Frequently Asked Questions - May
This is meant as a brief overview and not a complete explanation. For more detailed information go to: www.uscupstate.edu/graduation
Which day is my commencement exercise?
May Commencement (for students graduating in May or August)
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Graduate Processional at 6:40 p.m.
Commencement at 7:00 p.m.
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Do we need tickets?
The commencement exercises are open to the public, and you may invite as many guests as you wish. Guest seating will be on a first-come-first-seated basis. In the event of severe weather the ceremony will be moved to the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium and TICKETS WILL BE REQUIRED.
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What time should I arrive?
All degree candidates will report dressed in his/her academic regalia to the Hodge Arena by no later than 6:00 p.m. In the case of severe weather, please report to the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
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How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately an hour and a half.
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What should we do about parking?
The USC Upstate campus has ample parking* surrounding the quadrangle where the ceremony will be held. We anticipate a large crowd for the commencement exercises, please plan to arrive in ample time to park and walk to the quad. Parking is prohibited in fire lanes, and/or on sidewalks.
Handicapped parking spaces are located in all parking lots* on campus.
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Do you have handicapped seating?
Yes. Seating for family members and guests with special needs will be available in the handicapped seating section. No prior arrangements need to be made to secure seating for this area. One companion may accompany the guests sitting in this area. Event marshals will be present to direct your guests to the nearest accessible seating.
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Will they read my name?
Yes. Degree candidates will receive a name card upon check-in. As the candidates approach the platform, they will hand the name card to a marshal. As the candidate crosses the stage his/her name will be read along with the degree and any applicable academic honors. Each candidate will be greeted by Chancellor Moore and his/her Dean.
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Will I receive my diploma?
You will NOT receive your diploma during the commencement exercises. Your diploma will be sent to you approximately two months after the ceremony, once the completion of all degree requirements is verified. Please note you diploma and transcript will be held if all financial obligations to the University of South Carolina Upstate are not satisfied.
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How do I get my transcript?
The transcript request form is available online. Please complete the form in its entirety including your signature before mailing to the appropriate address. There is an $8.00 fee for each transcript. Please be sure to request that your transcript be held until your degree is posted.
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Should I arrive in regalia?
Yes. Degree candidates should arrive dressed in their academic regalia. Regalia consists of a mortarboard cap, academic gown, tassel and honor cords (if applicable). Graduate degree candidates will also wear an academic hood. Caps should be worn so they sit level rather than on the back or side of the head.
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Where do I get my cap/gown?
Academic regalia may be purchased at the University Bookstore. You can stop by, call or access the bookstore’s website for more information.
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What should I wear underneath my regalia?
Men, it is recommended that you wear a white dress shirt and tie, dark pants and dark shoes. Jeans, tennis shoes and flip-flops are NOT appropriate.
Women, it is recommended that you wear a skirt or dress and dress shoes. Please make sure your dress is not longer than your graduation gown. When selecting your heel height, please consider that you will be walking up and down stairs and across the stage. Jeans, tennis shoes and flip-flops are NOT appropriate.
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Will I need to worry about photography?
No. Professional photographers will photograph each degree candidate as s/he is greeted by Chancellor Moore. Complimentary photograph proofs will be sent to the permanent address of each degree candidate approximately 30 days after the ceremony. Additional photographs may be purchased upon receipt of the proof, but there is absolutely no obligation to purchase any photographs.
A professional photographer will also be available to take still cap and gown photos of degree candidates. The photographer will be available in the lobby of the Auditorium’s arena level from 4:00-5:30 on the day of the ceremony. For more information, contact Grad Images at 1-800-261-2576 or at www.gradimages.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions - December
This is meant as a brief overview and not a complete explanation. For more detailed information go to: http://www.uscupstate.edu/graduation
Which day is my commencement exercise?
December Convocation will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. Graduate processional begins at 6:40 p.m. and Commencement begins at 7:00 p.m.
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Do we need tickets?
Yes. Each graduate will be issued six tickets. All guests attending MUST have a ticket. Lost tickets will not be replaced.
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What time should I arrive?
All degree candidates need to report to the arena level (lower level) Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium by 6:00pm dressed in his/her academic regalia.
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How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately one hour.
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What should we do about parking?
The Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium offers ample free parking in the lots behind the Auditorium. There is also a large, free parking lot across the street from the Auditorium just off North Church Street. Handicapped parking spaces are available beside the ticket box office and near the lower level arena entrance.
Please be award that the Spartanburg Jaycees will be hosting their Christmas Parade during December Convocation and certain streets will be closed. For more information including a map of road closures, please click here.
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Do you have handicapped seating?
Yes. Seating for family members and guests with special needs will be available in the handicapped seating sections. No prior arrangements need to be made to secure seating for this area. One companion may accompany the guests sitting in this area. Event marshals will be present to direct your guests to the nearest accessible seating.
Only 17 handicap seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive early.
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Will they read my name?
Yes. Degree candidates will receive a name card upon check-in. As the candidates approach the platform, they will hand the name card to a marshal. As the candidate crosses the stage his/her name will be read along with the degree and any applicable academic honors. Each candidate will be greeted by Chancellor Moore and his/her Dean.
back to top
Will I receive my diploma?
You will NOT receive your diploma during the commencement exercises. Your diploma will be sent to you approximately two months after the ceremony, once the completion of all degree requirements is verified. Please note you diploma and transcript will be held if all financial obligations to the University of South Carolina Upstate are not satisfied.
back to top
How do I get my transcript?
The transcript request form is available online. Please complete the form in its entirety including your signature before mailing to the appropriate address. There is an $8.00 fee for each transcript. Please be sure to request that your transcript be held until your degree is posted.
back to top
Should I arrive in regalia?
Yes. Degree candidates should arrive dressed in their academic regalia. Regalia consists of a mortarboard cap, academic gown, tassel and honor cords (if applicable). Graduate degree candidates will also wear an academic hood. Caps should be worn so they sit level rather than on the back or side of the head.
back to top
Where do I get my cap/gown?
Academic regalia may be purchased at the University Bookstore. You can stop by, call or access the bookstore’s website for more information.
back to top
What should I wear underneath my regalia?
Men, it is recommended that you wear a white dress shirt and tie, dark pants and dark shoes. Jeans, tennis shoes and flip-flops are NOT appropriate.
Women, it is recommended that you wear a skirt or dress and dress shoes. Please make sure your dress is not longer than your graduation gown. When selecting your heel height, please consider that you will be walking up and down stairs and across the stage. Jeans, tennis shoes and flip-flops are NOT appropriate.
back to top
Will I need to worry about photography?
No. Professional photographers will photograph each degree candidate as s/he is greeted by Chancellor Moore. Complimentary photograph proofs will be sent to the permanent address of each degree candidate approximately 30 days after the ceremony. Additional photographs may be purchased upon receipt of the proof, but there is absolutely no obligation to purchase any photographs.
A professional photographer will also be available to take still cap and gown photos of degree candidates. The photographer will be available in the lobby of the Auditorium’s arena level from 4:00-5:30 on the day of the ceremony. For more information, contact Grad Images at 1-800-261-2576 or at www.gradimages.com.
back to top