University commencement ceremonies approach

May commencement is set to take place over the course of two days giving graduates separate ceremonies based on their college of attendance.

Commencement ceremonies are sceduled as follows: College of Nursing and Health Sciences, 3 p.m. May 7; College of Arts and Sciences, 6 p.m. May 7; College of Business and Technology, 10 a.m. May 8 and College of Education and Pschology and the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, 1 p.m. May 8.

Jill Blondin, chair of the academic affairs committee, said separating the ceremonies is something the committee discussed with other Universty officials.

“The academic affairs committee is responsible for a variety of things, but one of the things we deal with is commencement,” Blondin said. “One thing we communicated this year was the change in graduation ceremonies to several over two days instead of one mass ceremony.”

Another change to commencement includes requiring quests to have tickets. The change was implemented in the fall to help manage overcrowding at the Cowan Center, said Registrar LaTonya McCoy.

Tickets are being made available through April 30 at the dean’s office for each college. Additional tickets may be picked up on a first-come first-serve basis May 3 through May 7. The number of tickets available is determined by the number of graduates at each college.

Graduates participating in the Friday ceremonies may have eight tickets and those participating in the Saturday ceremonies may have seven. Graduates must have photo identification when picking up tickets. Student identification card, driver’s license or a state-issued identification card will be accepted, McCoy said.

The University palns to have additional viewing areas Braithwaite Recital Hall, FAC 1009 and the UC Auditorium where guests can view the live ceremony via video feed from the Cowan Center.

Tickets are not required for the additional viewing areas and seating is first-come, first serve. Lost, stolen or destroyed tickets will not be replaced. Online streaming will also be available at www.uttyler.edu.

University officials are expecting to graduate 780 students, but McCoy said she expects that number to reach 800 in May.

The deadline for priority applications was Oct. 15, but McCoy said she will continue to accept graduation applications up to the date of commencement.

“We won’t turn anyone away. If they walk in May 7, we will accept their application. We don’t encourage students to file that late because their name won’t be in the program,” McCoy said. “This is an exciting time and we are just here to help them celebrate.”

The Cowan Center opens one hour prior to commencement and officials urge students to arrive at least 30 minutes before and students wanting photos should arrive at least one hour early.

“I would suggest getting here even earlier just so they feel comfortable,” Blondin said. “This is the time in our academic year when students get to celebrate their accomplishments. Some people look at the end of the semester as a drag with finals, but for some students it is the end and the beginning.”

University officials have not implemented a specific dress code for commencement, but McCoy said students and guests should keep in mind the importance of graduation.

“Commencement is a dignified occasion honoring important educational accomplishments. All candidates participating in the ceremony must wear appropriate academic regalia,” McCoy said. “Guests are encouraged to wear appropriate attire.”

Two commencement speakers are scheduled to speak. Dr. MacGregor Stephenson will deliver the commencement address at both Friday ceremonies. MacGregor is the assistant commissioner of academic affairs and research for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Louie Gohmert, R-TX, will deliver the commencement address at both Saturday ceremonies.

For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office at 903-566-7106 or visit ADM Room 221.