american.edu/commencement facebook.com/aucommencement2015

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2 web american.edu/commencement facebook facebook.com/aucommencement2015 twitter #2015AUgrad

3 CONTENTS 5 Important Dates 7 Before Commencement Eligibility to Participate August and December 2014 Graduates Graduation Fair Caps and Gowns Commencement Tickets Graduation Announcements Senior Barbecues at the President s House Career Services 11 During Commencement Weekend Thursday, May 7 Friday, May 8 Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10 Alcohol and Smoking Policies General Information Photography Flower Sales Commencement DVD Sales Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities Getting to AU Shuttle Services Commencement Parking Passes Further Information Campus Map

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5 IMPORTANT DATES FALL SEMESTER Students finishing in spring 2015 may submit graduation applications at myau.american.edu DECEMBER 5 MID-MARCH MARCH 25 Receptions for August and December graduates Regalia rental forms available online to eligible students at american.edu/commencement Job and Internship Fair MARCH Graduation Fair MARCH 31 APRIL Deadline for submitting graduation applications Senior barbecues at the President s House APRIL 6 Last day to rent regalia MAY 6 9 MAY 7 Campus Store distributes regalia Senior Week Event MAY 8 10:30 a.m. Phi Beta Kappa Induction 2:00 p.m. Honors Recognition Ceremony 5:30 p.m. University Student Awards Reception 7:00 p.m. Baccalaureate Service 8:00 p.m. Toast to Graduates MAY 9 9:00 a.m. School of Public Affairs Commencement 2:00 p.m. School of Communication Commencement 7:00 p.m. College of Arts and Sciences Commencement MAY 10 10:00 a.m. Kogod School of Business Commencement 3:00 p.m. School of International Service Commencement 7:00 p.m. Rental regalia due in the Campus Store 5

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7 BEFORE COMMENCEMENT Eligibility to Participate in Commencement 2015 Students who received degrees in August or December 2014 and eligible degree candidates for May 2015 are invited to participate in the May 9 10 commencement ceremony for their school or college. Graduation applications for students completing their degree requirements in May 2015, available at myau.american.edu, are due March 31, Late applications may result in the student s name being omitted from the commencement program and other printed materials and will delay the student s ability to rent commencement regalia. The application to graduate triggers a review of the student s academic records by the academic advisor to determine whether the degree requirements can be completed at the end of that term. Students whose records indicate they are on schedule to graduate at the end of the term for which they have applied are considered eligible to participate in commencement. Students whose records indicate that degree requirements cannot be completed in advance of commencement must wait for a later ceremony and reapply for graduation at the appropriate time. The university strictly enforces the policy for participation in commencement. Students are responsible for maintaining an appropriate course load and completing degree requirements in time to be eligible for their targeted graduation. Only those students whose academic records indicate that they can satisfy degree requirements by the end of the term for which they have filed an application to graduate will be permitted to participate in the May commencement. A degree is awarded only after a student has satisfied all degree requirements; the degree is subject to final certification by the university registrar. The diploma is mailed within five weeks after certification of degree requirements. 7

8 AUGUST AND DECEMBER 2014 GRADUATES On Friday, December 5, 2014, President Kerwin will host two receptions for August and December 2014 graduates. The reception for August and December bachelor s degree recipients is from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the University Club, Mary Graydon Center; the reception for August and December master s and doctoral degree recipients is from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Katzen Arts Center. Please note that students do not dress in regalia or march across the stage as they are able to do at the commencement ceremonies in May Each graduate may bring up to four guests. Invitations are mailed in late October to August graduates and students who have applied for December graduation. This is by invitation only; responses are required. Diplomas are mailed on a rolling basis after grades have been recorded and the student record has been audited. Most December graduates receive diplomas (listing a December 18 graduation date) between late January and March. To walk in the ceremonies, August and December 2014 graduates must simply rent a cap and gown (see Caps and Gowns, below), which serves as their registration to participate. Graduation Fair The Campus Store will host the Graduation Fair on Wednesday, March 25, and Thursday, March 26, from noon until 6:00 p.m., in the University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor. Students can get answers to commencement-related questions; speak with a representative from Herff Jones regarding regalia, announcements, and class rings; and enter a drawing for a grand prize valued at $500. The first 25 students each day receive a gift. Caps and Gowns n All students participating in commencement wear special academic regalia in the university s distinctive red, white, and blue colors. n Each student rents the cap and gown (and hood, if receiving a graduate degree) appropriate to the degree he or she is receiving. Rental of regalia serves as a student s registration to participate in commencement. n Beginning in mid-march 2015, regalia rental forms will be available to eligible students at american.edu/commencement. 8

