The purpose of Countdown to Commencement is to assist those participating in this year’s spring commencements, set for 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7. The early ceremony will be to honor associate and bachelor’s degree candidates. Master’s and doctoral degree candidates will be honored in the second ceremony. Marshall will be celebrating its 179th commencement.
Countdown to Commencement is designed to assist graduates in communicating with campus administrative offices in one central location.
“Countdown to Commencement is just what the name implies – the beginning of the countdown to that very special day in the lives of our seniors who will be graduating,” said Registrar Roberta Ferguson. “We have found in recent years that many of the graduates have come to depend on Countdown to Commencement as they prepare for graduation day.”
Ferguson said the candidates find the convenience of visiting a central location to take care of pre-commencement details “time saving and enjoyable.”
Parents and family members are welcome to accompany the graduates, and refreshments will be available.
Countdown to Commencement is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
The following services will be available at Countdown to Commencement:
Registrar’s Office – Students can verify graduation status, name format, and address for mailing diploma; confirm commencement participation; obtain commencement instructions; receive recognition cords for military service or ROTC; pick up honor cords and tassels (if graduating with academic honors); and have an opportunity to ask any questions related to commencement.
Marshall University Bookstore – Students can be measured for and purchase their caps and gowns, as well as purchase tassels, diploma frames, class rings and much more.
Jostens – Students can purchase their Marshall University Class of 2016 rings. Ring packages include a custom ring, wooden display box and a 10-year extended warranty. Also, students can order graduation announcements.
GradImages – Cap and Gown portraits will be taken. There is no sitting fee, no obligation to purchase and free proofs will be available within 24 hours of the sitting.
Framing Success – Diploma frames will be available for purchase.
Graduate College – A graduate admission counselor will be available to discuss graduate programs and assist with the admission process.
Career Services – Students are encouraged to let the Career Center know their post-graduation plans so it can help them along their career paths. Students may stop by the Career Services table to check out JOBTRAX (online job search assistance). Information and support will be available on job-related questions, resume assistance, interview skills and much more.
Office of the Bursar – Students may talk with staff about anything concerning their student accounts, holds, account balances and loan exit counseling materials.
Financial Aid – Students may pick up information about upcoming financial aid workshops in which they may learn about student loan debt management, loan repayment, loan consolidation and loan forgiveness/cancellation programs. They also will have the opportunity to complete their loan exit counseling.
Alumni Relations – Students can learn about the benefits of a Marshall University Alumni Association membership.
Center for African American Students – All African and African American graduates are encouraged to stop by for information and to enroll for purposes of participating in the historical Donning of Kente celebration.
For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 304-696-6410.