Student Information for Commencement
If the weather is uncertain, a decision will be made whether the ceremony will be indoors or outside by 8 a.m. on the day of Commencement and posted on our website at www.atlantic.edu. The length of the ceremony is approximately 1½ hours.
Fair Weather Plan
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 2013
TIME: Commencement begins at 11 a.m.
PLACE: Field behind main parking lot adjacent to the Gymnasium.
- Arrive in J Lobby by 10 a.m. Processional starts walking at 10:30 a.m. Late arrivers will sit at the back of the graduating class.
- Once in J Lobby, look for signs with alpha letters hanging from the ceiling down the long hallway. Please stand under the sign which has the letter of your last name. Student Marshals will give you your name card, which will be used to call you up to the platform. When you have your card, line up alphabetically. Students with 4.0 GPAs will assemble at the front of the procession near the bookstore.
- The Marshals will lead you to the seating area on the field. Please stand by your seat until the Chief Marshal, stationed on the platform, signals you to be seated.
- 4.0 students will be called up to the platform first (alphabetically) followed by the rest of the graduating class (alphabetically). Each graduate will be given a diploma folder.
- Diplomas will not be handed out at Commencement. Once graduates are certified, diplomas will be mailed. Please allow three weeks after Commencement to receive diplomas. If you have any questions, please contact Enrollment Services, 609-343-5645, 609-463-4774, ext. 5645 or morris@atlantic.edu
- Please inform your relatives and guests that they will not be permitted in the roped off areas around the platform and student seating to take pictures. Ushers have been instructed to keep the areas clear. PLEASE COOPERATE.
- After all students have returned to their seats, please follow the High Honor student in the "changing of the tassel" ceremony.
- There will be a Recessional Procession of the platform guests and faculty only. Please remain standing in place until they have cleared the area. After this, you may visit with your family and friends and use the platform area for taking pictures.
NOTE: If windy, you may need bobby pins for your cap. Please do not bring purses, there is no place to safely leave them.
Rainy Weather Plan
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 2013.
TIME: Commencement begins at 11 a.m. in the gym.
PLACE: Go directly to the gym if the weather is rainy. Do not go to J building.
- Proceed directly to the gym. You must arrive and be seated by 10:30 a.m. Look for the Student Marshals who will have the name cards. Once you have your name card, you may be seated in the graduate section.
- Due to the number of graduates and limited seating, you will receive three (3) guest tickets. Guests without tickets will be directed to the Theater for simulcast viewing of the event.
- The only Procession for this plan will be the Platform Party which consists of officials of the college and invited guests and the faculty.
- 4.0 students will be called up to the platform first followed by the rest of the graduating class. Each graduate will be given a diploma folder.
- Diplomas will not be handed out at Commencement. Once graduates are certified, diplomas will be mailed. Please allow three weeks after Commencement to receive diplomas. If you have any questions, please contact Enrollment Services, 609-343-5645, 609-463-4774, ext. 5645 or morris@atlantic.edu
- Please inform your relatives and guests that they will not be permitted in the area of the platform or in the aisles to take pictures. Ushers have been instructed to keep the area clear. PLEASE COOPERATE.
- After all students have returned to their seats, please follow the High Honor student in the "changing of the tassel" ceremony.
- There will be a Recessional Procession of the platform guests and faculty only. Please remain standing in place until they have cleared the area. After this, you may visit with your family and friends and use the platform area for taking pictures.