Commencement - Additional Information
Help Us Plan
To ensure adequate seating, graduates must complete their Commencement Participation Form no later than April 6. See the Commencement Fair information to learn more about important preparations for the big event.
Diplomas
Graduates will receive a diploma cover during the ceremony. Actual diplomas will be mailed pending verification of degree approximately six weeks later.
Diploma Frames
Fine quality diploma frames, including a mat and medallion of the Keene State College Seal, are available from the College Bookstore. For more information, contact the Bookstore at 603-358-2651.
Photos
Graduation Images will be photographing all graduates at the upcoming Commencement ceremony. Professional photographers will take three different pictures of each graduate shaking hands with the president and crossing the platform. Information on ordering photos will be sent by the studio to all graduating students' KSC mailcruiser account. You may
also visit www.gradimages.com and click on the Pre-Event E-mail Registration. Enter your permanent e-mail address and e-mail addresses of your loved ones who would like to view and order your photos. After graduation you may order online at www.gradimages.com or call 800-424-3686.
Spring Honors Convocation
Spring Honors Convocation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Friday, May 4 in the Spaulding Gym Recreation Center.
The Convocation recognizes excellence in student scholarship and leadership, the recipients of undergraduate Academic Honors (students graduating with a GPA of 3.5-4.0, based on grades through the fall 2011), the Leo F. Redfern Outstanding Citizen, and other academic honorees. Students receiving awards will be notified approximately two weeks before the event. Families will also be invited. Academic regalia is required for students participating in the event.
Commencement Ceremony
The Keene State College Commencement Ceremony, which lasts about two and one half hours, is held outdoors on Fiske Quad so that all family members and friends can attend. Pets are not permitted, with the exception of service animals. No tickets are required. Seating for guests is on a first-come, first-seated basis. As the ceremony is heavily attended, we recommend that family members and friends arrive early and are seated on the quad no later than 11:00a.m.
Fiske Quad Seating Plan
Graduates' Assembly
Graduates should arrive at Spaulding Gymnasium by 11:30 on the morning of Commencement. Note: Personal belongings may not be left in the gym during the ceremony.
Inclement Weather
The Commencement Ceremony will be held outside on Fiske Quad. You are strongly encouraged to check the weather forecast for Saturday and dress appropriately. We are known to experience all types of weather on Commencement Day. But, remember, this is New England and the weather can change quickly. Please check the forecast and dress accordingly. There are indoor viewing areas available for those guests who need to be out of the weather.
Severe Weather
In the event of severe weather, we will interrupt the ceremony and direct you to make your way off of the quad. Please take note of your seating location in the safe evacuation information provided in your Commencement program. If you choose to seek shelter during the emergency please proceed to the building that corresponds with your seating area in the safe evacuation information. Take the time to note the nearest aisles and exits from the seating area. Please note the Crowd Managers around the perimeter of the seating area; they are available for questions and to assist you during the evacuation.
Reception
All graduates and their guests are welcome to join faculty, staff, and fellow graduates for light refreshments at the Zorn Dining Commons immediately following the ceremony. This reception is sponsored by the President's Office.
Special Services
- Commencement events are held in wheelchair-accessible facilities; however, the College does not provide wheelchairs.
- Emergency medical services will be available on Appian Way.
- Rest rooms are located in Rhodes Hall, Morrison Hall, Parker Hall, the Student Center, Spaulding Gym and Recreation Center, and the Zorn Dining Commons. All buildings are located along Appian Way.
- Handicapped seating is available; please refer to the seating plan. To maximize available seating, one escort may accompany each guest needing the handicap seating accommodation. The quad is wheelchair-accessible; therefore, we do not reserve seats.
- For accommodations such as a large-print program or an interpreter for the hearing impaired, please contact the VPSA office.
Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
Alcohol is not allowed at Commencement at any time and will be confiscated. Graduates will not be allowed to participate in or attend the Commencement ceremony if intoxicated. Keene State College campus is a tobacco free zone for Commencement Saturday May 5, 2012.
Decorum
Reserving chairs on the quad is not allowed. Seating is open and we kindly request that seats not be saved by any means other than someone sitting in the seat. If you bring balloons, ribbon, tape, name cards, paper, etc., to attach to chairs in an attempt to save multiple seats, a member of security or the Commencement staff will ask you to remove them or will remove them. Air Horns and Beach Balls are NOT allowed at the ceremony. Items that distract, are disrespectful or diminish the ceremony will be confiscated. Please turn off or mute your cell phone during the ceremony. We ask that you act with consideration and stay for the entire Commencement ceremony. The graduate procession from Spaulding Gym begins at 12:15 p.m. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. and ends between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
For any questions please call 603-358-8500.
Senior Activities
Senior Class Office, 603-358-2747
Yearbooks
Kronicle Office, Student Center, 3rd floor, 603-358-2894
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