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Attendance

Candidates for degrees are expected to participate in the commencement ceremony. If you cannot attend, please write to the University Registrar, Horace Tate no later than Friday, May 1, for permission to be graduated in absentia.

Diploma Procedures

As candidates cross the Mead Hall rear porch, they receive a diploma cover, no diploma inside. All candidates who are cleared academically and financially for graduation will receive their diploma via United States mail approximately two-three weeks after the ceremony.

Certification For Graduation

According to the regulations of the several faculties, candidates for graduation will not have their degrees conferred until all academic and financial obligations to the university are satisfied. That means that candidates for graduation are not certified to be graduated until all bills are paid and all academic requirements are met. Until all financial obligations are satisfied, candidates for graduation will not be recorded as receiving a Drew degree, will not receive a diploma, will not be verified as graduated for employment or post-baccalaureate education, and will not receive an official transcript. In addition, students with significant balances will not be allowed to attend the commencement ceremony. Students should contact the Business Office (973) 408-3114 with questions concerning his/her account balance. Be certain to return all library books, pay outstanding library or traffic fines or telephone charges, and turn in all keys.

Guests

The commencement ceremonies are scheduled for the Mead Hall rear lawn, where seating or standing room will be available for all. Only if severe weather occurs will ceremonies be moved indoors to the Simon Forum. Therefore, candidates and their guests should come prepared with umbrellas and protective clothing. An indoor television viewing area is available in the Learning Center, Room 28.

Downpour Tickets

In case of severe weather conditions, all guests must have downpour tickets for ceremonies in the Simon Forum. Each candidate is eligible to receive seven “downpour” tickets. Candidates will receive no additional tickets, and lost tickets will not be replaced. Downpour tickets may be obtained at the University Center Desk from April 15, through May 15, Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m to 2 a.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., and Sundays noon until 2:00a.m. A valid I.D. is required. No downpour tickets will be available on commencement day, Saturday, May 16.

Buses

No buses will be permitted to enter campus on commencement day.

Access

Individuals needing special assistance should call (973) 408-3103 or write the Housing, Conference and Hospitality Office. Please contact this Office at least five (5) working days prior to the event to ensure appropriate arrangements. Individuals needing special assistance, and only one family member should be seated in the handicapped area.

Announcements

Commencement announcements may also be picked up at the University Center Desk from April 15, through May 15. (For candidates non resident students not in course work for the spring term including the S.T.M., Doctor of Ministry, and Graduate School Candidates who are maintaining matriculation, or in dissertation research, announcements and downpour tickets will be mailed). These announcements are not individually embossed with candidates’ names. Ten announcements are provided without charge for each candidate. You may purchase additional announcements at $.50 each at the Office of the Registrar. (If you have already ordered additional announcements they can be picked up in the Registrar’s Office, Mon-Fri from 9am - 5pm.)

Academic Regalia

Notices will be posted at the University Center Bookstore when caps, gowns, and hoods are available. Doctoral candidates should not pick up their hoods at the University Bookstore. The Bookstore staff will send the Doctoral hoods directly to the appropriate school office. Your hood will be presented at special hooding ceremonies on Friday, May 15, 2009. (See schedule of events for the time and place of your hooding ceremony – schedule will be made available as event nears.)

Graduation Photos

After graduation, graduates will receive sample proofs of photos taken by our Commencement photo company, Chappell Studios.  Graduates will have the opportunity to order these prints by mail or by visiting Chappell’s web site (www.chappell.com) 5-7 business days following the Commencement ceremony.