In just seven weeks, graduation day will arrive and the Class of 2015 will depart. But first, to help those who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Marshall will conduct its semi-annual Countdown to Commencement Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 3 and 4, in the Memorial Student Center’s Don Morris Room on the Huntington campus.
It will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, and refreshments will be served.
The purpose of Countdown to Commencement is to assist those participating in this year’s winter commencement, which is for July, August and tentative December 2015 graduates. Countdown to Commencement is designed to assist graduates in communicating with campus administrative offices in a central location.
This will mark the second consecutive year that the winter commencement, which starts at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, has taken place in the Big Sandy. Previous winter commencement ceremonies were conducted in the Henderson Center on the Huntington campus, but the continued growth in the number of graduates forced the university to switch to the Big Sandy last year.
“It’s a good thing we did (move it),” Registrar Roberta Ferguson said. “It was pretty packed in the Big Sandy. The Henderson Center wouldn’t have been big enough last year and there’s no reason to think it would be big enough this year.”
Countdown to Commencement, much like the winter commencement itself, has grown from year to year. One of the main reasons for the increase in participants is clear, Ferguson said.
“We guarantee that, because everything is in a central location, ‘Countdown’ will save them a lot of running as they take care of pre-commencement responsibilities, during the busiest time of the year,” she said. “We encourage all of the graduates to join the Marshall community to celebrate their academic achievements.”
The following services will be available at Countdown to Commencement:
Registrar’s Office – Students can verify graduation status, name format, and address for mailing diplomas; confirm commencement participation; obtain commencement instructions; receive recognition cords for military service or ROTC; pick up honor cords and tassels (if graduating with academic honors); and have an opportunity to report any special needs or concerns related to the event.
Marshall University Bookstore – Students can be measured for and purchase their caps and gowns, as well as purchase tassels, diploma frames, class rings and much more.
Jostens – Students can purchase their Marshall University Class of 2015 rings. Also, students can order graduation announcements.
GradImages Photography – Cap and Gown portraits will be taken. There is no sitting fee, no obligation to purchase and free proofs will be available within 24 hours of the sitting.
Framing Success – Diploma frames will be available for purchase.
Graduate College – A graduate admission counselor will be available to discuss graduate programs and assist with the admission process.
Career Services – Students are encouraged to let the Career Center know their post-graduation plans so it can help them along their career paths. Students may stop by the Career Services table to register for JOBTRAX (online job search assistance). Information and support will be available on job-related questions, resume assistance, interview skills and much more.
Office of the Bursar – Students may talk with staff about anything concerning their student accounts, holds, account balances and loan counseling interviews.
Financial Aid – Students may pick up information about upcoming financial aid workshops in which they may learn about default prevention, debt management, loan repayment, loan consolidation and loan forgiveness/cancellation programs. They also will have the opportunity to complete their loan exit counseling.
Alumni Relations – Students can learn about the benefits of a Marshall University Alumni Association membership.
Center for African American Students – All African and African American graduates are encouraged to stop by for information and to enroll for purposes of participating in the Christmas Donning of Kente celebration, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11, in the Marshall University Foundation Hall.
Military and Veterans’ Affairs – Veterans may pick up their graduation cords at this event.
For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar by phone at 304-696-6410, or by e-mail at marshall.edu/registrar.