9 n Caps and gowns should be rented no later than Monday, April 6. Exact fit cannot be guaranteed for late orders. n Caps and gowns will be distributed in the Campus Store during regular business hours from Wednesday, May 6, through Saturday, May 9. n All regalia must be returned to the Campus Store by 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. n Doctoral students intending to purchase regalia should contact the registrar s office (degree clearance team, ) before Monday, March 9. Commencement Tickets n Guest tickets are not required for the School of Public Affairs, School of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences, and Kogod School of Business ceremonies. However, students participating in these ceremonies are permitted to bring no more than seven guests. n Because of limited seating in Bender Arena, tickets will be required for admittance to the School of International Service commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 10, at 3:00 p.m. An allotment of six tickets will be distributed to SIS students who have rented regalia and registered to participate in the ceremony. SIS students participating in the ceremony will not need a ticket for themselves. Ticket distribution will take place from Wednesday, April 29, through Tuesday, May 5, at AU Central, Asbury Building, during normal business hours. Ticket distribution will move to the cap and gown distribution area of the Campus Store from Wednesday, May 6, through Saturday, May 9. To claim tickets, a student must appear in person with his or her student ID card. Lost tickets will not be replaced. Graduation Announcements Students may purchase personalized announcements beginning in late February at herffjones.com/graduation or generic announcements in late March at the Campus Store. 9

10 Senior Barbecues at the President s House President and Mrs. Kerwin host a series of barbecues for graduating seniors each April. Seniors can interact with alumni volunteers as well as learn how to stay involved with AU after graduation. The event is free, but preregistration is required. Registration will open in late February, with invitations sent by in March. Visit american.edu/alumni to learn more. Career Services The AU Career Center and Kogod Center for Career Development provide ongoing support as students prepare for graduation. Students can meet one-on-one with their career advisor to refine their job search, interact with employers at recruiting events such as the Job and Internship Fair, connect with alumni at networking receptions, and browse thousands of job opportunities via AU CareerWeb or Kogod CareerSource. Students applying to graduate school or for competitive, merit-based scholarships can work with advisors. Alumni have lifelong access to AU s career services. 10

11 DURING COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND Thursday, May 7 Class of 2015 Friends and Family Event 5:00 8:00 p.m. Guapo s Restaurant, 4515 Wisconsin Avenue NW Graduating seniors celebrate this special time with their classmates and families. Appetizers and light refreshments will be provided. Further information will be sent during the spring semester. Sponsored by the Class of Friday, May 8 Phi Beta Kappa Induction 10:30 a.m. Kay Spiritual Life Center This ceremony honors those elected to the nation s most prominent honor society and is open to participants, families, and friends by invitation only. A reception on the first floor of Mary Graydon Center will immediately follow. Honors Recognition Ceremony 2:00 3:00 p.m. Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church 3401 Nebraska Avenue NW (across from the AU campus) This ceremony recognizes the collective and individual achievements of graduating members of the University Honors Program. A reception will follow on the first floor of Mary Graydon Center. More information will be sent early in the spring semester. University Student Awards Reception 5:30 7:00 p.m. Abramson Family Recital Hall, Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Arts Center By invitation only, this reception celebrates the recipients of the President s Award, outstanding scholarship and service awards, student achievement awards, and national scholarships, recognizing their extraordinary accomplishments at AU and beyond. 11

12 Baccalaureate Service 7:00 8:00 p.m. Kay Spiritual Life Center Graduates, their families, and the AU community are invited to attend this service of thanksgiving and celebration, organized by the United Methodist chaplain s office. The service is ecumenical and open to everyone. Toast to Graduates 8:00 10:00 p.m. Rotunda, Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Arts Center The American University Alumni Association invites graduates and their families and friends to the Toast to Graduates for an appetizer and dessert buffet, coffee, a champagne toast, a cash bar, and the presentation of the 2015 senior class gift. Invitations and ticket information will be mailed in early April. Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10 Commencement Ceremonies American University s 129th commencement ceremonies will feature the conferral of undergraduate and graduate degrees, recognition of the university and student achievement award winners, the commencement address, and remarks by President Neil Kerwin. All ceremonies are held in Bender Arena, located on main campus. Saturday, May 9 9:00 a.m. School of Public Affairs 2:00 p.m. School of Communication 7:00 p.m. College of Arts and Sciences Sunday, May 10 10:00 a.m. Kogod School of Business 3:00 p.m. School of International Service 12

