179th Commencement Information for Graduation Candidates

Graduation will be held Friday, May 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the James Brown Arena. All graduating students must be at the arena no later than 1:00 p.m. The student lines will form on the first floor in the exhibit hall of the arena. Signs will be posted to direct you to the line-up area.

GUESTS

The arena will provide adequate seating for all guests. Due to the length of the ceremony (approximately two hours), it is recommended that children under seven years of age not attend.  "Business attire" suggested.

ACADEMIC REGALIA

Robes, hoods and tams have been ordered according to information supplied on the application for graduation form which each graduating student returned to the Registrar’s Office earlier this year.  As stated on the graduation application, this completed form constitutes an order for academic regalia.  Any student not planning to attend graduation must have the consent from his/her academic dean in order to be excused from the ceremony and to remove the financial obligation of academic regalia. Students may pick up robes, hoods and tams at the MCG Bookstore Monday, April 21 through Friday, May 9 during regular hours, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Payment in full is required at the time the regalia is picked up.  Fees for the rental of MCG regalia are as follows:

$74.00 (plus tax) for Doctoral degree candidates
$68.00 (plus tax) for Masters’ degree candidates
$63.00 (plus tax) for Baccalaureate degree candidates

For those who wish to purchase the MCG tam from rental stock, in addition to the rental fee, the cost is $33.00.

For those who wish to purchase the MCG hood, in addition to the rental fee, the costs are as follows:

$99.00 (plus tax) for Doctoral degree candidates
$93.00 (plus tax) for Masters’ degree candidates
$89.00 (plus tax) for Baccalaureate degree candidates

Those graduates renting the MCG regalia must return it to the line-up area of the arena immediately following the ceremony.

GRADUATION INVITATIONS

Graduation invitations are available at the MCG Bookstore, can be ordered by phone at (800-721-3582) or online at www.mcg.edu/bookstore

DIPLOMAS

Diplomas have been ordered via the Registrar’s Office. The name on the diploma will be the name you placed on your application for graduation.

DIPLOMA FRAMES

Custom-made frames for Medical College of Georgia diplomas are available in the MCG Bookstore. Select from a choice of Italian hardwood moldings. To order call 800-721-3582 or online at www.mcg.edu/bookstore

REHEARSAL

There will be no rehearsal for all graduating students. Directions will be given from the podium during the ceremony. Ushers will also direct students to and from the podium during the ceremony. 

MARCHING ORDER

The marching order in the arena is being arranged.  A marching order list and instructions will be distributed with academic regalia in the MCG Bookstore showing the position of each graduate in line. Please notify Campus Life Services at 706-721-3356 of any errors in the list.  Students will be given a name card in the line-up.  This card must be given to the announcer on stage as the graduate steps onto the platform.  This procedure helps to prevent any errors.

PHOTOGRAPHS

A still picture of each student receiving his/her diploma will be offered at no obligation to purchase. Order forms will be mailed to the student at the address on back of the name card (the same card given to students in the line-up). Please check the address for accuracy. An agreement to buy photographs is strictly between each student and the official MCG graduation photographer, Chappell Studio, Inc. MCG assumes no responsibility. For additional information, students may contact Customer Service at 1-800-424-3686 or www.chappell.com.

Chappell Graduation Photography Preregistration

GRADUATION BANQUETS AND RECEPTIONS

Banquets for graduating students and post-graduation receptions are the responsibility of the individual schools.  Each graduate will be notified from his/her respective school if banquets or receptions are to be held.

UNDERGRADUATE HONORS

Undergraduate students graduating with honors will be designated in the graduation program. These honors are based on the cumulative grade point average at the end of fall semester. Some students, however, may also become eligible to graduate with honors after spring semester grades are compiled. It is not possible to designate these students in the graduation program. Qualifying students may purchase their honor cords for the graduation ceremony at the MCG Bookstore. The price of the cords is $8.50.

PARKING

Graduation guests are encouraged to park in the main arena parking lots, the Bell Auditorium lot and on streets adjacent to the arena. Handicap parking spaces are reserved in the main arena parking lot across from the marquee on Seventh Street. Please do not park in the U.S. Post Office parking lot, on 525 8th Street, for this event.

INDIVIDUALS WITH A DISABILITY

Students requiring special assistance should contact Campus Life Services at 706-721-3356.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Some schools are having hooding/pinning ceremonies. Such ceremonies are the responsibility of each individual school. Students requiring additional information should contact the appropriate school office. Women should not bring purses to the ceremony. Additional information on any aspect of graduation may be obtained from Campus Life Services at 706-721-3356. Best wishes from Enrollment and Student Services!