How do we line up?
The general area in which you will assemble will be shown in the drawing that
will be provided when caps and gowns are picked up.
How will they announce my name?
Each graduate will carry a 3 X 5 card with their name on it,
a phonetic spelling, and any graduation honors for which
they are eligible. The Marshal must be given a card with
your name on it. That is all the Marshal has to identify you
and announce you to the audience. Please don't roll the card
up, make extraneous marks on it, etc., since that just makes
it more difficult for the Marshal to announce you properly.
The photographers use this card as well to keep track of the
photos.
If you have irretrievably lost your card, ask your college marshal for a card. He or she should have a limited supply of replacement cards.
How is the mortar board suppose to be worn?
In general, the mortar board sits level on the top of the
head, so the board portion is parallel with the floor.
On which side of the mortar should the
tassel be worn?
Undergraduates should wear the tassel on the right side.
President Cavanaugh will indicate during the ceremony when
the tassel should be moved to the left side.
Graduate students or above should wear the tassel on the left side.
Should I wear my master's degree hood or carry it?
You should drape it over your left arm and you will be "hooded" on the stage.
How many people can I invite to the
Commencement Ceremony?
Currently, there is no limit imposed on the number of people
you may invite. The commencement ceremony is held to allow
you and your family and friends to acknowledge and celebrate
your accomplishment.
How do I know if I graduate with honors?
Undergraduate students who earn at least 40 semester hours
in graded courses in residence at The University of West
Florida are eligible for Honors Graduation. Grade point
averages, based on your cumulative GPA (including transfer
credit) required for honors are:
3.9 :
Summa Cum Laude
3.7
: Magna Cum Laude
3.5
: Cum Laude
See the Catalog for Baccalaureate Honors for detailed information.
Baccalaureate honors are printed on the diploma and transcript.
UWF does not have a graduation honors program for graduate students.
I am an honor graduate. How do I indicate
this and get my honors announced?
Note that honors are only for those receiving their
bachelor's degrees. Undergraduates will note their level of
honors on the 3x5 card they hand to the University Marshal
when they go up on the platform. Please mark the card
clearly so the college marshal can announce it properly.
How should the honor cords be worn?
Students should drape the honor cords over their shoulders,
with the cords hanging down each side of the gown. If you
are uncertain, your college marshal should be able to help
you.
I am a member of a sorority (fraternity,
etc.), what exactly may be worn with the cap and gown?
In general, students may wear their sorority or fraternity
"stole" which is really a wide ribbon worn around the neck
with the sides hanging down each side of the gown. They may
also wear cords or small ribbons awarded to them by an
honorary society or group. Any other larger decoration such
as what is normally thought of as a stole, shawl, etc., is
inappropriate and you will be asked to remove it. See the
list of Honor Societies for appropriate items.
I filed for graduation too late to order
regalia to wear to commencement. Can I still participate in
the ceremony?
In order to participate in the ceremony, you must wear
appropriate regalia. Anyone without regalia will not be
allowed to walk in the ceremony. Contact the Campus
Bookstore at (850) 474-3100; they order extras.
When will I receive my Diploma?
Diplomas are mailed six to eight weeks after grades are
posted. If you do not receive yours, please contact Records
& Registration for inquiries (474-2244).
What if I graduate during the Summer?
Summer graduates can elect to walk in either the Spring or
Fall Ceremonies. Your name will appear in the Spring
Commencement program as a prospective graduate and then in
the Fall program as a graduate.
How can I get a Commencement program if
I was unable to attend?
If there are any available programs afterwards, you may
contact Enrollment Services at (850) 474-3386 or
academicaffairs@uwf.edu
to obtain a copy.
Who do I contact about the pictures taken at
Commencement?
Questions regarding pictures taken at the Commencement
Ceremonies should be directed to the UWF Bookstore (850)
474-2150.
What is included in the Bachelor, Master, and
Ed. Specialist packages listed on the Cap & Gown price list?
Packages include the cap/gown/tassel along with
announcements.
What is an announcement cover?
The announcement cover is placed over an announcement for
protection if you want to use it as a keepsake.
What is a Certificate of Appreciation and the
cover?
The Certificate of Appreciation is something special you can
give to the person you most appreciate for the support they
gave you while you pursued your degree. The cover helps
protect this certificate.
What is the “Blank Stole” used for?
The stole is a new item this year and is called a “stole of
appreciation.” You can order this to commemorate the event
or to honor someone that was helpful. This is worn during
the ceremony.
