2019 Meadows Diploma Presentation Ceremony
New Instructions for Graduation Candidates due to Forecasted Inclement Weather!
ALL MEADOWS GRADUATION CANDIDATES WILL RECEIVE THEIR DIPLOMAS AT ONE CEREMONY INDOORS ON SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019
Your pre-ordered academic regalia will be available for pick-up at the SMU Bookstore through May 18. For your convenience, the Bookstore will be open the following hours and can be reached at 214-768-2435.
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Friday, May 17
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8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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Saturday, May 18
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7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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Saturday, May 18, 2019
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/Department/Institute office if you plan to attend.
5:30 p.m.
Report to McFarlin Memorial Auditorium 2nd floor, Mezzanine Lobby to check in and receive your credentials card.
At the tables in the 2nd floor mezzanine lobby, you will be given a card listing your name and diploma credentials. CHECK YOUR NAME AND DEGREE(S) / HONORS; if there are mistakes, report them to Chuck Donaldson or Janet Stephens (undergraduates) or to Jennifer R. Smith (graduate students), who will be near the check-in tables. Changes to your credentials not made by your degree counselor (undergraduates) or your records coordinator (graduate) will be cause for delay of the ceremony and judicial action may be taken.
This card will also have a number on the back. This number will assist your placement in the procession line. It is assigned to you according to your division/department/institute and your last name. Retain the credentials card! It must be in your possession at all times until you hand it to the reader as you cross the stage to receive your diploma cover.
You will also be given a contact information card to complete for Flash Photo, our official photographer for the diploma presentation ceremony.
As soon as you have these two items, go directly to the basement lobby via the elevator or stairs. PLEASE DO NOT STOP IN THE MAIN LOBBY OR GO INSIDE THE AUDITORIUM TO VISIT WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS. In the basement lobby, look for your Chair/Director of your Division/Department/Institute who, along with other staff members, will assist you in lining up for the procession according to the number on your card. Please complete the photographer’s information card once you are in line and retain it with your credentials card. Both cards will be handed to the reader just before you walk across the stage during the diploma presentation.
6:30 p.m.
DO NOT LEAVE ANY PERSONAL ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT LOBBY.
Processional and Ceremony begins. Under the marshal's direction, you will proceed upstairs to the main floor lobby and into the auditorium. It is important that you do not deviate from your assigned march order. A staff member will be inside the auditorium assisting you and your classmates to fill each row to capacity. Remain standing until directed to be seated.
For the presentation of diplomas, your Division/Department/Institute Chair/Director will ask you to rise.
You will rise by row following your student marshal through the house door leading to stage right where you will hand your credentials card and your photography information card to the student reader at the microphone. Once you hand your cards 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 stage to be congratulated by the chair/director of your division/department/institute and by Senior Associate Dean Hofeditz. As you exit stage left, you will be directed to a room on your left where you will receive your actual diploma. After receiving your diploma, continue to the adjoining room where another photograph will be taken. You will then exit and proceed down the steps, around the corner back into the auditorium to your seat. 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 announce instructions to the audience regarding your recession and exit to the main lobby and out the front doors. A Meadows staff member will assist the graduates with exiting, beginning with the back row of graduates and moving toward the front row.
Do not stop in the lobby, but continue walking out the front doors, down the steps and across Boaz Lane. Your family and guests will need to meet you outside of the Auditorium in the Historic Main Quadrangle.
CONGRATULATIONS!
No food, drink or smoking are allowed inside McFarlin Memorial Auditorium. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the offender's removal from the ceremony and judicial action may be taken.
Return your gown to the Bookstore before 5:00 p.m., Sunday, May 19! Late fees will apply if you miss this deadline.