Commencement 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
1:00 p.m. edt
East College Lawn

(Inclement weather: Neal Field House, Lilly Center)

View Commencement Schedule

Eligibility

Commencement exercises are held at the conclusion of the Spring semester. Students who have completed graduation requirements in December (following first semester) may join their classmates at the Spring Commencement Exercises. Students who are within two courses and/or a Winter Term of meeting all graduation requirements may participate in commencement exercises and receive an empty diploma cover. (Graduating seniors may view the posting list in the Student Union Building mailroom after 5:00 pm the day before graduation.)

Location

DePauw's Commencement Exercises are held outdoors except in the event of inclement weather. There is no reserve seating, thus we recommend arriving early. No tickets are needed for commencement if we are able to hold the ceremony outdoors. However, if it rains we must limit the number of people in the Lilly Center and tickets will be required. The tickets will be distributed to students during commencement rehearsal. Current local weather

Housing and Dining

Reservations are available for overnight housing (in University dormitories) as well as two University-sponsored dining events (Saturday Dinner and Sunday Brunch - tickets are required). Reservations for housing and/or meals, along with advanced payment, must be made by the first week in May (Housing and Dining Reservation Form). Any questions regarding reservations should be directed to University Conferences at (765) 658-4626.

Caps and Gowns

All students participating in commencement exercises are required to wear proper academic dress. Caps and gowns may be purchased in the University Bookstore. Students not on campus may contact the bookstore at (765) 658-4926 to order their caps and gowns (height, weight and head size will be needed).

Photographs and Videos

Having pictures to remember this special event is important to every family. Yet space is limited in the specially designated area for photography. To ensure that everyone has access to pictures, we have arranged for the Instructional Media Services to record the entire ceremony (DVD available for nominal fee). In addition, a professional photographer will photograph each graduate as he or she receives the diploma. Proofs will be sent to each family.

Handicapped and Special Needs Seating and Parking

Students with family members / guests who need special arrangements should contact Diane Hightower, Dean of Student Academic Support Services and ADA Coordinator, in the Office of Academic Services at (765) 658-4027 or e-mail dhightower@depauw.edu. Handicapped parking will be available on Larabee Street just south of Harrison Hall.

Additional Commencement Information

Schedule of 2008 Commencement Mailings

Early February Letter to parents with general information, schedule, housing/dining reservations, and disability support information
Early February Letter from bookstore regarding Graduation Fair (Wed. & Thurs., March 5-6, 2008) and ordering commencement paraphernalia (cap and gown, invitations, class ring, etc.)
Late February E-mail to students with schedule of events, Grad Fair information, video order form and other information
Mid April Formal invitations are mailed to parents
Early May E-mail to students from the University Marshal and Registrar about rehearsal, ordering caps and gowns from the bookstore, ordering transcripts and other information