Commencement Day (Sunday, May 19, 2013) Instructions for Graduates

Commencement is a memorable moment for our graduates, their friends, families, and the entire Farmingdale State campus community. This year, commencement will take place outside on the soccer field near Nold Hall.  This is due to Nold Hall construction. In order for your Commencement Day to be perfect:

1. Graduates must assemble in Nold Hall  Gym (follow signs for entrance) in cap, gown and hoods no later than 8:00 a.m. on Commencement Day.  It will take more than  one to  one and a half hours to sign in, fill out "name" cards properly,receive brief instructions and line up by School and Program. Throughout the morning it is imperative that you follow the instructions of the Staff, Faculty, and Student Marshalls who are organizing the event. Be patient and understanding.
    
2. By 9:45 a.m., we will be fully assembled and begin the slow walk outside thebuilding and to the soccer field.  
3. At precisely 10:00 a.m. the Commencement music will begin to play and the traditional pageantry of the Procession will begin the 94th  Commencement Exercises of Farmingdale State.
    
4. It is important that your families and friends be seated PRIOR TO THE PROCESSION. NO ONE CAN BE SEATED DURING THE LENGTHY PROCESSION. Please let your guests know this in advance.
    
5. Remember, all diploma candidates are REQUIRED to wear the traditional cap, gown, and hood. There will be no exceptions.
    
6. Graduates will be recognized individually. The students will stand by row and be led up the aisle by the Student Marshall. They will proceed to the left side of the stage (from their vantage point) and hand the card they were given to the reader for announcement. Students will then walk across the stage and shake hands with the College President, Dr. Keen, as a photographer takes their pictures. Students will then continue off the platform to the right and return to their seats. After all students receive their diplomas, they will be asked to stand as the President will then confer their degrees. All graduates will move their cap tassels from the RIGHT to the LEFT side.
    
7. Shortly after this, the Recessional will begin with the President's Platform Party leaving the stage followed by the faculty. Graduates will stand in place until they receive instructions from their Student Marshals.
    
8. Please tell your family and friends that ALL GUESTS MUST REMAIN IN THEIR SEATS UNTIL THE PLATFORM PARTY, FACULTY, AND GRADUATES HAVE LEFT THE AREA. Students and their families/friends should designate a meeting place outside the gymnasium.