Frequently Asked Questions

Who will graduate at the 10:00a.m ceremony on Friday, May 21?

• School of Design – Business Communications, Film, Video & Theater, Visual Communication Design
• School of Education – Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education
• School of Humanities and Social Science – English Lanuage and Literature, Human Services, Interdisciplianry Studies, Psychology, and Public History.

Who will graduate at the 3:00p.m. ceremony on Friday, May 21?

• Brown School of Business – Accounting, Business Administration, Business Information Systems, Computer Information Systems, Paralegal Studies
• School of the Sciences - Applied Mathematics, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Medical Technology, Nursing and Accelerated Nursing.

Is there a graduation rehearsal, how long does it last, and must I attend?
If you are graduating at the 10:00a.m. ceremony, rehearsal will be at 1:00p.m. on Friday, May 14.  If you are graduating at the 3:00p.m. ceremony, the rehearsal will be at 3:00p.m. on Friday, May 14.

The rehearsal will be held on the Greenspring Campus in the gym. The rehearsal will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

When and where is the ceremony?
The commencement ceremony for the students in the graduate and accelerated programs will be held on Thursday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. on the Greenspring campus. The commencement ceremonies for students in traditional programs will be held on Friday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Specific Schools will graduate at each time.   Please see above for specific information on each School.

How long does the ceremony last?
Plan about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you are making dinner plans, remember to allow time for all the pictures that you will want to take after the ceremony as well as traffic on Greenspring Valley Road.

What if I have a guest who needs special assistance?
Please contact Maumi Chatterton at maumi@stevenson.edu.

I heard that there is a reception. When is it?
We want a chance to celebrate with you and your family. The reception will be held after each ceremony in the Manuszak Center.

When can my guests come into the gym and get the best seats?
The gym doors will open one hour prior to the ceremony.

I know that everyone needs a ticket to get into the gym. How many do I get and where do I get them?
You may pick up your tickets at the same time that you pick up your cap and gown in the University Store. Your tickets will actually be inside the package that contains your cap and gown. We are trying to save our very tired graduates an extra step! Tickets will also be available at the rehearsal. Each student will receive 6 tickets. Extra tickets may be available – email Maumi Chatterton at maumi@stevenson.edu.

What should I wear underneath my cap and gown?
Well, you know the obvious answer, but we want to be more specific. Men should wear dark dress pants (no jeans) and a dress type of shoe (no tennis shoes or flip flops). A shirt and tie is really nice and makes a good picture, but you really can’t tell once you have on your robe. Women should wear dress pants of a dark color. Dresses are also fine but check to see that the dress is no longer than the actual graduation robe. Dress shoes are nice (no flip flops or tennis shoes).

Are there any more specifics about the cap and gown?
Yes, iron the darn thing prior to the ceremony. Caps (also called mortarboards) should be worn flat on the top of the head – not perched on the back. Someone will be there prior to the ceremony to assist you in getting the hood on correctly.

Can I wear anything on my graduation gown?
You may wear official university honor pins or honor cords.

What should I do with flowers that my family will certainly give me?
Please leave flowers, purses, and anything else with your family during the ceremony.

What time do I line up and where do I go?
Come to the Science Center Study Room no later than 45 minutes prior to your ceremony to pick up your name card and get in line. This room is located in the Science Center Building around the corner from SC 109. You can’t miss it as there will be lots of grads trying to get their hoods on straight.

What is the graduation questionnaire?
The Graduation Questionnaire is a very brief survey that all graduates are required to do.  It will be distributed at commencement rehearsal.