day for your student and for you as a parent, so preparing ahead of time will ensure that all your questions will be answered and that all the details related to graduation will be completed.

What do students have to do in order to graduate?
There is a degree application procedure that includes three basic steps:

1. Students should make an appointment with their adviser at the beginning of their senior year or earlier to receive a Graduation Balance Sheet. This sheet is an organizational tool that allows students to see what classes they still need to take in order to fulfill their liberal arts requirements, and recheck that they have enough credits to graduate.
2. They must fill out a graduation application form, available from the One Stop Student Services Center in 200 Fraser Hall, the CLA Student Information Office in 49 Johnston Hall or download the form from the One Stop Web site. The main point of this application is to formally register to graduate from the University.
3. Once students have completed and submitted the application form by the deadline, final clearance is given and information regarding commencement is sent to students. The application deadlines are different depending on when students are planning to graduate. See onestop.umn.edu/registrar/Graduating/info.html for undergraduate deadlines. If a student fails to apply by the dates listed on the Web site, they will not be able to graduate until the following term.

Note: If students are planning to attend graduate school after completing their undergraduate degree, not only do they have to do the above, but they also will need to take graduate program entrance tests by October and start applying to graduate schools.

How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony lasts approximately one and a half to two hours.

Where do students receive their caps, gowns, invitations, and announcements?
Students can receive their caps and gowns at the University Bookstore; at Gradfest, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 1, or online at www.bookstores.umn.edu. It is important to note that bachelor graduates caps and gowns have to be purchased, but gowns for master and doctoral degrees can be rented. To speed up the process and to ensure that the gown fits, students should take their measurements before going online or to the bookstore. Students should measure their height and chest size. To accurately measure height, they should record their total height from the top of the head to the floor, wearing the shoes they plan to wear during commencement. Height should be recorded in feet and inches. For the chest size, the measuring tape should be placed under the arm, keeping it above the shoulder blades for a good measurement. Men can use their jacket size for this measurement.

Lastly when renting a gown for a master or doctorate degree, it is important to remember that a $100 deposit is needed in order to receive the gown. The money is refunded when the gown is returned, which must be no later than three days after the ceremony. If it is returned later than that, the $100 deposit will be charged; if it is later than ten days, the full replacement value of the gown will be charged.

Invitations and graduation announcements can be purchased at the University Bookstore or online at www.bookstores.umn.edu. Graduation announcements from the University of Minnesota are personalized; they include your student’s name, degree, major, and ceremony information in the actual announcement text. This is nice because unlike other standard announcements these can be tailored for your student. There are many special packages that are available or announcements can be purchased individually. If you decide to order the announcements online, please allow seven to ten business days for your order.

What is an exit interview, and what does it have to do with my student’s graduation?
An exit interview is an interview that a student has to take before they graduate. It involves completing and signing a few forms. NOTE: This only has to be done if your student has received loans from any of the following seven programs listed below during their schooling at the University:

1. Ford Federal Direct Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized)
2. Health Professions Student Loan
3. Nursing Student Loan
4. Perkins/National Direct Student Loan
5. Primary Care Loan
6. Stafford Student Loan (both subsidized and unsubsidized)
7. University Trust Fund Loan

This interview is required by federal regulations and University policy to prepare students for the loan repayment period. Students will also receive information and have an opportunity to ask questions about repayment, deferment, and cancellation of loans.

To set up an interview, spring graduate students can ask at Gradfest, go to Room 20 Fraser Hall, or call 612-625-8007. Information about the Ford Federal Direct Loan interviews can be found online at www.dlservicer.ed.gov.

What is Gradfest and how does it help my student prepare for graduation?
Gradfest is the official University event for all of your student’s graduation needs, and its slogan is “ no hassle for your tassel.” This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 1, in the Great Hall of Coffman Memorial Union. At this event there are many graduation-related events and exhibits that parents and students are welcome to visit:

• Order and receive your student’s cap and gown
• Order graduation announcements
• Consider purchasing a college ring for your student
• Have your student’s commencement portrait picture taken
• Take care of financial aid and exit interviews
• Have the opportunity to join the Alumni Association
• Have your student’s resume evaluated by professionals in the workplace
• Encourage your student to talk with local recruiters
• Talk with other graduates and see more helpful exhibits

Where can I park for the Ceremony?
East Bank Parking:
For Northrop Auditorium ceremonies, graduates and guests may park in the Fourth Street Ramp (4th Street S.E. and 17th Avenue S.E.), the Washington Avenue Ramp (Washington and Harvard), or the Church Street Garage (east of Northrop Memorial Auditorium). Parking at Church Street Garage is minimal. Persons with disabilities can be dropped off at the ground-level entrance on the east side of Northrop Auditorium. The horseshoe-shaped driveway is accessible from Church Street S.E. Parking is not allowed in the driveway, but drivers with state-issued disability permits may park in designated spaces in the Church Street Garage at the posted rate.

West Bank Parking:
Graduates and guests may park in the Twenty-First Avenue Ramp (on South 4th Street between 20th and 21st Avenues) or the Nineteenth Avenue Ramp. Parking is also available in Lot 94 on 19th Avenue South and 4th Street, and Lot 86 on 19th Avenue (north of Walter F. Mondale Hall). Persons with disabilities can be dropped off at Willey Hall or Ted Mann Concert Hall. Parking is not allowed in these areas, but drivers with state-issued disability permits may park in designated spaces in the Twenty-First Avenue Ramp or Lot 86 at the posted rate, or on the south side of the Carlson School of Management.

St. Paul Parking:
Graduates and guests may park in Lot S-101 on the corner of Cleveland and Commonwealth; in the Earle Brown Center Lot S-104; and in Lot 108 on Randall and Buford(not available in summer). There is street parking on Buford Avenue at the meters in front of the St. Paul Student Center. Persons with disabilities can be dropped off at the ground-level entrance on the west side of the Student Center. Parking is not allowed in this area, but drivers with state-issued disability permits may park in designated spaces in the Gortner Avenue Ramp at the posted rate. A public parking lot is Lot S-106 (Upper Buford Circle).

* A map showing public parking areas is available from University Relations, 3 Morrill Hall, 100 Church Street S.E.; or Parking and Transportation Services, 300 Transportation and Safety Building, 511 Washington Avenue S.E., phone: 612-626-7275. Disability parking spaces are located close to the public facilities. Please check with your student's college office or University Relations for more information about disability accommodations.

Where is graduation held?
Most ceremonies are held in Northrop Memorial Auditorium but for specific information about your student’s graduation refer to the commencement Web site.

Are tickets needed to attend the graduation ceremony and if so, what is the maximum number of tickets that the families of the graduates are able to receive?
For most colleges, graduation tickets are not required but some do suggest that families RSVP so adequate seating and refreshments can be aptly adjusted. The College of Liberal Arts asks graduates to limit their guests to six.The Humphrey Institute and the College of Natural Resources do require tickets for graduation.

Is it OK to take flash photography pictures during the ceremony?
Photography is permitted as long as it doesn’t disturb the enjoyment of other friends and family watching or participating in the ceremony. In addition, most colleges have a professional photographer who takes pictures of the graduates during the ceremony, and in some cases a videographer.

Spring 2004 graduation ceremonies: www1.umn.edu/twincities/commencement/