The college community gathers for commencement every May. A tent is traditionally set up on the campus grounds to hold the ceremony, which allows students to invite everyone they want to attend. Although commencement has never been held inside, if it is ever indoors, the number of attendees will be extremely limited.

In the past, the college has partnered with a local photographer to provide professional photos of the graduating class, photos of individual students as they cross the stage and video of the ceremony. Forms to purchase the photographs or video are available at the Office of Registration and Records near the time of commencement.

May 2007 graduation

On graduation day, Saturday, May 10, report to the Auditorium no earlier than 8 a.m. and no later than 8:20 a.m. You will receive a card with your name that will be used during ceremony. Please do not lose this card. It is very important you are not late because we must issue caps and gowns not previously picked up, take class pictures, and line up for the processional. This takes quite some time.

After checking in, please put on your cap and gown and remain in the auditorium, where class photographs will be taken at 9 a.m. Do not leave the auditorium until the director of registration and records instructs you to proceed to the second floor hallway. After members of the graduating class have reassembled in the hallway, the roll call will be taken. Please do not leave the area and please stay in alphabetical order. The first roll call in line will be at 9:30 a.m.

At about 9:45 a.m., the procession will begin. Professor Charles Case, marshal of the college, will lead the processional, followed by alumni and the school banners, then the candidates for the associate degrees, the candidates for bachelor's degrees, and the candidates for master's degrees. The faculty, trustees and other participants in the ceremony will round out the processional. Walk down the aisle in single file; turn into the first row of seats, then the second row and so on. Remain standing until the marshal tells you to be seated.

During the conferring of degrees, the first person in the graduating group will lead the group to the stairs at the right of the stage (stage left). Be sure you have your name card with you. The announcer will request it on stage. After receiving your degree, return to your seat and be seated. Do not remain standing.

For the recessional, the stage participants will leave first and the graduates will follow. March slowly and proudly.

Immediately following the ceremony, graduates, family members and guests are invited to gather for light refreshments in the Campus Center.