HOWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2009 COMMENCEMENT
Friday, May 22, 2009 - 2:00 pm
(Graduates should arrive by 1:15 p.m.)

COMMENCEMENT INVITATIONS --   Six complimentary invitations per student will be available beginning May 7, 2009 for pick up in the Bookstore.  Bookstore hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 am to 8:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.  No tickets are required for guests to attend commencement.  You may invite as many friends and family members as you wish.

CAPS AND GOWNS -- Caps and gowns should be picked up either at the Graduate Get-Together on May 7 from 10 am to 2 pm or from the Bookstore beginning May 1, 2009 during regular Bookstore hours.

If you have not yet ordered your cap and gown, please do so immediately.  You may place your order at the HCC Bookstore.  There is no charge for the cap and gown.  Please be advised that all students participating in the commencement ceremony must wear the cap and gown.

Please note that caps are worn with the front point in the center of the forehead and the top of the cap parallel to the floor -- not tilted to the back of the head; the tassel is worn on the right until the degrees are conferred.

COMMENCEMENT -- The ceremony will be held here at Howard Community College and will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m.  Graduating students must assemble no later than 1:15 p.m. on Friday, May 22.  Students who are late will not be able to participate in the commencement ceremony and their names will not be announced.  THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS!  PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME.

• Graduates will meet in Parking Lot B. College representatives will be stationed at this location to distribute name cards. 
• Each student will receive a 3 x 5 namecard containing the following information:  Name, Degree or Certificate, and Program of Study.  When appropriate, Honors, Phi Theta Kappa, Rouse Scholar, Silas Craft Collegian, and Frederick K. Schoenbrodt Honors will also be noted.  Keep this card with you.  You will hand it to the announcer at the podium who will read it as you cross the stage to receive your presentation diploma.
• Graduates will be lined up alphabetically to begin the processional.
• When announced, the processional will march from the assembly area into the pavilion.

HCC HONOR STUDENTS -- To qualify as an honor graduate, you must have an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher. If you are identified as an honor graduate, there is a special notification letter enclosed in the informational packet for you.  A gold honor stole will be distributed for you to wear during the ceremony.  All other HCC stoles (Phi Theta Kappa, Rouse Scholars, Silas Craft Collegians) may also be worn during the ceremony.

PROCESSIONAL -- The Processional will be led by the Faculty Marshal followed by the graduates, faculty, and administrators.

CEREMONY -- During the course of the program, the President and Vice President of Academic Affairs will direct the graduates when to stand and sit.  The Faculty Marshal will escort each row of students to the platform to receive presentation diplomas.  PLEASE WATCH THE FACULTY MARSHAL FOR DIRECTION.  Take your 3 x 5 name card with you to the stage.

DIPLOMA -- Please note: You are not officially graduated from HCC when you participate in the commencement ceremony.  Your degree will be issued after the final clearance procedures are completed and the Board of Trustees officially confers degrees.  This process will take approximately four to six weeks after the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed upon final clearance of Spring/Summer I semester grades, settlement of any financial obligations, and the return of the honor stoles. 

TRANSCRIPTS -- Graduates who wish to request transcripts need to be aware that transcript requests will be filled after clearance procedures have been completed and degrees posted. You may view your transcripts online and print an unofficial copy by using HCC Express.

SPECIAL SUPPORT SERVICES – If you or any of your guests are in need of special assistance, please call Kathy McSweeney at 410-772-4606.  Handicap parking is available.

For more information, contact Michael Driscoll, Associate Director of Records and Registration, at (410) 772-4563 or mdriscoll@howardcc.edu.