Common Commencement Questions
When and Where is Graduation?
The spring graduation ceremony for Alvernia University is being held on SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013. The program will begin with a Baccalaureate Mass at 10:00 am in the Physical Education Center on the Reading Campus and degrees are conferred during the Commencement Ceremony at 2:00 pm which will be held at the Sovereign Center (Penn Street) in Reading, PA. All graduates should plan to arrive 45 minutes before Baccalaureate and 90 minutes before Commencement to robe and line up in the appropriate manner.
How much is this going to cost?
The cost to participate is $100.00. Payment can be made on the Alvernia website, www.alvernia.edu, by accessing Self-Service (formerly IQWeb) > Finances tab > Online Resources > Click Here to Make a Payment then select Graduation Fee. Please make payment no later than Friday, April 19th. Any payment made after April 19th will incur a $25.00 late fee. If you are not participating in the Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 11, 2013, there is no fee.
I’m not planning to participate in Commencement ~ What do I do?
You are NOT responsible to pay the $100.00 commencement fee. You will be notified by the Registrar’s Office when your diploma is ready for pick up. This should be approximately 6-8 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 University 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 Scott Davidson, Director of Campus Ministry, at scott.davidson@alvernia.edu or (610) 796-8300.
When do I pick up my Academic Attire?
Main Campus students –Grad Finale Wednesday, April 24th 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. – 2nd fl. Student Center
Schuylkill Campus students – Grad Finale Monday, April 29th, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Philadelphia Campus students – Grad Finale Tuesday, April 30th , 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
What is Grad Finale?
Grad Finale is an event that allows students to take care of all their Graduation needs. Representatives will be on hand from the Billing Office, Financial Planning, and Alumni Office, as well as PNC Bank, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Jostens to take Class Ring orders and Graduation Announcement Orders. This is also where you will pick up your academic attire and graduation tickets. Depending on the time that you attend the event, the process could take between 15 to 30 minutes. HOWEVER; please note that you will be required to complete a graduation survey and bring proof that you completed the survey. ANY student who does not complete this survey will be asked to do so at the Grad Finale and this will take a minimum of 20 additional minutes.
What is the Graduation Survey?
The Graduation Survey is a tool used to gather information from our graduating class regarding their employment status, their future educational plans, and about their experience while at Alvernia, so that the University can better serve students and improve programs for both alumni and students.
How do I complete the Graduation Survey?
http://surveysolutions.alvernia.edu/graduationsurveymay2013.htm
Follow instructions and when you reach the end, please print out the verification page that shows your name and thanks you for completing the survey. This is the sheet that you will bring to the Grad Finale in order to get your tickets.
How many tickets do I get?
Students participating in Commencement will receive twelve (12) tickets. Tickets are needed to enter the Sovereign Center for all guests. You do not need a ticket for yourself; only for your guests. Tickets will be available at the Grad Finale. Students who are not participating in the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies do not receive any tickets.
Will there be a Student Practice for Commencement?
Yes, a practice will be held on Thursday, May 9th at 5:00 p.m. in the Physical Education Center on Main Campus. Information regarding line-up, processional & recessional procedures, directions to Sovereign Center and other questions will be addressed at this meeting. We strongly encourage Main Campus students to attend – practice should only last approximately 45 minutes. For the off-site campuses, we will send information that will cover the details that will be reviewed at the practice.
How do I order announcements & class rings?
Class rings and announcements will be available on-line through the bookstore at www.alvernia.edu/current students/bookstore, or for purchase at the Grad Finale on Wednesday, April 25th for Main Campus Students, Monday, April 29th for Schuylkill Students and Tuesday, April 30th for Philadelphia Students.
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).
Who do I contact if I have any other questions?
Feel free to contact Tracy Hine at 610-796-8211 or tracy.hine@alvernia.edu with your Commencement questions. Thank you.