Congratulations Candidates for Fall 2011 Graduation!

Graduates of ECU, December 2008

Congratulations ECU Fall 2011 Graduates!

East Central University staff, faculty and the Ada community look forward to celebrating your academic accomplishments during the commencement ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Kerr Activities Center.  For your convenience and to help make your graduation day a day you will never forget, we have provided some basic information that may be of help to you.

Commencement Ceremonies

East Central University holds commencement exercises each year in May for Spring graduating candidates and in December for its Fall graduating candidates.  All Summer graduating candidates participate in the Spring graduation ceremony prior to their final semester.  Degrees for all East Central University graduates are conferred at the commencement ceremony.  The ceremony includes an address by the ECU President and the Commencement speaker.  Honors students and students graduating with “academic achievement” (3.50-3.79 GPA) or “high academic achievement” (3.80-3.99 GPA) are recognized as a group during the commencement ceremony.  Students graduating with “highest academic achievement” (4.0 GPA) are recognized individually during the commencement ceremony.  The ceremony is approximately one hour in length and concludes with the singing of the East Central University Alma Mater.

Graduates

The morning graduation ceremony being held at 10:00 a.m. will be for all candidates.  Candidates should report to the ECU cafeteria at 9:15 a.m. to hear very important instructions related to the commencement exercises.

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE IS ONLY ONE GRADUATION CEREMONY IN THE FALL FOR ALL CANDIDATES AND IT’S HELD AT 10:00 A.M.

Instructions for ECU Graduating Candidates

  1. Disabled ECU graduates or graduates needing special accommodations for the graduation ceremony due to a physical condition should contact the Office of Admissions & Records as soon as possible to make special arrangements.  Specifically, no later than December 5 for Fall graduates.
  2. A $50 graduation fee is due by the end of the semester in which you are graduating if you’re a Bachelor’s candidate.  Bachelor’s candidates completing two degrees will pay a $100 fee.  Master’s candidates must pay a $75 graduation fee by the end of the semester in which you are graduating.  If you have not already paid, you must pay before your diploma or an official transcript will be released to you even if you choose not to walk in the ceremony.
  3. Caps and gowns may be picked up at the East Central University Bookstore through the day of graduation.  Announcements may also be purchased through the Bookstore.
  4. Application for Degree Deadline for candidates graduating in the fall is August 26, 2011.  Candidates applying after October 24, 2011 are not guaranteed to have their name listed in the commencement program, but may still walk in the ceremony.  Any candidate who does not want their name printed in the commencement program must notify the Office of Admissions & