May 2008 Commencement

ALVERNIA COLLEGE

Common Commencement Questions

When and Where is Graduation?
The spring graduation ceremony for Alvernia College is being held on SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008.  The program will begin with a Baccalaureate Mass at 10:00 am in the Physical Education Center and degrees are conferred during the Commencement Ceremony at 2:00 pm which will be held in the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA.  All graduates should plan to arrive approximately one hour before each event to robe and line up in the appropriate manner.  Baccalaureate lasts approximately one hour and Commencement lasts almost two hours.

I’m not planning to participate in Commencement ~ What do I do?
Actually nothing.  You are NOT responsible to pay the $100.00 commencement fee.  Also, you are notified by the Registrar’s Office when your diploma is ready to be picked up.  This should be about 6 weeks after the spring term is over.

What is Baccalaureate?
Baccalaureate is a time when students can reflect spiritually on their academic achievements.  Since Alvernia is a Catholic Institution, the College traditionally celebrates a Catholic Mass at this time.  Graduates and families of all faiths are encouraged and welcomed to participate.  Anyone interested in reading, altar serving or Eucharistic Ministering for the Mass should contact Jo Pressimone at Joanna.pressimone@alvernia.edu or (610)796-5512.

How do I order my Academic Attire?
You order your academic attire for Commencement at www.herffjones.com/college.  Please follow the instructions that are enclosed in this mailing from Herff Jones to order your attire.  Also, you will need to know the degree that you are earning and the campus that you attend.  This information is found on the cover sheet of this packet.   

What is the deadline to order Academic Attire?

All Academic Attire orders must be completed by FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2008.  After this date, the website will close and you will need to contact betsy.stiles@alvernia.edu to order your attire.  A late fee of $25.00 will be charged for all late orders.

When and Where do I pick up my cap & gown?
Academic attire ordered by the deadline of Friday, March 14, 2008 is available for pick up during exam week.  Look for more information to be mailed to your home by Spring Break.  Pick-up locations vary: 

• Main campus undergraduate day students ~ pick-up in Bernardine Hall 1107
• Main campus Master degree students and Continuing Studies Students ~ pick-up in the Upland Center.
• Philadelphia campus student (Master’s and Bachelor’s) ~ will be shipped to your home.
• Schuylkill center students (Master’s and Bachelor’s) ~ will be shipped to your home.

How much is this going to cost?
If you plan to participate in the Commencement Ceremony, a $100.00 graduation fee payable to Alvernia College is due by Friday, April 25, 2008.  Please enclose in the postage paid reply envelope.  You may also use the enclosed credit card authorization.  If you are not participating in the Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, 2008 there is no fee.  Any student who does not order their attire by the deadline of Friday, March 14, 2008 will be charged a late fee of $25 to participate in spring Commencement.  This additional fee will be used to cover the late charge that the cap & gown company charges Alvernia College.

What does the Graduation fee cover?
This fee covers the cost of your academic attire (which you keep after the ceremony), the reception food, programs, and your diploma.

How many tickets do I get?
Tickets are not required for the Baccalaureate Ceremony in the Physical Education Center.  Students participating in Commencement will receive eight (8) tickets for admittance to the Sovereign Center.  You do not need a ticket for yourself; only for your guests (this includes babies and children).  Students who are not participating in the Baccalaureate and Commencement do not receive any tickets.

Can I get more tickets?
Extra tickets are available, contact Betsy Stiles at betsy.stiles@alvernia.edu if you wish to be placed on the extra tickets list.  Tickets are needed for admission to the Sovereign Center for all guests.
 
How do I order announcements & class rings?
Class rings and announcements may be ordered directly through Jeff Crouse, the Herff Jones representative.  You can visit the web site at www.herff-jones.com/college for more information or to purchase.  Sample class rings are located in the Alvernia College Bookstore. 

When do I get my Diploma?
You are notified by mail when your diploma is available for pick up by the Registrar’s Office.  This typically takes about 6-8 weeks after completion of your courses.

I think that I earned honors.  When do I find out?
Honors status is based on your cumulative grade point average as of the end of Mod 3 for undergraduate students only.  You are notified of this status and receive your honor cords when you pick up your academic attire.  Please keep in mind that your honor status on your diploma and final transcripts is based on your final cumulative grade point average (after all spring grades are computed).  

What else do I need to know?
Students will receive more detailed information regarding the Commencement Ceremony by spring break at your permanent home address.  Please notify us if you have a relative who is a deacon or a priest and would like to concelebrate for the Baccalaureate Mass.  Also, call with any special needs you or your guests may have relative to accessibility. 

Who do I contact if I have any other questions?
Feel free to contact Betsy Stiles at Betsy.Stiles@alvernia.edu or 610-796-5504 with your Commencement questions.  Thank you.