Spring Semester 2008
Two commencement ceremonies for undergraduates were held Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the National Hockey Center
10 a.m. College of Business, College of Education, Bachelor of Elective Studies/Associate Degrees
2.p.m. College of Fine Arts & Humanities, College of Science & Engineering, College of Social Sciences
Undergraduate Students: register for the commencement ceremony here
FUTURE Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies:
| Fall 2008 | Saturday, December 20, 2008 | Halenbeck Hall | |
| Spring 2009 | Sunday, May 10, 2009 | National Hockey Center |
| Fall 2009 | Sunday, December 20, 2009 | Halenbeck Hall | |
| Spring 2010 | Saturday, May 8, 2010 | National Hockey Center | |
Contact the School of Graduate Studies for information about the graduate school commencement and hooding ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony Questions and Answers
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript, which is held in the Office of Records and Registration. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated. If you have questions about your official graduation, contact the Office of Records and Registration, 118 Administrative Services Building, 320-308-2111, www.stcloudstate.edu/registrar.
When and where are undergraduate commencement ceremonies held?
Fall semester commencement ceremonies for undergraduates are normally held at the Halenbeck Hall Gymnasium. Spring semester commencement ceremonies for undergraduates are normally held at the National Hockey Center.
Students graduating during Summer term are invited to participate in a commencement ceremony in the preceding spring semester or following fall semester. Please contact the Office of Records and Registration for the appropriate form.
In addition to the ceremony, are there events planned for undergraduate degree candidates and their families?
Receptions hosted by the college deans in Atwood Center. Fall semester commencement will have college receptions before the one ceremony. Spring semester commencement will have college receptions in between the two ceremonies.
How do we get specific details about the commencement ceremony and events?
Commencement ceremony registration information will be sent approximately eight weeks prior to commencement to the HuskyNet email addresses of those who have submitted an Application for Graduation form for this semester to the Office of Records and Registration. Then, approximately one month before the ceremony, specific details about the ceremony will be sent to HuskyNet e-mail addresses of those who have registered to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Do I have to inform anyone that I plan to participate in the undergraduate commencement ceremony?
Candidates for graduation must register to participate in the commencement ceremony to receive follow-up information with detailed instructions about participating in the commencement ceremony. Your commencement ceremony registration enables us to plan for the event. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.
Graduates are responsible for informing their family and friends. Formal announcements can be purchased through the Husky Bookstore.
Are guest tickets required for the undergraduate commencement ceremony?
Tickets are not required for guests to attend the fall semester undergraduate ceremony.
Tickets will no longer be required for guests to attend the spring semester undergraduate ceremony. There will be two spring semester commencement ceremonies on the same day (divided by colleges).
How long does the commencement ceremony last?
The program usually runs about one and one-half hours. All graduates are expected to remain seated with their college classmates for the entire program.
How do I get a cap and gown for the ceremony?
Caps and gowns will be available for purchase at the Husky Bookstore several weeks before commencement. Graduates who are in overseas programs, student teaching or interning out of town can contact the Husky Bookstore at (320-308-1489) to place a credit card/mail order, or can pick up items at the Husky Bookstore on commencement day.
Caps and gowns may be purchased or provided from sources other than the Husky Bookstore. Caps and gowns are to be all black.
Graduating with honors?
If a graduate meets the requirements stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin, those honors will be indicated in the printed commencement program and read along with the graduate's name during the ceremony. Since commencement is held before the receipt of final grades, the honor status at the conclusion of the previous semester is used for the program. The Husky Bookstore will receive a list of honor graduates enabling them to purchase an honor cord to wear with their cap and gown.
Are diplomas presented at the commencement ceremony?
You will not receive an actual diploma at the commencement ceremony. You will receive a holder for you to place your diploma in after you receive it by mail. Diplomas are mailed approximately 8 weeks after graduation to the diploma address you provided at www.stcloudstate.edu/registrar. Your diploma will be mailed to you after grades are finalized and your graduation is confirmed by the Office of Records and Registration. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.
Are photographs taken at the commencement ceremony?
The SCSU Alumni Association has arranged for Chappell Studios to take photographs of each graduate as they receive a diploma. Information about purchasing photos is mailed to permanent home addresses following the ceremony. The photography service can be contacted at www.chappell.com, 1-800-424-3686.
What if a graduate needs special assistance to participate?
Graduates requiring special accommodations to march in the ceremony should contact the Commencement Coordinator at (320) 308-2169 prior to commencement. All facilities are accessible. A sign-language interpreter is on stage during the ceremony.
What parking is available?
Parking will be open in all university lots on commencement day. Street parking will be available as posted.
Disabled parking for fall semester ceremony at Halenbeck Hall will be provided in Lot N just north of Halenbeck Hall and University Drive (10th Street).
Disabled parking for spring semester ceremony at National Hockey Center will be provided in the Husky Pay Lot located between Husky Stadium and the National Hockey Center and extra designated spaces in Lot K to the south of the National Hockey Center. Disabled guest drop off is suggested at the northwest side of the National Hockey Center (the only ramped entrance for guests).
See the Campus Map for directions to St. Cloud State University and location of parking lots.
How do I find out about local lodging and restaurants for my guests?
Check out local lodging and restaurant listings at the St. Cloud Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site: http://visitstcloudmn.com.
Will there be a news release to my hometown newspaper?
The Office of University Communications will send a news release announcing your graduation to the local newspapers. This will occur about 8 weeks after commencement, following verification of your graduation and receipt of your diploma.
Can I prevent my name from appearing in the commencement program or being released to newspapers in an announcement of graduates?
Contact the Office of Records and Registration at least six weeks prior to the end of the semester if you do not want your name to appear in the commencement program. The printed commencement program is prepared several weeks in advance of the commencement ceremony and is a listing of students who have submitted an Application for Graduation with the Office of Records and Registration by the published deadline for the semester. The printed commencement program is not a list of registered commencement ceremony participants and it is not an official list of graduates.
To prevent your information from being released to newspapers in an announcement of graduates, please contact the Office of Records and Registration.
What if I need to change my graduation date to a later semester?
Please contact the Office of Records and Registration to change your graduation to a future term.
What if I have other questions regarding my official graduation?
Please contact the Office of Records and Registration, 118 Administrative Services Building, 320-308-2111, www.stcloudstate.edu/registrar.
