We are excited to welcome our Class of 2024 graduates to Dean College's 158th Commencement Ceremony. The questions below are meant to answer the many frequently asked questions about the Commencement ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE GRADUATION APPLICATION PROCESS?
WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED COMMENCEMENT FEES?
Graduating students, attending or not attending the Commencement Exercises, will be charged a $200 graduation fee. Student accounts need to be paid in full in order for a student to pick up his or her cap and gown.
HOW DO I CONFIRM MY CANDIDACY FOR GRADUATION?
Please speak with your advisor in the Robbins Family Center for Advising and Career Planning regarding your candidacy for graduation.
- School of Continuing Studies (SCS) graduates should confirm their candidacy for graduation with Lidiana Conner, Director of Academic Administration.
WILL I RECEIVE MY DIPLOMA AT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
If you are a May 2024 graduate, you should expect to receive your diploma at the Commencement ceremony unless you have any outstanding obligations to the college, such as a remaining balance due. May 2024 graduates who cannot attend the Commencement ceremony will have their diploma mailed to them between the end of May and middle of June.
Students who graduated in December 2023 or January 2024 and indicated on their graduation application that they would be coming to the May 2024 Commencement Ceremony have had their diplomas held so they can receive their diploma at Commencement. Other December 2023 or January 2024 graduates will have already received their diplomas. If you are completing your degree requirements over the summer and graduating in August 2024, your diploma will be mailed to you in September upon successful completion of your degree.
DO I NEED TO ORDER MY CAP AND GOWN? WHAT ABOUT WEARING CORDS AND STOLES?
Yes, the deadline for ordering caps and gowns is Friday, March 22, 2024.
Graduating students who order caps and gowns should plan to pick up their caps and gowns on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, April 29, 30, or May 1 in the afternoon in the Robbins Family Center for Advising & Career Planning, specific hours will be posted on Today@Dean.
Dean College asks that students participating in Commencement only wear the stoles and/or cords associated with the College’s honor societies, Dean philanthropy recognition or any honors awarded to them by the College.
WHAT SHOULD GRADUATES WEAR FOR COMMENCEMENT?
Graduates should dress in their cap and gown for Commencement. Once you have picked up your cap and gown, you should place it on a hanger, do not iron your gown. We recommend steaming it to get the wrinkles out. During the Commencement ceremony, caps should be worn flat on your head. The tassel goes on the RIGHT side. It is turned to the LEFT upon the conferral of degrees during the Commencement ceremony.
Graduates are encouraged to wear dress shirt and slacks, skirt, dress pants or dress, as appropriate for the anticipated weather. Also please, no jeans, lounge pants or flip flops.
Graduates will be walking from the Student Center, up Awpie Way and seated in the grass. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
WHAT TIME DO GRADUATES NEED TO ARRIVE SATURDAY MORNING?
Graduate check-in will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Guidrey Center. All graduates should be checked-in by 10:10 a.m. Graduates should be in their robes. Faculty and staff will organize the graduates in alphabetical order for the Commencement procession. At 10:20 a.m., the Dean of Students will provide the graduates with instructions for lining up, marching, seating, and receiving diplomas.
WILL GRADUATES BE ABLE TO STORE A PURSE OR PERSONAL ITEMS IN THE GUIDREY CENTER?
Personal items cannot be stored in the Guidrey Center. Graduates should only bring what they intend to carry with them to the ceremony.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE A CLASS RING OR GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS?
You can purchase a class ring or order announcements through Balfour. Learn more.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY DEAN EMAIL ACCOUNT WHEN I GRADUATE?
Class of 2024: Your Dean College email address and email box will be terminated on December 1, 2024. Please forward emails you wish to save to another email address as the Technology Service Center will be unable to restore emails after this time. If you have questions, contact Technology Services at 508-541-1633.
AM I ALLOWED TO BRING A BAG TO GRADUATION?
To enhance the safe and quick entrance of all guests, the only bags permitted are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (not to exceed 12"x 12" x 6"). All clear bags will be checked upon entrance.
Again, graduates cannot leave personal items in the Guidrey Center. Graduates should only bring what they intend to carry with them to the ceremony.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT COMMENCEMENT?
Any item deemed inappropriate by Dean College Campus Police and Safety will not be allowed on the grounds of Dean College, including but not limited to:
- Umbrellas
- Luggage
- Briefcases
- Large Bags
- Wrapped gifts
- Any alcoholic beverages
- Weapons of any kinds (including knives)
- Segways/Hoverboards/Skateboards/Scooters
- Illegal drugs or substances [no vape pens allowed]
- Coolers or containers, including cans and bottles.
- Fireworks or pyrotechnics
- Folding and/or standalone chairs
- Noisemakers, bullhorns or air horns
- Drones, unmanned aircraft
- Selfie sticks
No prohibited items will be accepted at the entry points for safekeeping. Please leave all prohibited items secured in your vehicle.
I MISPLACED MY PHONE DURING THE CEREMONY. DO YOU HAVE LOST AND FOUND?
Lost and found will be handled by the Dean College Campus Police and Safety Department located in Dean Hall. They can be reached at (508) 541-1888.
WHAT IS THE POLICY REGARDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND USE OF CAMERAS AT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
Professional photographers will take a picture of each graduate: once the graduate receives their diploma from the president. We ask guests to remain in their seats or to use the photography area set-up for families.
GRADIMAGES is the official photographer for Commencement. In May, parents will receive a mailing from GRADIMAGES with instructions for ordering. If you have any questions, contact them at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
WHAT DISABILITY RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?
Disability Resources
Headsets are available for those guests with hearing impairments. Requests must be made to Nancy McIntyre, nmcintyre@dean.edu by April 19, 2024. A formal request is needed to provide this service.
Special Accommodations
Accessible seating will be available for guests with mobility difficulties or physical disabilities in a reserved seating section. A formal request is needed in advance to reserve special seating for guests with physical challenges. Please contact Nancy McIntyre by Friday, April 19.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking will be allowed for all cars with a handicap placard or license plate. Please go to the Dean Hall Parking Lot where you will be directed where to park. ONLY cars with handicap placards or license plates will be allowed to park in this designated parking lot. All other cars should park in the Student Center or Jones Parking Lots.