For Our Graduates
Senior Week Events
- Click here for schedule
Commencement Day Schedule
Friday, May 17th
- 8:30 a.m. New England Institute Oath and Pinning Ceremony
Dodge Auditorium, New England Institute Building
- 10:00 a.m. Faculty/Staff and Platform Party Assemble for Commencement Procession
Chamberlayne Hall
- 11:00 a.m. Commencement Ceremony
Commencement Tent
- 12:30 p.m. Commencement Reception
Reception Tent
General Questions
How do I get my cap and gown?
Caps, gowns and tassels will be available at the Commencement Fair on Monday, May 13, 2013 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Alumnae Hall. Cap and gown orders are now being accepted and must be placed by Wednesday April 10, 2013. There is not charge to order a cap and gown. To place an order, please visit the cap and gown ordering site by clicking here
Academic garb may NOT be adorned. The exceptions to this are honor society insignia for Alpha Chi, Eta Sigma Delta, Phi Beta Delta, Phi Theta Kappa, Pi Sigma Eta, and Sigma Beta Delta, BSAC and SALSA affinity sashes.
Please note: In order to pick up a cap and gown and participate in Commencement, all degree candidates must meet graduation requirements. Requirements include fulfilling financial obligations, surveys, etc. If you are unsure if you meet all of the requirements, you should log on to MiWeb and view your student account and academic progress information first. From there, you should contact Student Accounts or the Registrar’s Offices in Holbrook Hall.
What are the requirements for Graduation?
Complete information on graduation requirements can be found by contacting the Office of the Registrar in Holbrook Hall or by reviewing your Academic Plan with your advisor.
Do I need a ticket?
Tickets are not required to attend the commencement exercises. Nor is there a limit to the number of guests each graduate may bring. However, seating is on a first come, first served basis and there is a finite number of seats.
Packets of five (5) souvenir announcements will be available to pick up at the Commencement Fair. These announcements are lovely and can be mailed to friends and family announcing your accomplishment as a graduate of Mount Ida College.
What should I wear?
For women, appropriate attire might be a dress or skirt and blouse with low heels. The ground in and around the tent is uneven and it’s easy to stumble.
For men, a shirt and tie are appropriate with dress slacks. If it’s a warm day, do not wear a jacket. The robe you will be wearing can get quite warm, and a jacket might become uncomfortable.
Caps should be worn straight and parallel to the ground. Bobby pins can be used to hold caps in place.
Will there be a rehearsal?
A rehearsal of the undergraduate procession will take place on Thursday, May 16. Students should assemble at the Athletic Center no later than 10:45 a.m. At that time, instructions and a complete rehearsal of the line up, procession and then an overview of the commencement day activities. The rehearsal will be followed by the class picture and a barbecue.
Where do I go on Commencement day?
Degree candidates assemble in the Athletic Center no later than 9:45 a.m. on Friday, May 17 in order to line up and keep the ceremony on schedule. It is important that you attend the rehearsal on Thursday, May 16 in order to be comfortable with the procession. Candidates MUST be wearing their cap and gown in order to line up for the procession. Procession begins at 10:45 a.m. The Ceremony itself begins at 11:00 a.m.
When and where do I get my Honors Cords?
Honors Cords will be distributed at Honors Convocation on Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Athletic Center. Honors are based on the cumulative grade point average as of the end of the Fall 2012 semester. Students with incomplete grades or other outstanding work are not eligible for to receive Honors Cords for the May 17 Commencement activities. However, once unresolved work is successfully completed, that status will be reflected on the final official transcript. Questions related to Honors should be directed to the Registrar's Office.
Honors categories are:
summa cum laude CGPA of 3.80 to 4.00
magna cum laude CGPA of 3.67 to 3.79
cum laude CGPA of 3.33 to 3.66
Students who do not attend the Honors Convocation and who meet the criteria to receive an honors cord may pick it up on the morning of Commencement in the line up area.
Where do I get my diploma?
At the Commencement Ceremony, each graduate’s name and honors, if applicable, will be read out loud. The graduate will process across the stage, be congratulated by the President of the College, and be presented with a diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed to the graduates approximately four weeks after the ceremony. Please note that any student who has not successfully completed all degree requirements or has a financial hold will not receive a diploma.
Where will my parents and guests sit?
Parents and friends will be seated in sections behind and beside the candidates. Degree candidates will occupy the left and right center sections of the tent. Please inform family that depending on the weather it can be either warm or cool under the tent and they should plan to dress appropriately.
Is there provision for individuals with orthopedic/mobility-related impairment?
If any member of your party has an orthopedic/mobility-related impairment, please complete the handicap parking and seating application. Special parking will be available for those with official state-issued parking placards and golf carts will be available to make your guest’s visit as comfortable as possible. Additionally, Commencement Hosts (college administrators) will be on duty under the tent to assist in any way they can. Do not hesitate to ask them for assistance. There is a reserved section for guests in wheelchairs. One other guest will be allowed to sit with them in this location.
What if it rains on Commencement day?
Commencement will be held under the tent, rain or shine, in order to accommodate a larger audience. Participants and guests should come prepared if inclement weather is expected. In the event of an extreme weather emergency, please refer to the Mount Ida College homepage.
Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?
A professional photographer will take pictures of each graduate as they accept their diploma. Additionally, a professional videographer will be recording a DVD of the ceremony. We ask guests to remain in their seats so they will not block other guests and graduates who are trying to enjoy the ceremony.
Complete information on the DVD is available via this link. The professional photographer will contact you at your home address after the ceremony to provide information about optional purchase of the photo of you receiving your diploma from President Brown.
Is there a program following the ceremony?
A light reception will be held in tent adjacent to the Commencement Tent following the exercises. You and your guests are cordially invited to attend.
I live on campus, when do I need to move out of my residence hall?
Residence Halls close at 5:00 p.m. Detailed closing instructions will be distributed to graduating students by the Office of Residence Life in the days and weeks leading up to commencement.