Am I required to participate in Commencement to receive my diploma?
Participation in the Commencement Ceremony is optional, but encouraged. All students participating in the Commencement Ceremony will receive the diploma cover. The diploma inserts are mailed after the degree conferral process is completed at the end of each term.

When and where are diplomas mailed?
Diploma inserts are mailed to the degree recipient at the home address listed on the graduation application via the U.S. Post Office.

Mailing of the diploma insert takes place after the degree conferral process is completed at the end of each term.

Please note that the diploma inserts will not be released if you have any financial holds.

Students choosing not to participate in Commencement will receive the diploma insert through the mail. For December 2012 graduates who do not plan to participate in Commencement, a diploma cover may be picked up from the Office of the Registrar in January. For May 2013 graduates who do not plan to participate in Commencement, a diploma cover may be picked up from the Office of the Registrar in June.

Who sends out diplomas?
The Office of the Registrar sends out diplomas.

When will our degree show up on the transcript?
Degrees will be reflected on the academic transcript after the record has been reviewed, confirming that all graduation requirements have been satisfied. This process is called degree conferral.

Is there a practice ceremony?
No.

Do we get invitations/announcements?
You will receive a packet of ten generic graduation announcements when you pick up your cap and gown in the Mail Room on the lower level of Dawson Hall.

How and where do we get our cap and gown?
Caps and gowns are ordered online from Jostens. All orders must be placed by 12:00 a.m., March 26, 2013 when the site will close down.

Students will pick up their caps and gowns beginning Monday, May 6 through Thursday, May 16, 2013 in the Mail Room on the lower level of Dawson Hall.

How and where do we get our cap and gown if we miss the Order Deadline?
If a student misses the order deadline, he/she may contact Susan Doddek, Commencement Coordinator, at 217-525-1420, ext. 228 or sdoddek@ben.edu. There will be a limited number of caps and gowns available.

What would prevent a student from participating in the Commencement Ceremony?
You must be in good financial standing to receive your cap and gown, and you must have an academic program that will be completed by August 30, 2013.

How is the color of the “hood” determined in the academic apparel?
The color of the “hood” is contingent upon the scholarly field of study, following the guidelines by the American Council on Education.

What side of the hat is the tassel worn?
As an associate or bachelor graduation candidate, you will march into the Prairie Capitol Convention Center arena with your tassel on the right side. After the President announces your degree conferral and all diploma covers are distributed you will switch the tassel to the left side. Master’s and Doctoral candidates wear the tassel on the left side throughout.

As a graduate student in the Master’s program, will I be recognized for graduation honors?
There are no graduation honors for students earning Master’s and Doctoral Degrees.

What time should I arrive for the Commencement Ceremony?
Line up for the graduates begins at 9:00 am at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center.

Is there a Commencement Mass?
Yes. The Commencement Mass is at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening, May 17, 2013 in the Sacred Heart Chapel located at the south end of the Benedictine University at Springfield campus in Beata Hall. Students and faculty are to wear their commencement regalia.

What time should guests start to arrive for the Commencement Ceremony?
The doors to the Prairie Capitol Convention Center open at 8:30 am.

Where do we park?
The Prairie Capitol Convention Center is located in the downtown area of Springfield, Illinois between Adams & Washington Streets and Seventh and Ninth Streets. The Plaza Parking Garage is located on the west side of the Center with entrances on Seventh Street and Washington Street. Street parking is available too.
For driving directions to the Prairie Capitol Convention Center, go to the Center’s website at www.springfieldpccc.com/directions.

How many people can we invite to the ceremony?
There is no limit to the number of guests you may invite to Commencement.

Are children allowed?
Yes.

Is there assigned or reserved seating?
No. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis in the Prairie Capitol Convention Center.

Is there special seating for guests who are handicapped?
Yes.

How long will the commencement ceremony last?
The ceremony should last an estimated one to one and a quarter hours.

What if I have a question not listed above?
Please contact Susan Doddek at 217-525-1420, ext 228 or sdoddek@ben.edu if you have any other questions.