Instructions for Graduates

Congratulations! Please read and follow these step-by-step guidelines. Weather permitting, the ceremony is held on Page Terrace in front of Grafton Library. If it rains — before or during the ceremony, please review information at Rain Location.

1. Under Your Academic Robe
   Please wear conservative, preferably dark, clothing to reflect respect for the occasion, your accomplishments, and those of other graduates. Wear dark dress shoes (narrow heels are not recommended). Wear lightweight clothing, appropriate to the weather. Men need not wear jackets, but ties are customarily worn with academic regalia. Close your gown with safety pins if necessary. Put on hoods with the white velvet edge outward, so that from the rear you see the white velvet (liberal arts degree) on the outside with the Mary Baldwin white and yellow silk lining within. Hood may be pinned to the top of your gown to prevent it from sliding under your chin. Review the detailed regalia page if you have further questions.
2. Cap Placement
   Wear cap flat and square on your head, not tilted, with the band just above your eyebrows and the board horizontal. B.A. and B.S. candidates put tassels on the right side. You will be told to switch the tassel to the left side during the ceremony.
3. Arrive 9:30am at the Latest
   Go to Hunt Dining Hall/West fully dressed in your academic gown and hood, ready to march no later than 9:30am. The Hunt bathrooms are reserved for emergency only; do not plan to use them to dress. Go upstairs to Hunt West and find your place in line.
4. Line Up
   Seniors will find two lines in Hunt arranged alphabetically. Use the commencement program to find your place in line alphabetically. (Those names listed with in absentia will not be marching.) Student marshals wearing a yellow epaulet on her left shoulder will lead each of the two lines of seniors down the hill to seating.
   
   
5. Prayer Etiquette
   Men should remove their caps when a prayer/benediction is offered, replacing them at close of prayer — unless they come from a faith tradition in which covering the head is a sign of reverence. Watch the faculty for your cue! Women do not remove their caps at any time during the ceremony.
6. Step Forward When Called
   Your student marshal will tell your row when to stand and move into the aisle as the Dean reads names. When the Dean reads your name, walk to the President — even if you are out of order in the line and need to walk ahead of other students. If you are next in line, and the Dean calls a name that is not yours, shake your head to indicate that is not you and stay where you are. If no one comes from behind you, the Dean will know the person is not present and add the words in absentia, and then he will continue with the list.
7. Receiving Your Diploma
   The President will hand you a (blank) diploma with her left hand while shaking your right hand; then continue on to shake hands with the chair of the Board of Trustees. Walk back to your seat by going behind the chairs for the platform party and enter your row from the side nearest the library — class marshals will direct you.
8. End of Ceremony
   The platform party and faculty exit first followed by new graduates. The faculty will line both sides of the steps returning to Hunt allowing graduates to march between them. This tradition reverses the usual marching order and marks the faculty’s respect for the graduates’ achievements. Do not stop the marching line for long farewells to faculty and continue to Hunt.
9. Greeting Friends and Family
   Ask friends and family to meet you after the ceremony somewhere other than Hunt. After the ceremony, you may pick up your diploma in Miller Chapel by 1:30 p.m. If you wish to leave your cap and gown for future students to use for Charter Day, Founders Day, and SGA Installation, they will be gratefully accepted at this time.