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Home Commencement Office Graduates

Participants: Commencement Day Instructions and Full Details

We are thrilled you will attend Commencement this semester. Please find full details on the upcoming ceremony and Cap and Gown Distribution. If you have questions, please email us at commencement@memphis.edu with your Unumber, Name and question. We will get back to you as soon as we can! For specific dates, times, location, cap and gown distribution visit our homepage. 

Important: Must Read and Comply (Graduating Participants and Guests)

Commencement is a time to celebrate and enjoy your accomplishments. However, it is, also, ceremonial. You are asked to honor the spirit of this important occasion by conducting yourself in a manner that is respectful of your guests, the guests of others, your fellow graduates, and you. It is your responsibility to speak to your guests to comply to the following guidelines. By participating and attending The University of Memphis Commencement ceremony you agree to observe the following guidelines:

 

Clear Bag Policy at FedExForum

BAG POLICY AND NEW SCREENING MEASURES

FedExForum has implemented a CLEAR BAG POLICY that also limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into any event.

Only bags meeting the following standards will be allowed inside FedExForum:

  • Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC no larger than 6x8x2 inches
  • Bags MAY NOT have an all-over print or decoration that prohibits FULL view of its contents
  • The bag may contain a strap, but metal or chain straps are prohibited
  • One quart or smaller clear plastic storage/freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
  • Wallets (sized to carried in the front or back pocket) no larger than 5x3.5 inches
  • Clear bags and wallets compliant with the above will also be screened through X-Ray machines.
  • Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection.
  • https://fedexforum.com/

 

Commencement Live Stream

 

What to bring to Cap and Gown Distribution

  • Bring an Electronic (no paper copies please) of your Step 4 Confirmation Email. Show the portion that shows your name (top of form).
    • Tip: Take a screenshot of the top portion of your Step 4 Confirmation Email that includes your Name, GPA, College, Major, etc. Then, simply save it as a photo in your phone. Save it in a location you can easily find. Do NOT bring hard copies please.
    • If you cannot come to distribution yourself, anyone can pick up your items for you. Simply provide this designee with an electronic copy of your Step 4 Confirmation Email.
  • Caps and Gowns are NOT available any earlier than distribution.
  • Caps can be decorated. The decoration must be flat to the surface, or it will be removed, or participation cancelled.
  • We do NOT loan out caps and gowns to students.
  • Any undergraduates receiving an honor cord for Summa, Magna or Cum Laude Honors Distinction should stop by the indicated table to request your honor cord. Provide your name to the representative. The representative will review your name and GPA and provide you with the correct honor cord color.
  • Caps and Gowns are provided to registered participants only. 

 

Pronouncer Card

  • At cap and gown distribution, you will receive your Pronouncer Card.
  • This is how your name is called at commencement and your ticket into the arena and across the stage.
  • BRING THIS CARD WITH YOU to Commencement!
  • This card is REQUIRED to attend Commencement.
  • DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD. DO NOT DESTROY THIS CARD.
  • This card cannot be replaced.
  • Lambuth Campus Pronouncer Cards will be on the Event Level at the Check-In table (behind the stage), an hour before your ceremony begins.

 

Before arriving to commencement ceremony

  • Discuss details about the ceremony with attending guests.
  • Make sure you know what your college/school is, so you lineup correctly. If you are unsure, please reach out.
  • Don’t leave home without your Cap and Gown.
  • Don’t leave home without your Pronouncer Card.
  • Do not bring restricted items. See Clear Bag Policy above. 

 

Arrival

  • Arrive 1 (ONE) hour prior to your ceremony start time.
  • Plan for traffic.
  • Enter at the front doors of the FedExForum.
  • Go through Security Checkpoints (see below for details).
  • Guests remain on the top level.
  • Participants ONLY go to the Event Level (EL). No guests are allowed on the Event Level at any time.
  • Once on the Event Level, look for your College Signage
  • Once at your college lineup, begin to line yourself up with your peers using the Number on your pronouncer card
  • Student Marshals and Crew members will assist you in this process.
  • There are 16 chairs in each row. That means that every sixteenth person ends the row.
  • Please listen for directions.

