ATTENTION PROSPECTIVE GRADUATES FOR SUMMER 2008! Western Graduation/Commencement Date: Friday, August 1 2008 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Ramsey Activity Center Application Process Caps & Gowns Area Accommodations Dates & Events Directions Diplomas Special Accommodations Appropriate Dress Photos   Graduation Checklist

Application for Graduation

Students should apply for graduation when they have reached senior status or completed ninety or more semester hours.

Please check with your College or refer to the Academic Calendar for application deadline.

Caps and Gowns

Cullowhee-based Graduate and Undergraduate students may purchase caps, gowns, hoods and invitations from the University Bookstore. Please make these purchases by Friday, May 9th . For price information please contact the University Bookstore at 828 227-7346.

Asheville-based students may order caps, gowns, hoods and announcements from the WCU Asheville office at 828 251-6642.

Distance Learning students may order caps, gowns, hoods and invitations by contacting the Catamount Bookstore at 828 227-7346.

For additional information go to the Bookstore web site: http://books.wcu.edu, click Go to WCU Bookstore Online or email bookstore@email.wcu.edu.

Diploma

You will receive a Western Carolina University diploma cover on the stage when your name is read. With the completion of all requirements for graduation, your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address approximately 4-6 weeks after the ceremony.

If this address is not current, you may update your address by emailing the Registrar's Office at registrar@email.wcu.edu. Please indicate the address change is for your diploma.

Dates and Events

The commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, August 1, 2008 in the Ramsey Activity Center on the campus of Western Carolina University.

• Friday, July 25, 5:00 p.m.	Written requests to be excused from the ceremony must be received in the Registrar's Office. Request to be excused form.
  Friday, Aug 1, 5:00 p.m.	Fees and fines must be paid, library books returned to the library and textbooks returned to the Book Rental Department. Transcripts will be withheld for delinquent accounts of $5.00 or more.
  Commencement Day:	Friday, August 1st
  Friday, August 1st
  3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.	Required REHEARSAL for Commencement Exercises is held on the arena floor of the Ramsey Activity Center. Students should enter lower level, west side of building (the side facing Highway 107). Bring your robe, cap and hood to rehearsal.
  	At your earliest possible convenience please complete the online senior institutional SURVEY evaluating Western.
  6:15 p.m.	LINEUP of graduating students for the Processional. Students should enter the lower level of the Ramsey Activity Center next to the auxiliary gym (west side of the building.)
  7:00 - 8:30 p.m.	COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY - Ramsey Activity Center
  8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.	RECEPTION You and your guests are invited to enjoy refreshments immediately following the ceremony. The reception for the following will be held on the Ramsey Activity Center concourse: Honors College, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education and Allied Professions and the College of Health and Human Sciences. The reception for the following will be held in the Auxiliary Gym on the main arena floor area: Graduate School and Research, College of Fine & Performing Arts and Kimmel School of Construction Management and Technology.

Special Accommodations

Students needing Special Accommodations for disabilities should contact the Registrar's Office at (828) 227-7216.

Audience members needing special accommodations for disabilities should contact the Ramsey Activity Center at (828) 227-7677 for instructions.

Incoming traffic to the campus for commencement is heavy. Family and friends should plan to arrive for the ceremony by 1:00 pm. Click here for a printable WCU Campus Map. The Ramsey Regional Activity Center, where graduation will be held, is building number 9 on the map.

The mountains of Western North Carolina attract thousands of tourists each year. So, remember to make your hotel reservations in advance. For a list of area accommodations, telephone the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 586-2155 or (800) 962-1911, or click on www.mountainlovers.com. For additional information on places to stay, visit the following web site: www.visitsmokies.org.

Appropriate Dress for the Ceremony

Men should wear a white shirt and tie, dark trousers, dark dress shoes, and socks. Women should wear dresses or dark dress slacks and comfortable dress shoes (avoid high heels due to the hazard of going up and down the stage platform).

Caps should be worn with mortarboard flat (parallel to the ground or floor). Tassels are to be worn on the right side of the cap, so as not to block your face from the photographer who will be at the front of the stage.

Honor Cords will be distributed to the Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude graduates at the end of rehearsal.

Additional honors insignia from academic organizations must be approved by the Commencement Committee via the organization’s faculty/staff advisor. Contact the Office of the Provost at 227-7495.

During the ceremony, men should follow the lead of the Chancellor regarding the removal of caps. Women may wear their caps throughout the exercises.

Note: There are no facilities for securing personal items during the ceremony.