Issue #5 - May 9, 2011

Final Deadline to participate in Commencement

We have heard from 1,304 students who have told us they'll be participating in Commencement 2011, the biggest graduating class in Chapman history! If you plan to attend Commencement but have not submitted your online RSVP, please do so right now. The final deadline is Friday, May 13. After May 13 you will not be eligible to participate in Commencement if we haven't received your RSVP.

Final Regalia Notes

Didn't order cap and gown in advance? It is too late now to order your regalia online and have it arrive in time for Commencement. Please check with the bookstore for your regalia needs now; they have a limited supply of caps, gowns and hoods on sale with an added late fee. Please note this is a very limited supply, so you will want to do this as soon as possible.

Celebrating Respectfully

Chapman presents Commencement each year with the goal of creating a memorable, happy event for grads and their guests. For Commencement 2011, we'd like to request your assistance with this goal.

In past years, we've heard from students who felt that their Commencement experience was diminished by the behavior of a few of their classmates- grads who were rude or disruptive during the ceremony. These comments are evidence that your behavior on Commencement Day affects the people around you- the guests, the faculty in attendance, all the speakers and performers, and, most importantly, your fellow grads. Please be courteous to your colleagues. By remaining in your seat until the conclusion of the ceremony and by refraining from making disruptive noise during the ceremony, you can ensure that you're not interfering with anyone else's experience of the event. The following are not permitted at any Commencement Ceremony by grads or guests:

• Food, cans, bottles, or beverages other than water (water will be provided for grads)
• Alcohol or controlled substances
• Confetti, toys, fireworks, signs, noise-makers
• Balloons
• Bare feet
• Standing on chairs
• LEAVING EARLY

Commencement is first and foremost a ritual. The ceremony is rich in symbolism and tradition, and it serves to mark an important transition and to recognize an enormous achievement. We want all of our grads to be able to savor this event and to have fond memories of a meaningful day.

Grad Line-up Times and Locations

Chapman does not have rehearsals for Commencement events, so all graduates must arrive early to check in with the Registrar for their personalized "reader" cards and to line up in order. Please allow enough time to get to campus, park, and walk to the line-up location. Be sure to bring your cap, gown, tassel, and hood (if applicable). Please refer to the listing below to find the check in time and location for your ceremony.

Please view the Line-up video prior to Commencement.

A reception will immediately follow your ceremony...

You and your guests are invited to a reception that will immediately follow your Commencement ceremony. There will be light refreshments at these 30-minute, outdoor receptions, and they offer a chance for you to say a last good-bye to faculty members and fellow students. All grads and guests are welcome.

For Commencement ceremonies that take place on Wilson Field, the reception will follow in the Attallah Piazza. For Commencement ceremonies that take place on Bert Williams Mall, the reception location will be Shady Quad (the area between Memorial, Wilkinson and Oliphant Halls, including the lawn).

Webcast and Simulcast

Friends and family that cannot attend the Commencement can watch it in real time online! On Commencement Day they will find a Webcast link on the Commencement Commencement home page.

A real-time simulcast will also be available on campus on Commencement Day. For guests that need to escape the sun, there will be a live feed in Beckman Hall 104 that will show the Commencement ceremony as it is happening. Beckman Hall is air-conditioned and fully accessible. Guests are invited to drop by as needed.

Tips to keep you comfortable

When to arrive

Check the Commencement schedule, and make sure you know the start time of your ceremony. On Commencement Day, grads will need to report 60-70 minutes in advance of this start time to line-up for the Procession.

What to Wear

Gown: Your academic gown is made of recycled material and is lighter than our old gowns; however it is still a dark color and will soak up the the sun on a hot day and will not provide warmth on a cold day. When considering what to wear beneath your gown in order to be comfortable, please be mindful of predicted weather for the day. You may want to plan several alternatives in advance to be ready for anything. Also, think about what you want to be seen in once you remove the gown, especially if you will be going out to celebrate with family and friends.

Shoes: Women are advised NOT to wear extremely high or stiletto-heeled shoes. The heels sink deeply into the turf which makes walking unsafe and awkward. Footwear is strictly required for safety reasons.

Also, remember security and storage for personal items are not provided. If you bring valuables such as purses or backpacks to the Procession line-up, you will be obliged to carry them around for the duration of the ceremony.

Confirmed Commencement Speakers

Mr. Marc Nager '06
CEO and co-founder for Startup Weekend
Argyros School of Business and Economics, Keynote Speaker

Mr. Jerry Lewis
Entertainer
College of Performing Arts, Keynote Speaker

Mr. Leon Leyson
Educator, Holocaust Survivor
Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Honorary Degree Recipient

Dr. Sonia Nieto
Professor Emerita of Language, Literacy & Culture, University of Massachusetts
College of Educational Studies, Keynote Speaker

Mr. Ruebén Martinez
Author, Owner of Librería Martinez Bookstore
College of Educational Studies, Honorary Degree Recipient

Ms. Susan Sygall
Co-founder and executive director of Mobility International USA
College of Educational Studies, Honorary Degree Recipient

Mr. Robert E. Grant
CEO and President, Bausch and Lomb Surgical
Schmid College of Science, Keynote Speaker

Mr. Steve Mosko
President, Sony Pictures Television
Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Keynote Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient 

Reminders

• Be sure to pass on necessary information to your guests and direct family and friends to the Commencement homepage, where they can find information about the Commencement schedule and about visiting Chapman.
• Good luck with the rest of your semester, and we will see you at Commencement!

Questions?

Check out MyWindows Commencement website (information for students), or Commencement website (information for family and visitors), or contact the Academic Events Office at (714) 997-6565.