Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part Commencement preparation series that will run in the March, April and May editions of NDWorks.
It may seem like Commencement Weekend (May 17-19) is a long way off, but in the Office of the Registrar, graduation preparations are well underway. Since May degree candidates may ask faculty and staff questions about what to expect in the next couple of months, the registrar’s office offers the following information.
How is the graduation list compiled?
At the beginning of the semester, during the online ND Roll Call process, students eligible to graduate based on credit hours were prompted to answer the question “I plan to receive a degree in May 2019.” Students were then directed to the Graduation Application (GradApp) to fill out their diploma name and hometown.
After degree candidate students took those steps, the Office of the Registrar provided graduation lists to department chairs and deans to review.
What are the next steps for graduating students?
On March 1, the registrar will email all May degree candidates and those who graduated in August 2018 and January 2019. The email will link them to the GradApp to indicate which events they will attend — like the Mass, diploma ceremonies and the University Commencement Ceremony — and the number of anticipated guests. The email will also point graduating students to the Commencement website where they will see a list of Student Action Items.
Graduating students are invited to the Graduation Fair at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19. At the fair, students can:
• Visit booths staffed by the University offices and departments such as the Alumni Association, OIT, Senior Legacy, Senior Week, Hesburgh Libraries,
Student Accounts, Financial Aid and the Notre Dame Conference Center to inquire about Commencement dorm guest housing and/or special meals.
• Order or pick up a cap and gown, and take the cap and gown to St. Michael’s Laundry staff to press and store until Commencement week.
• Order graduation announcements and class rings.
• Have graduation photos taken.
• Ask questions of the registrar staff.
• Inquire about tickets for guests with special needs.
Commencement information can be located at commencement.nd.edu.