 

Personal Items, Clothing, etc.

  • Bring Clear Bag (See information above regarding what types of item are allowed and not allowed. Please share with guests.)
  • Do NOT bring personal items on the floor. Give them to guests prior to coming to the Event Level for lineup.
  • Bring your cellphone. When it is time to go to stage, take your cellphone with you. We cannot watch or keep cellphones or any other personal items, and we do not recommend leaving person items in your chair.
  • Wear something with pockets, if desired.
  • Wear lightweight clothing. Be comfortably dressed up.
  • Avoid suit-jackets.
  • High-heeled shoes are strongly discouraged. Wear shoes that are comfortable.
  • Gowns are black.
  • The Commencement Program (Hard Copy/Electronic Program) lists the name in this order (Doctoral, Masters and Undergraduates by College and School names in Alpha Name Order).

 

Tickets

  • Commencement is free and open to the public. No tickets required.
  • Guests’ seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Guests cannot hold seats.

 

Parking

  • Parking is available in the FedExForum Garage on a first come/first-served basis for $10.00.
  • Must be paid via CREDIT CARD ONLY. Guests will need to have a credit card to pay for parking in the FedExForum Garage. No cash accepted. 
  • https://fedexforum.com/plan-your-visit/parking

 

Seating Diagram

 

Duration

  • Plan for a ceremony of 2 hours. Stay for full duration.
  • Graduates go across the stage at the end for a final celebration together.

 

Lineup at the Ceremony

  • At the ceremony, you will lineup in numerical order by college and school.
  • Pay attention to Signs when you arrive downstairs for lineup (Event Level)
  • The Pronouncer Card (you will receive this at cap and gown distribution) will have a number in the lower left corner “Lineup Order”.
  • Line up in NUMERICAL order for your college.
  • When lining up, do NOT block the hallway/aisles. You will prevent traffic from flowing smoothly.
  • LINEUP IN A SINGLE FILE LINE (against the wall).
  • Working together with other graduates in your college will allow this to flow smoothly.
  • Business & College of Arts & Sciences are our largest colleges and have several people lining up. Please listen for instructions and be patient with other graduates as they arrive.
  • Crew Members will be on hand to help you. Please listen to direction.

 

Stage

  • We keep the lines moving quickly.
  • Proceed as you are directed to.
  • Dancing, leaping, jumping, yelling or the like are completely prohibited. You will be removed. Refer to COMMENCEMENT CONDUCT GUIDELINES in this email.
  • After taking your photo, return to your seat for further direction.

 

Cap Decorating

  • You can decorate your cap. The decoration must be flat on the top of the surface, only.
  • Any other adornments are not allowed. It will be removed.
  • Honor Cords, Honor Medallions, Stoles, and other academic items are allowed.

 

Security at the FedExForum

  • Walk-through magnetometers were installed at FedExForum under the premise of being used at all Memphis Grizzlies games, as per an NBA mandate conceptualized during league security meetings. The magnetometers have become an industry standard across MLB, NHL and NFL venues and their use will now be mandatory for every FedExForum event in order to improve fan safety and guest experience, a shared goal between FedExForum, the University of Memphis and touring production companies. To ensure your Commencement ceremony is enjoyable for you and your guests, please note the following:
  • X-Ray Units that bags must be scanned through instead of just opened up and visually checked.
  • Secondary metal detector for failed screening or individual must pass through metal detector until they are cleared.
  • Guests are advised to bring ONLY necessary items to the FedExForum during events, concerts and games.
  • Separate express lanes will be available for guests in the Grand Lobby without bags to be inspected.
  • Guests will not need to remove their hats, shoes, belts, watches or jewelry as with airport security. Guests will have to place their cell phones, cameras, keys on a security table prior to walking through the metal detector.
  • Expectant mothers, those with pacemakers and ADA guests are not subject to the magnetometers and will instead be screened through handheld devices.
  • BAG POLICY AND NEW SCREENING MEASURES
    • FedExForum has implemented a CLEAR BAG POLICY that also limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into any event.
    • Only bags meeting the following standards will be allowed inside FedExForum:
    • Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC no larger than 6x8x2 inches.
    • Bags MAY NOT have an all-over print or decoration that prohibits FULL view of its contents.
    • The bag may contain a strap, but metal or chain straps are prohibited.
    • One quart or smaller clear plastic storage/freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
    • Wallets (sized to carried in the front or back pocket) no larger than 5x3.5 inches.
    • Clear bags and wallets compliant with the above will also be screened through X-Ray machines.
    • Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection.
  • Food will not be available for this event. Coffee and water are available for purchase at Snax by section 101.
  • Outside food and beverages cannot be brought into FedExForum.
  • Remember that wrapped gifts and helium balloons are never allowed into FedExForum.

