2008 Commencement Ceremony
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is commencement?
The Pavilion
Saturday, June 14, 3 p.m.
- Where is commencement?
At The Pavilion at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. The parking lot entrance is on Sunnyview Road near 17th Street NE. This is Chemeketa's 52nd commencement and the second to be held at The Pavilion. There is ample free parking and comfortable seating for your friends and family, including plenty of seating for guests with disabilities.
- Who can participate?
All eligible graduates of one-year certificate and two-year degree programs; High School Equivalency (HEP); General Educational Development (GED); and High School Completion (HSC).
- How long does commencement last?
About two hours. You must stay for the entire duration of the ceremony.
- Do I need to attend the rehearsal?
Yes, attendance at rehearsal is required. Rehearsal will start at 10 a.m. at The Pavilion and last about an hour.
- What is the cost to participate in commencement?
The only cost to participate is the purchase of a cap and gown for $29.95 from the Bookstore. Caps and gowns may be purchased at a special ordering event on April 15 and 16 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Building 2 lobby, or from the Bookstore starting April 17.
- Can I rent a cap and gown?
Caps and gowns are only available for purchase.
- Can I march at commencement in June if I can't graduate until the end of summer term?
Yes. If you are within 12 credits of graduation at the end of spring term and plan on completing those credits Summer term, you can participate in the June commencement.
- Can I march at commencement in June if I can't graduate until the end of fall term?
No. You must plan on completing your degree by the end of summer term 2008 in order to participate in this year's commencement.
- I'm earning more than one degree or certificate. How will that be recognized at commencement?
We call the name of each graduate once, and each graduate walks across the stage only once. When you purchase your cap and gown, you will be asked to select the degree for which you want to be recognized. The printed commencement program, however, will identify all of the degrees and/or certificates you have earned (or for which you have applied) for the current academic year.
- What is the deadline for me to decide if I'm going to participate in commencement?
Graduation Applications should be submitted by May 16 in order to have your name included in the commencement program. You can still participate in commencement if you submit a Graduation Application by June 11.
- Will my name appear in the newspaper?
If you have submitted a Request for Non-Disclosure of Student Information, then your name will not be published in the newspaper or in the commencement program. For more information contact the Admissions office at 503.399.5006 or by e-mail at admissions@chemeketa.edu.
- Do I have to wear a cap and gown at commencement?
Yes. You must wear a cap and gown. Graduates of one-year certificate and two-year degree programs wear black. Graduates of High School Completion, HEP and GED programs wear green. The only exception is for graduates of the Emergency Services programs (Fire Protection, EMT, etc.). Those graduates may wear their uniforms to commencement.
- What is the marching order for graduates?
Our marching order is alphabetically by department and then alphabetically by program within the department.
- I want to sit next to a friend who is also graduating. Do I have to follow this marching order? Are there any exceptions?
The only exceptions are for graduates who have a documented disability and need to sit in a different location. For example, a graduate in a wheelchair may be permitted to sit closer.
- What if I need a disability-related accommodation?
You will need to contact Disability Services at least two weeks prior to commencement so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Contact information for Disability Services is listed at the bottom of this page.
- Can I reserve seats for my guests?
No, seats cannot be reserved. First-row seating space will be available for elderly and guests with disabilities.
- How many guests can I invite to commencement?
There is no limit since The Pavilion has ample seating for your friends and family.
- Will there be a photographer at commencement?
Yes. You will receive additional information about pictures at the graduation rehearsal. With respect to guests taking photos, you will receive instructions at graduation rehearsal.
- What happens during the commencement ceremony?
The ceremony includes the following: - Messages from the college president, Board of Education and student speakers
- Recognition of scholastic achievement, scholarship and other student awards
- Presentation of degrees, certificates and diplomas
- Tassel movement and Recessional
- If I participate in commencement and then complete my program requirements in a later term, do I need to do anything to get my diploma (degree, certificate)?
Yes. You must submit a new Graduation Application to let Chemeketa know that you have completed your requirements (an additional fee is not required). A final degree audit will be performed to certify that you have met graduation requirements. After you have been certified as graduated, we will mail your diploma.
- Will I receive my diploma at commencement?
No. Your diploma is mailed to you after we certify that you have met graduation requirements for your degree. At commencement, you will receive a diploma cover.
- When will my diploma arrive in the mail?
Diplomas for spring term graduates are not mailed until after September 15. If there is a hold on your account, you will not receive your diploma until the hold is cleared. You must notify Chemeketa if you move or change your mailing address prior to receiving your diploma.
- Where is my diploma sent?
To the address on file with the Registrar's office.
- What should I do if I need proof of one-year certificate or two-year degree graduation before receipt of my diploma?
Order an official transcript and make sure to mark the appropriate box on the transcript request form indicating that you want your transcript to be held for posting of the degree. Your transcript will be posted with your graduation date and credential earned.
- If I lose my diploma can I get a new one?
Yes. The cost is $5 for the diploma and an additional $5 to mail it. A signed letter should be sent to the Registrar's office listing your name, dates of attendance, "K" number and mailing address. A form is also available in the Enrollment Center and on our web site.
If you have questions about graduation requirements for your:
- one-year certificate or two-year degree, contact Amy Early in Graduation Services at 503.399.6588 or graduation@chemeketa.edu;
- GED certificate, contact Linda Abundis at 503.399.6552 or abul@chemeketa.edu;
- high school completion diploma, contact Minty Schmid at 503.399.5293 or schm@chemeketa.edu;
- HEP certificate, contact Linda Herrera in the HEP office at 503.589.7764 or herl@chemeketa.edu.
If you have questions about cap and gown or other graduation regalia, contact Margaret Byers in the Bookstore at 503.399.2540 or margaret@chemeketa.edu.
If you have questions about disability accommodations, contact Rebecca Bolante in Disability Services at 503.399.5276 or rwoods8@chemeketa.edu.
If you have questions about the commencement ceremony, contact Mike Evans at 503.399.2391 or evam@chemeketa.edu or Amy Early at 503.399.6588 or graduation@chemeketa.edu.
To request this document in an alternate format, please contact Disability Services at 503.399.5192 (V/TTY) or disability@chemeketa.edu.
Updated April 4, 2008 by Marketing and Student Recruitment.