9:00 a.m. – Graduate lineup begins / Doors open for guests. Light refreshments available in the lobby. 

9:30 a.m. – Program Begins

10:00 a.m. – Individual hooding of graduates begins

The ceremony will include opening remarks, recognition of graduates, and a guest speaker. Each graduate will be individually hooded on stage.

There will be no formal recessional. The ceremony will conclude following closing remarks, and graduates may meet their guests outside the venue for photos and celebration.

Professional photography will be provided, including:

• Photos taken during the hooding moment
• A photo with the Dean

Guests are welcome to take photos from their seats, provided they do not obstruct aisles or the view of other attendees.

Additional information about accessing professional photos will be shared with graduates at a later time.

A livestream link will be shared prior to the ceremony for guests who are unable to attend in person.

Meng Concert Hall includes stairs leading to portions of the audience seating area. Graduates will be seated above the stage and will have elevator access as needed.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible celebration. If you or your guests require mobility or seating accommodations, please contact Erin Schuster at [email protected] in advance so arrangements can be made.

More information about the event will be provided soon.

To help you feel prepared and confident on the day of the ceremony, please review the demonstration video below outlining the hooding process. The video shows how to properly carry your hood (folded and draped over your arm) and what to expect when you walk across the stage.

Written Hooding Instructions

• Arrive wearing your full regalia.

• Your hood should not be worn upon arrival. It should be folded and draped neatly over your arm.

• When directed, approach the stage and walk toward your faculty representative, who will be standing on the platform ready to hood you.

• Hand your hood to the faculty member.

• Stand facing the audience as they place the hood over your head.

• If necessary, slightly lower your head to assist with the hooding.

• Once hooded, pause briefly for a photograph.

• You will then greet the Dean for a second photograph before exiting the stage as directed.

• Arrive by 9:00 a.m. and check in.

• Receive your name card and confirm that your name is correct. Please include phonetic spelling if needed.

• Line up with your classmates as directed.

• Participate in the processional into the hall.

• After opening remarks, you will approach the stage when directed.

• Hand your name card to the announcer.

• Be hooded by your faculty representative.

• Pause briefly for professional photography (hooding photo and photo with the Dean), then exit the stage as directed.

• Return to your seat and celebrate with your classmates.

• Remain seated for closing remarks. There will be no formal recessional.

• At the conclusion of the ceremony, exit the venue and meet your guests outside.

• Only sealed water containers are permitted inside the venue.

• No outside food is allowed inside the concert hall.

• Light refreshments available in the lobby must be consumed before entering Meng Concert Hall.

• Flowers and leis are permitted.

• Balloons, signs, and air horns are not permitted inside the venue.

• Doors open for guests at 9:00 a.m.

• Graduates must arrive by 9:00 a.m. for check-in and lineup.

• Graduates will be seated above the stage and will have elevator access as needed.

• Guests will be seated in the lower-level audience area.

• If you or your guests require mobility or seating accommodations, please contact Erin Schuster at [email protected] in advance so we can ensure appropriate arrangements are made.