Info for Graduates

Congratulations from the Grand Marshal!

As the Andrews University Grand Marshal, my role is to ensure that commencement weekend events run smoothly, honor you as our graduate, and most importantly, honor God. These events, rich in pomp and tradition, are designed to create cherished memories for you and your family. By understanding and fulfilling your important role in these activities, you can make this weekend a highlight of your educational journey. Conversely, arriving late, wearing regalia improperly, or being unsure of where to go or what to do can lead to stress and disappointment. This website aims to help you, the Andrews University graduate, have a wonderful and pleasant weekend.  You can find the full schedule here.

Weekend Schedule of Activities:
The first rule of success is "First - You Have to Show Up" know where you need to be, when you need to be there, and what you are supposed to be wearing. These details are slightly different for every graduation weekend. Another thing to remember is to eat breakfast to avoid feeling faint or ill during the services.

How to Wear Regalia

Regalia is the name given to the academic cap, gown, and hood. For men, the regalia is always worn over a dress shirt and tie with dark trousers and shoes. For women, the regalia is always worn over a dark semi-formal attire with dark shoes.

The Mortar Board or Cap:
If you have a standard flat mortarboard graduation cap, check inside to find the part marked "front." Although it may seem like there's no difference, wearing it correctly ensures the best fit and appearance. It's surprising how many graduates wear their caps backward! For those with a softer doctoral cap (tam), it also has a front and back that you should identify to wear it properly. Always hang the tassel off the front left corner of your cap.

The Robe or Graduation Gown:
If your graduation gown is wrinkled from being packed in a box, it is best to hang it up and steam it lightly. Be very careful if you try to iron the wrinkles out. Use low heat because some gowns are made from flimsy material that melts quite easily. 

The Hood:
Academic regalia includes a hood worn over the gown. The hood goes over your head and hangs down the back of your robe. Notice that the hood has a velvet strip along the part that touches your neck. The hood is oriented properly when the velvet is closest to your chin, with the border of black material and colored trim (if present) below the velvet. During the graduation lineup, you will receive help arranging the material that hangs down the back to properly display the university colors of blue and gold. Except for doctoral candidates, the hood is worn for all main services of the graduation weekend, including the Baccalaureate Services on Sabbath morning and the Commencement Services on Friday evening and Sunday morning. Doctoral candidates will carry their hood over their left arm as they march in the commencement service processional. When their name is called, they will present their hood to their major professor, who will perform the hooding. (see the videos).

Other additions:
Please note that only medallions (such as Phi Kappa Phi), honors cords, and cultural stoles issued by Andrews University academic entities are the only permissible additions to the academic regalia. Medallions, stoles or cords issued by clubs are not allowed. No other ornamentation, including flowers, can be worn or carried in the academic procession. This is an Andrews University graduation celebration with academic regalia, not a time to promote or recognize non-academic causes or events. Your sincere and enthusiastic cooperation is expected and greatly appreciated. Please do not be offended if you are asked to remove non-academic additions to your regalia.

Processional:

To find your place in line, arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before the start of each event. If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to march in. This is especially important for the commencement or graduation service, where your place in line is critical (see "Finding Your Place in Line" below). For all other services, the order of march is less important. Marshal assistants will help you and tell you when to enter. As you begin your walk down the aisle, note the distance to the graduates in front of you and try to maintain that same distance at a normal pace.

Order of March:
Graduates march in first, led by the Assistant Marshal (a faculty member carrying the university mace), who will indicate which row you are to sit in. For the commencement services, faculty in full regalia march in next, followed by the President's Party.

For the Baccalaureate Services held on Sabbath morning in Pioneer Memorial Church, line up on the sidewalk in front of Lamson Hall (east side facing the Administration Building). Dress in full regalia. There is no specific marching order. Graduates will process into the church in two rows: the left row will sit on the left side of the church, and the right row will sit on the right side (hint: if you want to sit next to someone during the church service, they should be either in front of or behind you).

Finding Your Place In Line: 
For all commencement services, enter the Andreasen Center for Wellness (ACW) and follow the signs to line up. 

For the commencement services on Friday evening and Sunday morning, the lineup is highly regulated. Your marching order will be determined by the degree level within your college.

1. Obtain your name card from the table with your school and level listed. Tables will be beside the poles at each level for each school. There will be a placard with your information.
2. Take your name card and go to the sign poles in the ACW. Sign poles will display college, degree level, and alpha section (e.g. A-E). Line up a single file behind your listing, being careful not to flow into the next group behind you. There is no alpha order within your specific group.

As the graduate line marches into the gymnasium, ensure you have your name card with you at all times. Do not take any card but your own. Hang on to this card through the commencement service. Bring the name card with you when you come up to the platform to be greeted by your dean and the president. YOU WILL HAND THIS CARD TO THE READER AT THE PODIUM WHO WILL READ YOUR NAME AND ANY DISTINCTIONS SO DO NOT LOSE IT.

Follow the marshal assistant’s directions when marching in. From here on, everything should flow rather smoothly. Enjoy the service.

Keep your graduation cap on. Men should remove their cap for prayer following the lead of the platform party.

During the graduation ceremony, Marshal's Assistants will get you to the right place at the right time. Just follow their instructions.

Official professional photographers will take excellent pictures of your graduation. Ask your parents and friends to stay in their seats so as not to block the view of others. 

Recessional:

Graduates march out following the Assistant Marshal. After exiting the ACW keep walking away from the entrance across the road to the lawn by Pioneer Memorial Church. Marshal’s Assistants will guide you.  Tell your family and friends to meet you on the lawn for photos after the service.

Mostly, have fun! This is your special day, and we wish to honor you, the graduate. Following the conferral of degrees by the president, you will officially become a proud alum of Andrews University.

Congratulations and may God bless you as you use your skills and talents to serve others.

Grand Marshal,

Dr. Kimberly Ferreira