Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Where is the Ceremony?
Gaulke Activity Center, on campus west of the main building.
Who may participate?
Candidates for graduation must have an application for graduation on file in the Registrar’s Office. Outstanding requirements must be documented as fulfilled or a plan for fulfilling those requirements. The catalog states (page 49, Application for Graduation) “the application should be filed two semesters prior to graduation”. Pending requirements cannot exceed two requirements or six credit hours.
Page 49, Completion of Requirements also refers to Christian/Community Service. A traditional student may not participate in commencement with any Christian service outstanding.
The name of those who have been cleared by the degree audit will be sent to the Degrees Committee of the University for approval for participation in commencement exercises.
What is a degree audit anyway?
A degree audit is a formal review of a student’s educational records for the purpose of verifying that the program requirements have been met. An official audit is done by Registrar personnel. The degree cannot be posted until all official transcripts and documentation has been received.
How do I check my graduation status?
By contacting the Assistant Registrar, Janice Middlebrooks, at 405.692.3175 or jmiddlebrooks@macu.edu.
When will I receive information about commencement?
A letter will be mailed approximately five weeks before commencement advising you of ceremony procedures, exit interviews and diploma printing practices. There will be an additional mailing if you qualified for graduation honors.
How do I make sure my name is in the program?
The graduation application that you previously completed has a place to list your name exactly as you want it to be printed on your diploma.
May my guests be seated anywhere?
The faculty and graduates will be seated in reserved seating on the floor. Chairs will be marked as such. There will be additional seating behind them and all theatre seating not marked as ‘reserved’ will be available. We anticipate enough seating for everyone so there will be no need to reserve seating for your guests. Handicap seating will be provided
How do I obtain my cap and gown?
A cap and gown order will be placed for you if you checked that you are participating in the commencement exercises. The information requested is listed on your graduation application. All information relating to height and weight is kept confidential and only used to order the correct gown. The gowns are yours to keep and the cost is included in the graduation fees that were added to your bill at the beginning of the third semester. If you do not plan to walk in commencement but wish to purchase a gown, you MUST make those wishes know to the registrar staff, contact hcossey@macu.edu
I do not take classes on-campus, how do I pick up my cap and gown?
Some professors will bring gowns to the off-site locations if time permits before commencement. Gowns will not be available for pickup until approximately two weeks prior to commencement.
Where do I buy announcements?
Announcements may be purchased through our college bookstore, (405) 692-3187.
What do I wear to commencement?
All graduates must wear caps and gowns purchased through the Registrar’s office—no exceptions. Visible costumes over or under commencement regalia or outfits other than cap and gown are not allowed. Men remember to take your cap off during the opening prayer and do not replace it until the presenting of the graduates.
Pre-commencement brunch (adult degree completion students only)
There will be an Awards Presentation and brunch for graduates of the Adult Degree Completion Program. The Awards Ceremony will be in the chapel and will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Brunch will be in the dining room immediately following the Awards Ceremony. While it is not necessary to have a reservation for the awards ceremony, it is necessary to have a reservation to attend the brunch. Please call the CAGS Office by April 13 to make reservations for the brunch. There is no charge for the adult degree completion graduate and one guest. The cost is $7.50 per additional guests and $5.00 for children, ages 3–12. There is a limit of eight guests per student.
Where can my guests and I park?
You may park anywhere on campus except where you see orange parking cones. That area is restricted for a photo shoot after the ceremony. There will be overflow parking at Antioch Christian Church, west of the Gaulke Activity Center
How early should my guests and I plan to arrive?
Your guests may arrive anytime; however, the Gaulke Activity center will not open for seating before 12:30 pm. No food or drink is allowed in the Activity Center.
Do I need to check-in when I arrive on campus?
All students must report to the check-in table located on the first floor west entrance main administration building between 12:30 and 1:15 p.m. You will be given a photo card with your name for the presenter to read as you cross the stage. After check-in you may visit with family or friends until time to congregate in the chapel for the march to the Gaulke center.
Where do I line up for the processional?
Students will congregate in the main chapel in the west end of the administration building, first floor. All graduates will march single file as a group to the Gaulke Activity Center. There will not be an assigned marching order except by degree status, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Associate in Arts.
Decorum
The commencement ceremony symbolizes the culmination of many years of hard work, and it is a time for you, your family, and friends to recognize and celebrate your success. It is a formal time and we ask your help in making the ceremony a pleasant experience for all by considering the rights and feelings of other participants and guests.
What about photographs?
The commencement ceremony does not provide good close-up photo opportunities for your family and guests. A professional photographer will be present and the development office will be offering a DVD for sale, contact cyoung@macu.edu for details or call (405) 692-3191. After the ceremony please inform family and guests to remain seated as the graduates are led out to an outside location for a group photo shoot.
How do I get a commencement program?
Commencement programs will be handed out at the door to all guests as they enter the activity center. Graduates will receive theirs at the check-in table.
When do I get my diploma?
Diplomas will be printed after a final degree audit shows that all requirements for the program have been met and an application is on file in the Registrar’s Office. At that time the degree will be posted to the transcript. The transcript will be available immediately. The university has only three printing dates for diplomas (January, July and September). However, the office staff endeavors to print diplomas at other times, as time allows.
No diploma or official transcript will be released if you have an outstanding financial obligation to the university. If you have satisfied all of the academic and financial requirements, your diploma will be mailed by certified mail to the address listed on the graduation application. It is vital that you notify the Registrar’s office of any address change so your diploma will arrive correctly. If you wish to pick up your diploma in person, please notify the Registrar’s office.
