LANDER UNIVERSITY
IMPORTANT GRADUATION
INFORMATION
THIS PACKET INCLUDES:
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DIPLOMA PICK UP INFORMATION – Page 2
FALS INFORMATION – Page 3
PARENTAL/GUEST INFORMATION – Page 4
TICKET INFORMATION – Page 5
DRESS CODE – Page 6
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY INSTRUCTIONS-Page 7
COMMENCEMENT BRUNCH INFORMATION – Page 8
MAP OF CAMPUS
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SPRING 2017 CANDIDATES
DIPLOMA PICK UP INFORMATION
We are giving students an opportunity to pick up their
diploma in the Registrar’s Office from Monday, May 22nd
through Thursday, June 1st from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.,
Learning Center 109.
 Only the student can pick up their diploma with a
picture ID.
If you are unable to pick up your diploma on the
designated dates, it will be mailed on Wednesday, June
14th to the address that was specified on your graduation
application. We recommend picking up your diploma
since they can get damaged in mailing.
If you have any questions you may call the Registrar’s
Office and speak with Taylor Johnston, (864) 388-8801.
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FALS INFORMATION
(FINE ARTS LECTURESHIP SERIES)
FALS requirement must be completed by
Thursday, March 30, 2017.
It is required that 2 FALS credits must be completed for
every 15 hours earned at Lander, not to exceed 15 FALS
credits (15 credits over 4 years).
Hours completed at
Lander
> 105 hours
90 – 104.5 hours
75 – 89.5 hours
60 – 74.5 hours
45 – 59.5 hours
30 – 44.5 hours
< 29 hours
FALS credits required
15 FALS
12 FALS
10 FALS
8 FALS
6 FALS
4 FALS
2 FALS
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PARENTAL/GUEST INFORMATION
DATE: Spring 2017 Graduation will be Saturday, May 6, 2017.
PLACE AND TIME: Commencement ceremonies are held in the Finis Horne Arena on
campus. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 AM. Entrance into the Finis Horne
Arena will not be possible after 10:45 AM.
TICKETS: Tickets will be required to attend the commencement ceremony. Graduation
candidates will be able to pick up and sign for their tickets from Monday, April 24th through
Friday, April 28th and remaining tickets will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served
basis on Monday, May 1st beginning at 7:30 a.m.
ARENA SEATING: In order to ensure that Lander University maximizes the safety, comfort
and enjoyment of all who plan to attend the ceremony and to ensure compliance with the
State Fire Marshall Code, we ask that our guests observe the following courtesies:
1. The Willson Street entrance to the Finis Horne Arena will open at 9:00 AM. Arrive in
time to be seated in the Finis Horne Arena no later than 10:45 AM; otherwise, you
will be asked to watch the Ceremony in the Cultural Center Auditorium by closedcircuit television.
2. Clear bags will be the only bags permitting inside the arena.
3. Guests with physical disabilities should plan to arrive early in order to get seated in
the arena.
4. Guests are invited to extend to the graduating students the honor and respect of
polite applause as each student crosses the stage – befitting a dignified
ceremony. We ask that guests refrain from shouting out names or other forms of
boisterous behavior until all are invited to make a joyful sound of celebration and
congratulation at the end of the ceremony.
PICTURES: Students, for your convenience, we have made arrangements with GradImages
for a professional photographer to record the moment you are awarded your diploma. You
will receive a passport-sized, full-color proof in the mail after the ceremony. There is no
obligation to purchase, and you will have the option of ordering additional packages at very
reasonable prices. If you fail to receive your proof, feel free to contact the company at 800907-2740.
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TICKET INFORMATION
DISBURSEMENT OF TICKETS
Tickets will be required to attend the commencement ceremony.
Graduation candidates must pick up tickets for their friends and family.
Candidates will need to pick up and sign for their tickets with a picture ID as
directed below.
WHEN
Monday, April 24th through Friday April 28th
**Graduation tickets that are not picked up within these dates, will be
given away starting on Monday, May 1st. (See below under TIME
heading.)**
WHERE
Lander University Registrar’s Office
TIME
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day
Remaining tickets will be available for pick up (first-come, first-served
basis) in the Registrar’s Office, Learning Center 109 on
Monday, May 1st beginning at 7:30am.
