Graduation Ceremony
Arrival/Assembly for Academic Procession
Graduates must present themselves in cap and gown, with pronouncer card, promptly at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2013, at the Landers Center. Graduates only should enter the Landers Center through the West [Nissan] entrance and proceed to the lower level. College marshals will help direct graduates to the appropriate line-up areas and lead the procession into the commencement ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Seats cannot be held for graduates who arrive late. Graduates are prohibited from using mobile phones or other communication devices during the procession and ceremony.
Graduates will line-up with their pronouncer card which will be distributed at the GRAD Fair.
Etiquette
Alcoholic beverages, musical instruments, noisemakers, balloons, streamers, silly string, camera tripods, and celebratory food items are prohibited in the Landers Center and may be confiscated by the Landers Center staff. No one carrying, or under the influence of alcoholic beverages will be allowed entry to the ceremony.
Cell Phones
The use of cellular phones is disruptive to both participants and guests. Please refrain from using all phones.
Smoke Free
The Landers Center is a smoke-free environment. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
Speaker(s)
Commencement Speaker
Student Speaker
Myckelle P. Williams Is Selected as Southwest's 2012-2013 Commencement Student Speaker
Rehearsal
There will be no rehearsal for commencement. Caps, gowns, and graduation information will be distributed at the GRAD Fair.
Diplomas
Diplomas are inscribed with the College name, degree title, graduates name, date of award, and academic honor. On all diplomas with Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, the major and concentration are listed on the diploma. All diplomas with University Parallel Associate of Arts (A.A.) or University Parallel Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees will list the respective Associate of Arts or Associate of Science. Diploma covers are presented at commencement. All graduates will receive email notification indicating the dates and times for diploma pick-up.
Photographs
A photo will be taken as you receive your diploma. Mangiante Photography, will contact you directly about your proofs several weeks after the ceremony. Please include correct contact information on the pronouncer card that you pass to the announcer. If you need to contact Mangiante Photography, call 901-767-6555 or 866-690-PICS (7427).
Graduation Honors
Graduation honors for the ceremony are determined by using college level grade point average for coursework through the fall semester. Graduates who are attending the ceremony and are eligible for academic honors will be given gold tassels when they pick up their cap and gown.
Graduates who are members of Phi Theta Kappa and are interested in purchasing Phi Theta Kappa regalia must do so by contacting Phi Theta Kappa Recognitions Services. Orders may be made by telephone at 800-946-9996, or online, at Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Recognitions Online. Graduates are free to wear any of the regalia items sold. To order regalia, graduates must provide their membership number. If you are unsure of your membership number, please contact your Phi Theta Kappa or Alpha Beta Gamma advisor. If you are a member of the Honors Academy, please contact Doug Branch at 901-333-4483.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Graduates with special needs are asked to contact Sherri Scott at 901-333-4223 or 901-333-5116, in Student Disability Services (SDS) no later than April 20, 2013.
Commencement Seating for Guests with Disabilities
Guests who are hearing impaired or who arrive in their own wheelchairs may be seated in specially designated seating sections of the Landers Center. An interpreter will be present to accommodate individuals with hearing impairment. The Landers Center does not provide loaner wheelchairs.
Remember to check the graduation website for all updates.
