2017 Spring Commencement Instructions

2017 Spring Commencement Instructions

(THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE – UPDATED INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE SENT MAY 1st)

Event time: Friday, May 12, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Amarillo Civic Center

Arrival time: Please arrive No later than 6:30 p.m. to the South Concourse for line-up.

What You Need To Do Now:

*If your graduation letter stated “missing requirements,” you can walk in the May 2017 ceremony; however, your degree will not be awarded until all missing requirements are completed.*

·  If you feel that Dr. Clunis will need assistance in the pronunciation of your name, please call her office at 371-5296.

·  Log into ACConnect to verify your name, telephone number and mailing address. This is for photography purposes. If this information is not correct, please submit a Change of Information form to AskAC.

·  Cap and gowns may be purchased at the Amarillo College Bookstore until May 12, 2017.

·  If you need assistance navigating the stairs, please contact Brenda Rossnagel at 371-5436.

What You Need To Know Before You Arrive by 6:30 p.m.:

·  The SOUTH Concourse doors will be locked! Come through North entrances; family is not allowed in line-up area.

·  No jeans, allowed. Dark slacks or dresses and dark shoes are most appropriate.

·  Do not bring anything as you will need both hands free to receive your diploma and shake the hand of the President. Note: There are no facilities available for securing ANY personal items.

·  Please try not to wear high heels, as there are many stairs leading to the Coliseum floor.

·  Inappropriate attire added to the cap and gown will not be tolerated.

·  Family and guests of the graduates are asked to enter the Civic Center from the east and west doors.

·  When you check in with AC staff in the south concourse, you will be given your name card.

·  You will be directed to take a place in one of four lines. If you wish to sit with a person or specific group, you must be in the same line. Once you are in a line, please remain in place.

·  Caps should be worn straight. The tassel should be on the right front quarter of the cap throughout the ceremony.

·  WOMEN should wear caps throughout the ceremony.

·  MEN should wear caps during the procession, remove them for the invocation, and do not put them on again until the presentation of degrees, where they will follow the example of the Dean on the platform. Caps are removed for the benediction and put on again for the recessional.

Upon Entering The Civic Center for the Processional:

·  Walk at a slow, even pace, and staying even with the person next to you and about four steps behind the person in front of you.

·  Fill all vacant seats. Do not leave a seat vacant to sit in another row.

·  Remain standing at seats until the Marshall (faculty member with red tassel) gives the signal to be seated.

·  When it is time to go to the stage, the Marshall will give a signal for your row to stand.

·  Give your name card to the faculty member at the top of the steps leading to the stage.

·  Graduates should receive the diploma cover in the left hand and leave the right hand free to shake hands with Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. A photograph will be taken at the time you receive your diploma cover.

·  Do not hurry across the stage. Do not change the tassel on your cap until after you have returned to your seat.

·  At the end of the ceremony, the Marshall will motion for you to stand and for the line to begin moving for the recessional.

·  Please remember the reception in the North concourse of the Civic Center immediately follows the recessional. You and members of your family are invited to attend.