IIT 2009 Commencement
Commencement Day Instructions
The Armour College of Engineering’s Academic Unit Ceremony starting at 1 pm is also an outdoor event. Please dress accordingly.
The 2009 IIT Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 on IIT’s Main Campus.
The Opening Ceremony which will be held on the IIT Stuart Soccer Field will take place from 11 am – 12:30 pm. The Opening Ceremony will include all candidates for bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees.
Academic Unit Ceremonies will take place from 1 – 3 pm. Students will attend one Academic Unit Ceremony based on his/her college or academic unit affiliation.
Regalia
Students who registered to walk in the ceremony but were unable to pick up their regalia at the Graduate Salute on April 15 and 16 can pick up regalia on the day of Commencement. All students are expected to report to the Expo Center in Hermann Hall to check in and pick up regalia between 7 – 9 am and receive final instructions. All students are required to check in with their student ID prior to the Opening Ceremony. We encourage students to arrive early to avoid long lines. Signs and greeters will help direct you. If you have already picked up your regalia, please remember to bring it to the ceremony – you will still need to check in.
Faculty / Staff Robing
Thank you for participating in Commencement. Here are some important instructions that will help make Commencement day run smoothly.
All faculty and staff should report for robing at the Stuart Building located at 10 West 31st Street. Please enter the doors on the south side of the building on the morning of graduation, Saturday, May 16, at 8:30 am. A continental breakfast will be served.
Even if you are not attending the Opening Ceremony, you still must pick up your robe at the Stuart Building prior to attending your Academic Unit Ceremony. Stuart Building will be open from 8 am – 4 pm. Please note that IIT cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items, so please plan accordingly.
The faculty procession from Stuart Building to Stuart Field for the Opening Ceremony will begin promptly at 10:30 am. At the end of the Commencement ceremonies on May 16, all faculty must return their robes to the check-in area in Stuart Building by 4 pm. If you have a permanent or temporary physical condition and will require assistance in traveling to and from the various academic unit ceremony locations, please contact Anna Lockhart at 312.567.5196 to make special arrangements.
Commencement Marching Instructions
Honor Marshals will direct you in lining up. Students will begin lining up at approximately 8:30 am. Students will be directed when to proceed to the IIT Stuart Field to the start of the event. Honor Marshals will also instruct students on how to proceed from this point to their designated seats in the Opening Ceremony.
Academic Regalia
You should wear the academic cap as near level on the head as possible. All tassels should be worn on the right side of the cap. After you receive your diploma cover and letter at the Academic Unit Ceremony, tassels should be moved to the left side.
Gowns should be closed in front as much as possible. Graduating students should wear business attire under their gowns and dark dress shoes. If you bring a jacket or a purse, please leave it with one of your guests. NOTE: IIT will not assume responsibility for lost or misplaced belongings.
Men should remove their caps in unison with the president and the faculty during the singing of The Star Spangled Banner. Women will always keep their caps on. Candidates will remain standing during The Star Spangled Banner. Please be seated after the singing of The Star Spangled Banner.
Conferring of Degrees
At the Opening Ceremony, the President of IIT will confer degrees upon candidates from each college as a group. The dean or director of your college or institute will advance to the microphone and request each group of students to rise to be recognized.
Academic Unit Ceremonies
Upon arrival at the individual Academic Unit Ceremonies, students will be issued 3x5 cards. These 3x5 cards will include file number, name, degree/major, and any other distinction for graduates to be announced by the presenter during the Academic Unit Ceremonies. It is important that you keep this card with you at all times.
At the Academic Unit Ceremonies, which will be held separately for each college or unit, deans/directors will present individual candidates with letters and diploma covers. Candidates will walk slowly across a stage as directed by their marshals, and family members will have an opportunity to photograph you as you receive your degree.
Please step forward and present your 3x5 card to the dean/presenter to announce your name. As the presenter calls your name, you will receive your diploma cover and letter in the left hand from your dean. Shake hands with your dean and then walk slowly across the stage and back to a seat, as directed by the marshal. Be seated as soon as you reach your seat.
Flower and Balloons
Flowers will be allowed in the Commencement ceremony locations, but please refrain from accepting flowers from guests until after the ceremonies. Balloons will not be allowed in any Commencement location.
Photographs and Videotaping
Please feel free to bring your cameras to take photos after the academic unit ceremonies. Guests will not be allowed to leave their seats to photograph or videotape the graduates during the ceremony. The aisles need to remain clear at all times, and especially during the processional, ceremony and recessional. No freestanding equipment will be allowed. There will be unlimited opportunities for personal photographs after the academic unit ceremonies.