2009 Florida Commencement Ceremony Details
Dear Graduate:
We are pleased that you will be able to attend National-Louis University's 20th Annual Florida Regional Commencement at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg. This year National-Louis University celebrates its 123d year of providing quality education for adult learners. To assist us in experiencing a positive and memorable commencement experience, please read the following information thoroughly.
Date, Time and Location:
The Commencement exercises will be held Friday, June 6, 7:00 PM at The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. For directions to the Coliseum, you may go to the website http://www.expedia.com , click on the link Maps and type the Coliseum address as the destination area. Please make provisions for possible "rush hour" traffic delays.
Please remember to bring your regalia (black cap and gown). STUDENTS MUST HAVE CAPS AND GOWNS IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE.
The Coliseum will open for guest seating at 6:00 PM.
Graduates should arrive no later than 6:15 PM and report to the Coliseum for assistance with dressing and final instructions on line up and procession order. When come in, please proceed to the alcoves on the left side as you enter the main floor of The Coliseum and choose the alcove that is right for you as they will be assigned for the following degree recipients: Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership, Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies in Curriculum and Instructions, Master of Health Services Administration, Bachelor of Science in Management, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Leadership, and Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences. Signs with your respective degrees will be displayed to assist you in locating your place.
Processional Lineup:
Graduates must start to line up no later than 6:30 PM to receive instructions for the procession. Staff members are available to place you in line, to assist you with your cap and gown, etc. Educational Specialist degree recipients will lead the procession. They will be followed by masters and bachelors degree recipients.
The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 PM and should end no later than 9:30 PM.
Refreshments will be served following the ceremony. Graduates and their guests are welcome to attend.
Academic Regalia:
You should receive your regalia at your home by ordering through Traditions USA. If you do not receive your cap and gown by May 23, please contact TraditionsUSA at 1-800-297-GRAD. If you have not ordered your regalia, please immediately call TraditionsUSA at 1-800-297-GRAD or visit them online at www.traditionsusa.com. You must wear your regalia to participate in the commencement ceremony. The academic apparel is yours to keep.
Please make note of the following regarding tassels: UNDERGRADUATE - starts on the right side of the cap, and moves to the left after the degree is awarded; GRADUATE - starts on the left side and remains on the left side of the cap. It is recommended that women wear comfortable shoes (preferably low-heel), as you will have to climb a set of stairs to get on the stage. Please use caution going up and down the stairs in your gowns.
Name Cards:
During the line up, you will find in your alcoves a “name card’’ to complete. Print your name in block letters the way you want it to be announced. Put your address and phone number on the back of the card (for the photographer). Please hold on to the card, do not lose it.
This is the card you will hand to the reader who will announce your name before you walk across the stage to receive your diploma cover.
Personal Belongings:
The Coliseum does not provide secure areas for storing purses, cameras or other personal items. The dressing area is not a secured room area. DO NOT leave personal items in the dressing area. Neither the Coliseum nor NLU will be responsible for lost or stolen personal property.
Parking:
Parking available on the parking lot next to The Coliseum.Parking is free of charge at the NLU Commencement event.
Graduates with Special Needs:
If you need special assistance during the ceremony please contact Tatyana Bondar 813.491.6124 to make arrangements.
Guests with Special Needs:
Special need parking is available at the Coliseum.
Please let us know if you haven't indicated already on the registration form if you have guests who will require special seating by calling Tatyana Bondar 813.491.6124. Sitting in or obstructing the aisles is prohibited.
The Ceremony:
There will be NLU staff located throughout the theater directing you. It is IMPERATIVE that graduates follow the directions given by the staff members.
Once your degree is announced you will be asked to stand. Again, please follow directions given by the staff members. Upon entering the stage, please give your card to the reader. When your name is called, you will walk across the stage and receive a blue diploma cover. You will then be congratulated and photographed. Please follow the directions of the staff members while heading back to a seat. As a courtesy to other graduates, we ask that you remain in your seat until the conclusion of the ceremony.
Because of fire and safety regulations, guests may not stand in the aisles. Photos may be taken from seats ONLY. Hand held video cameras will be permitted. Flowers or gifts should be presented to graduates after the ceremony.
Upon conclusion of the ceremony, graduates should stand for the recessional. NLU staff will be available to assist in the proper order of the recessional ( graduates leave after faculty have left the stage ). Graduates will leave their seats and join the reception held in the reception area.
Photography:
A professional portrait photo will be taken by Bob's Nights Photo between 6:00pm to 6:30pm only.
A photograph will be taken of each student as he or she receives a diploma cover. These services will be offered for an additional cost.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Tampa administrative offices at 800-366-6581 ext.6124 or 813-491-6124 .Congratulations to each of you!
Sincerely,
Tatyana Bondar
Office and Commencement Coordinator