NUMBER OF TICKETS
The number of tickets per candidate is based upon the number of
candidates. For Spring 2017, each candidate will be allotted eight (8)
tickets.
Guests without tickets can watch the graduation ceremony in the Cultural
Center Auditorium by closed-circuit television.
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DRESS CODE
WARDROBE:
Men - white shirts, dark ties, and dark shoes.
Women - dark shoes and dark clothing, with conservative
jewelry.
1. No chewing gum
2. No flip flops
3. No dangly earrings or necklaces
4. Cap worn flat on head, not on the back of head
5. Tassel should hang on right side of cap
6. Alterations of commencement regalia are not
permitted.
SORORITY AND FRATERNITY “DECORATIONS”: We ask
that no decorations are to be worn on your graduation
regalia.
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COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY INSTRUCTIONS
PLACE – Auxiliary Gym, PEES Complex (side of Brookside Housing and Soccer/Softball
fields)
TIME – 10:00 a.m.
REHEARSAL: There is no rehearsal for graduation candidates, so it is essential that all
candidates arrive on time. Parents and guests will not be allowed to enter the PEES
Complex. At exactly 10:30 a.m. special instructions and the formation of the procession line
will begin.
LATE COMERS – Anyone arriving after the formation of the procession line begins will be
required to take their place at the end of the line.
AUXILLARY GYM
You MUST pick up a "GRADUATION CARD” upon entrance into the PEES building. The
“GRADUATION CARD” not only gives you your number in line but it is the card you will
hand to the Academic Vice President to call out your name before crossing the stage.
At 10:30 a.m. in the Auxiliary Gym, everyone will be directed to form the procession line by
the number on your card. The procession line is formed in accordance with the
commencement program (alphabetically by degree, major, name). Again, let me stress the
need to hold on to your “GRADUATION CARD” – this is the card you will hand to the
Academic Vice President to call out your name before crossing the stage.
Follow the Marshall into the arena and pay attention to them as they get you to your seat.
REMAIN STANDING until the Invocation has been given then you may sit down. MEN:
remove your cap.
CEREMONY
After the speaker has made their speech several awards will be announced, then the
awarding of degrees will begin.
The marshal will let you know when to rise and will lead you to the ramp. Remaining
candidates, wait for the marshal to indicate for your row to rise and proceed to the stage.
Step upon stage and hand your name card to the Academic Vice President. Do not move
across the stage until you hear your name! Your preliminary academic honors will be
announced at this time. Receive your diploma cover with your left hand and shake hands
with your right. Make sure to watch your step going off of the stage.
CONCLUSION
Platform dignitaries will recess first, faculty will recess next and then students. You will
recess through the same doors your came into arena. Please recess completely out of the
arena and towards the fountain area to prevent confusion and congestion problems.
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Spring 2017 Commencement
Saturday, May 6, 2017
12:45 – 3:30 p.m.
Johnston Commons, Grier Student Center
(Immediately following commencement ceremony)
Enjoy live music and delicious brunch with family, fellow
graduates and Lander administrators.
Tickets available at the Bearcat Shop
(Order online at www.bearcatshop.com)
$15 per adult; $7 per child (10 and under)
Purchase tickets in store or online by
Monday, April 24, 2017
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Carving Station of Savory Beef Brisket with Artesian Rolls, with Mushroom Deli Glaze, Red Onion and
Brown Mustard Relish, and Herb Mayonnaise
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots
Herb-Roasted Pork Loin with Caramelized Onions
Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast with White Wine Cream Sauce
White and Wild Rice
Roasted New Red Potatoes
Fresh Vegetable Medley
Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole (eggs, sausage, cheddar, potato)
Applewood Smoked Bacon
Buttermilk Biscuits with Country Gravy
Gourmet Desserts: Hummingbird Cake, Red Velvet, Peanut Butter Pie, Banana Pudding, and Lemon
Chiffon Cake
Beverages: Iced Tea, Lemonade, and Starbucks Coffee
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