Student Records-Graduation, Steps to Graduation

Student Records Office

Steps to Graduation (for December Commencement, 2011)

Please note that the date for Divinity is different.

Insure that you will have completed all requirements for graduation by the end of the semester. If you have not already done so, immediately check the list of graduation candidates and contact the Student Records Office if you note an error concerning your intention to graduate this semester. If your name is missing and you think it should be there, it may simply mean that your advisor has not submitted your final degree check to the Student Records Office and you should contact your advisor first.
Beginning with the first day of classes, you may purchase thank-you notes and souvenir announcement covers in the Samford Bookstore.
Balfour will hold a Graduation Expo in Harry's in the University Center on Tuesday, October 25, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. At those times, you may order announcements, and be measured for your cap and gown.

If you are unable to attend the Expo, you may get measured for your cap and gown in the Samford Bookstore no later than Friday, November 11, at 4:00 p.m. (Note: Divinity students must be measured by November 4.) You may avoid lines by going there sooner and not waiting until the deadline day. After the Expo dates, please contact Balfour at 1-877-225-3687 or at www.balfour.com if you need to order announcements.
While we wish all graduates to be present for the Commencement Ceremony there may be extenuating circumstances that prevent you from joining us. If this applies to you, please submit a letter to the Dean of Academic Services, by Friday, November 18, documenting the reason you would like to be excused from Commencement.
Divinity Graduation Candidates: Donna Harless will notify Divinity graduate candidates about the dates to pick up their caps and gowns.
All Other Graduation Candidates: On December 15 or 16, go to the Samford Bookstore to pick up your caps and gowns (between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15 or between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16).
Divinity Students: Your Commencement Ceremony/Service of Consecration will be on Wednesday, December 7, at 11:00 a.m. Check with the Divinity School for instructions.
All other students: For the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, December 17, candidates should report to the lower lobby of the Wright Center by 9:00 a.m., with cap and gown, to receive their name card. Then line up in the lower lobby of the Wright Center for the academic procession. You may pose for photos with family and friends before reporting to the lower lobby. Please do not bring purses, cameras, etc., with you. You will NOT be able to carry such items with you as you process into the Wright Center and there will be no one to watch your personal items. Commencement should last approximately one and one-half to two hours.
Caps and gowns should be returned to the Samford Bookstore as soon as possible after Commencement.
Arrangements have been made with Zap Photo for a professional photographer to take pictures of the graduates receiving their degrees. The photographer will contact the graduates after commencement at their home addresses. Please contact them at (205) 345-2686 if you have any questions. Brennan Productions & Custom Video Labs will make a video of Commencement. If you would like to purchase a copy of this video, in either VHS or DVD format, you may contact them directly at (205) 823-0088.

Commencement is a joyous time for you, your family and your friends; but it is also a very complicated ceremony that requires much advance work to be successful. Please complete the above steps in the time frame stipulated.

If you have any remaining questions about graduation, please stop by the Student Records Office and let us help you.

Graduation Candidates (for December 2011)
Graduation Events
Graduation FAQ
Directions & Campus Map

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Page maintained by Jane Leask, Assistant Registrar (Certifications, Publications, & Programming), jeleask@samford.edu.
Last update: 10/18/11 3:47 PM
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