News and Events

2019 Meadows Diploma Presentation Ceremony

Instructions for Graduation Candidates

Saturday, May 11 through Saturday, May 18, 2019

Your pre-ordered academic regalia will be available for pick-up at the SMU Bookstore May 11 – 18.

For your convenience, the Bookstore will be open the following hours and can be reached at 214-768-2435:

Saturday, May 18, 2019

2:00 p.m.

If inclement weather should cause the ceremony to be moved to another location, a sign will be posted on the steps of Owen Arts Center in addition to updates on Meadows Facebook, Twitter and Website. Please see alternate “inclement weather plan” instructions below.

4:00 p.m.

Reception hosted by the Dean in the Greer Garson Theatre Lobby for all graduates and their families and guests. RSVP to your Major Division/Institute office if you plan to attend.

5:30 p.m.

Report to the Hope Lobby (main lobby facing Bishop Blvd.) in Owen Arts Center. Please note you may not enter the lobby from Bishop Blvd after 4:30 p.m., you will need to access the lobby via the north or south entrance to OAC or the west entrance from Hamon Arts Library or Greer Garson Theatre. Your family and friends attending the ceremony will not be allowed access to the Hope Lobby, they will be directed to the seating area on Bishop Blvd.

At the tables in the lobby, you will be given a card with your name and diploma credentials. It will also have a letter and number in the top corner, this is your assigned seat number in Caruth Auditorium, and is assigned to you according to your division/department and your last name. You will also be given a contact information card to complete for the photographer. After completing the information card and leaving it with the staff member at the entrance to Caruth Auditorium, go immediately to your assigned seat and remain there quietly until the processional begins. Retain the credentials card. It will be read by the student reader as you walk across the stage to receive your diploma cover. Changes to your credentials will be cause for delay of the ceremony and judicial action; if there are mistakes, report them to Chuck Donaldson or Janet Stephens (undergraduates) or to Jennifer R. Smith (graduate students).

Valuables may not be left in Caruth Auditorium.

6:20 p.m.

Processional begins. Under the marshal's direction, you will exit Caruth Auditorium row by row. It is important that you do not deviate from your assigned march order. You will exit the building through the north door and proceed to your seating in the Dean Carole Brandt Garden (south courtyard). A staff member will be there to assist you and your classmates to fill each row to capacity. Remain standing until directed to be seated.

6:30 p.m.

Program begins. For the presentation of diplomas, your Division Chair will ask you to rise.

You will rise by row and, following the marshal, file to the south side of the platform where you will hand your card to the student reader at the microphone. Once you hand your card to the reader, immediately start walking toward Dean Holland while your name and degree(s) / honors are being read. Dean Holland will give you your diploma cover.

A professional will photograph you as you receive your diploma cover from Dean Holland. Color proofs and ordering information will be mailed to the address you provide on your contact information card. Please notify your family of these arrangements.

Continue across the platform to be congratulated by the chair of your division and by Senior Associate Dean Hofeditz.  As you leave the platform, proceed up the north side of the steps and into the Bob Hope Lobby where you will receive your actual diploma. After receiving your diploma, continue to the south side of the lobby where another photograph will be taken. You will then exit the building, and proceed down the steps and back into your row. There will be Meadows staff members along this route for assistance if needed.

After the last diploma cover is presented, there will be closing remarks and the Dean will dismiss you.

CONGRATULATIONS!

No food, drink or smoking are allowed in the building or outside in the graduate section during the ceremony. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the offender's removal from the ceremony and judicial action. Each graduate will find a water bottle waiting for them in their seat.

Return your gown to the Bookstore before 5:00 p.m., Sunday, May 19! Late fees will apply if you miss this deadline.

Meadows Diploma Presentation Ceremony

Inclement Weather Plan

In the event of inclement weather, including rain or a forecasted heat index of 100 or above, we will communicate alternate site plans by 2:00 PM by the following methods:

• A sign will be posted at the front steps of Owen Arts Center.
• Announcements will be made at the Dean’s Reception in the Greer Garson Theatre lobby.
• An announcement will be made on the Meadows graduation website: http://www.smu.edu/meadows/commencement/.
• Updates will also be made on Meadows Facebook and Twitter pages.

Check-in for all ceremonies will begin at 5:30 in the Owen Arts Center Taubman Atrium.

All ceremonies will begin at 6:30 in the following locations:

Advertising, Film and Media Arts, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, and Journalism

Location: McFarlin Memorial Auditorium

Line up in basement lobby of McFarlin Auditorium

Art, Art History, Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship, Creative Computing and Master of Design and Innovation

Location: Greer Garson Theatre

Line up in Margo Jones Theatre

Dance, Theatre

Location: Bob Hope Theatre

Line up in the Green Room

Music

Location: Caruth Auditorium

Line up in the east and south hall of Owen Art Center basement outside Caruth stage right doors.

Your division chair/director and faculty along with Meadows staff will be on hand in these areas to help coordinate the line-up and procession. After your ceremony, return to the Taubman Atrium in Owen Arts Center to receive your diploma and have your photograph taken.