 

Social Media is a great way to connect with us. Follow us and be sure to tag #MemphisGrad2023 so we can share your moments on our social media. You can find us at the Social Media links below:

 

Gifts to Graduates

 

Invitations 

Invitations are not required for participation in Commencement. If you wish to purchase invitations, they are available at:

    • University Store (generic invitations only), 901.678.2011
    • Balfour
    • Jostens

 

Graduation Photos

  • GradImages will be photographing all graduates at the upcoming graduation ceremony. After graduation, you may order online at www.gradimages.com.
  • GradImages will take 2-3 photos throughout your graduation ceremony. These photos will be emailed to your Memphis email address 7 days after the event.

 

Accessibility Concerns

 

Sharing Information with Family and Friends

While Commencement is a family event and we look forward to you participating with family and friends, we do not share participation details with family/friends for any of our participants. It is your responsibility to share your participation with the individuals you want to know. We do not and cannot provide academic details with family and friends either. Please be sure family and friends are aware of this. We can provide general ceremonial details only.  Details about the upcoming commencement will be updated later. For current information, visit: https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/.

 

Diplomas

Diplomas & Graduate Certificates will be mailed 4 months after Commencement. They are not available any earlier and not available for pickup. It is your responsibility to ensure we have your correct address. Please pay close attention to the following:

  • Diplomas are mailed 4 months after each Commencement. They are not available for pick-up.
  • The address on your Graduation Application is what we use.
  • If you have an update to your address, email us one month after Commencement Day. Do not simply update your address with the University. Again, the address we use is the address that is listed on our graduation application.
  • If you do not update your address by our deadline above, you will be charged for any reprints, if necessary.
  • Diplomas: Will only reflect the degree, any undergraduate honors distinctions, and undergraduate departmental honors. Undergraduate Majors and Concentrations are available on your transcripts and will not be placed on any undergraduate (bachelor) diplomas.
    • Student’s name
    • College or School Name
    • University Name
    • Date of Graduation
    • Academic honors (if earned)
    • College honors (if earned)
    • Departmental honors (if earned)
    • No, we do not have digital copies (soft copy).
  • The official document of your Degree Award is the Transcript, not the diploma. The Registrar handles Transcripts, Degree Verification for Schools, Jobs, etc.. You can reach them at 901-678-2810 or online at https://www.memphis.edu/registrar/.
  • For academic related questions and overall certification of your degree, contact your Advisor or Graduation Analyst https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/graduates/graduation-analyst.php.
  • We do not have digital copies (soft copy). The official document of awarding of your degree is the official transcript. The Registrar handles this at 901-678-2810.

 

While masks are not currently required, as of this email, you are free to wear one. If you are experiencing any COVID/Flu like symptoms or other contagious viruses or have been exposed to COVID, etc., stay home from any of the above-mentioned events. Please share this with any guests who are scheduled to attend as well.

 By reading this information, you understand and agree to all its terms and conditions and that your participation in the commencement ceremony does not mean that students have graduated; degree conferral depends upon successful completion of all the degree requirements described in the Catalog of your Academic Program/College or School. All students are highly recommended to check with your department on all academic requirements. Diplomas are mailed 4 months after each graduating semester. They are not available earlier. There is a process of certification that must take place after each commencement, including checking grades and academic records.