13 On Commencement Day n The doors to Bender Arena will open for guests approximately 45 minutes prior to each ceremony. No one will be permitted inside before that time. n Students should plan to arrive at Bender Arena 45 minutes prior to the start of their ceremony. There is no rehearsal for commencement; students will receive line-up instructions via in late April and during cap and gown distribution in the Campus Store from May 6 through May 9. n Participants must wear the proper AU academic regalia. See Caps and Gowns on page 8 for details. n The student processional will begin approximately five minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Entry to the arena will not be permitted during the processional. n No large bags (e.g., backpacks, briefcases, duffel bags) will be permitted inside Bender Arena. n University photographers and videographers will document the commencement ceremony for possible use on the AU website and in the press, AU marketing materials, and other university publications. n Each ceremony will run approximately two hours. n The university requests that guests refrain from using air horns or other types of noisemakers during the ceremony, so family and friends can hear each graduate s name when announced. n To prevent confusion, students should determine in advance a place to meet their guests after the ceremony. n Families and friends who cannot attend the ceremony will be able to watch a live stream on the AU website. n Remote viewing will be available in the Ward Circle Building. 13

14 School and College Receptions Immediately following the ceremony, each school and college will host a reception for their graduates and guests in the following locations. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Steps of Ward Circle Building Rain site: University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor KOGOD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Massachusetts Avenue lawn Rain site: University Club, Mary Graydon Center, first floor SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE Sharjah Plaza Rain site: School of International Service building ALCOHOL AND SMOKING POLICIES No alcoholic beverages are permitted at the commencement ceremonies. This policy will be strictly enforced. American University is committed to the promotion of a healthy and safe learning, living, and working environment and is proud to be tobacco- and smoke-free. 14

15 GENERAL INFORMATION Photography A commercial photographer from GradImages will photograph each student approaching the stage and shaking hands with President Neil Kerwin. Following commencement, GradImages will send proofs and ordering information to students. Please note that parents and guests will not be permitted on or near the stage to take photographs during the ceremony. Photographs taken by the university photographers will appear on the commencement website several weeks after the ceremony. Flower Sales For guests convenience, AU has contracted with a local florist to sell floral bouquets in front of Bender Arena on commencement days. Commencement DVD Sales AU s Audio Visual Services records the commencement ceremonies. DVDs can be purchased for $20 by completing the Commencement Video Order Form on the commencement website at american.edu/commencement under General Information Graduation Mementos. For more information, call Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities The commencement ceremony is fully accessible to guests with disabilities. Guests with valid state-issued handicapped permits or plates requiring accessible parking will be permitted to park in the lots next to the Asbury and Osborn Buildings. Parking spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. An arrival time of at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony is recommended. Drivers may drop off guests with disabilities at an accessible entrance before finding parking. This entrance, located on the south side of Bender Arena across from the Asbury Building, allows for groundlevel access to the ceremony (see campus map, pages 18 19). 15

16 An accessible seating section, located next to the ground-level access entrance in Bender Arena, will be available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and their families. Reservations are not required; seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign language interpreters and closed captioning will be provided. For more information, contact the Academic Support and Access Center at or asac@american.edu. Getting to AU We encourage our guests to use public transportation, such as the Metro and AU shuttle, to get to campus. Shuttle Services The university will provide complimentary shuttle bus service to and from the Tenleytown-AU Metro station, on Metro s Red Line. Buses will run every 15 minutes from the Nebraska Avenue and south-side shuttle stops. Service to and from the north-side shuttle stop will be limited throughout the day (see campus map). Commencement Parking Passes Parking on campus will be limited over commencement weekend. One parking pass will be issued to each graduate with the cap and gown. The parking pass will be valid for a designated time period and parking garage based on the graduate s school and ceremony time. Graduates will receive specific information when they pick up their passes during cap and gown distribution in the Campus Store from May 6 to 9. Parking passes are complimentary; additional passes will not be available for purchase. Parking permits issued by the AU Department of Public Safety for use during the year will not be valid for parking during commencement weekend. Overflow parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in satellite parking lots. Shuttle service will be provided to and from campus. Additional details will be announced at the beginning of the spring semester. 16

17 FURTHER INFORMATION Academic Support and Access Center Alumni Relations Campus Store Career Center College of Arts and Sciences Kogod School of Business Parking and Traffic School of Communication School of International Service School of Public Affairs Special Events For updates, please visit american.edu/commencement. 17

18 18 CAMPUS MAP

19 For information regarding the accreditation and state licensing of American University, please visit american.edu/academics. An equal opportunity, affirmative action university. UP Printed on recycled paper from responsibly managed forests 19

20 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC american.edu/commencement