2008 IT&E Convocation

IN CASE OF RAIN students should report directly to the Patriot Center floor, via the lower entrance on the "East" side of the Patriot Center (i.e. loading dock door), to be directed to their seats. There will be no procession in the event of rain.

Graduates traditionally assemble at 5:15 p.m. in the Patriot Center parking lot at your department's designated area (indicated by department signs). It is very important that you be at the appropriate location by 5:15 p.m. so we can line up all graduates by degree program for the processional. You did not have to respond to the March mailing to graduates in order to participate.

At 5:30 p.m., you will process to reserved seating in front of the stage. A brief convocation address will be given by the designated convocation speaker. Following this, the graduates will be called by name to come forth onto the stage to receive their diplomas. Reader cards distributed in the parking lot will be handed to the readers who will read the name of each graduate as they cross the stage. Finally, there will be a reception on the Concourse of the Patriot Center for all in attendance.

The anticipated schedule of events is as follows:

There will be no rehearsal, and no tickets are required for this event. You are welcome to bring as many guests as you like. All that you need to do is be sure that you are in the Patriot Center parking lot in the area designated for your department by 5:15 p.m. and that your guests are in the Patriot Center before 6:00 p.m. on the day of the ceremony. Please be sure to wear your cap and gown. Parking for this event will be in Parking Lot A.

We would like to know you will be attending. You can respond via the web or complete the response sheet you will receive in the mail and return it to Science and Technology II, Room 100 to let us know of your intended participation. Also, please verify with the Registrar's office and your department to ensure that all the proper papers have been submitted so that you are eligible to graduate.

We look forward to seeing you and your guests at the The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering Collegial Convocation!

Here are some easy steps to make sure you receive all the information about Convocation and Commencement:

• Obtain a degree audit. In order to graduate, you will need to insure that you complete the academic requirements necessary. If you expect to graduate in the summer, you are allowed to walk in the May Convocation and Commencement Ceremonies pending approval from your department.  The simplest way to do this is to obtain a degree audit from the Office of the Registrar. Check the audit carefully and if you have questions, see your advisor. If you have not completed all your requirements, the degree audit will indicate this.
  
• Register intent to graduate. Students must initiate the graduation process by registering an "intent" online with the Office of the Registrar. You will not be reminded, by mail or otherwise, to do this. Click here for the Register's timeline for May 2008 graduation.
  
• Receive Departmental Approval. Students must check with their individual departments on the process necessary to complete their approval to graduate.  It is your responsibility to check with your department’s office AND your advisor to ensure that you have completed all of the requirements necessary to graduate.

• The University Bookstore will sponsor a Commencement Fair Tuesday through Thursday, March 4–6, 2008 from 11am to 7pm in Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center, Fairfax Campus.  Purchase caps, gowns, announcements, rings, and other items, and pick up commencement tickets all in one location.  Prince William Campus has a similar event on Monday, March 3rd from 10am to 2pm. For further information call the bookstore at 703-993-8170. Faculty that need to rent regalia need to come to the bookstore and place an order before April 1st.  Any orders received after April 1st will be charged a $20 late fee in order to cover the cost of express shipping.

Please contact the Office of the Registrar, (703) 993-2431, for any change of address and to check your degree application status (Master's and Doctoral) if you are unsure of your graduation status.

We look forward to seeing you and your guests at the The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering Collegial Convocation!

For information about Commencement ceremonies, please visit the Office of Events Management Commencement Website.

Have more questions? Please contact Joyce Rose or Marilyn Clark via phone at 703-993-1500.  Also, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.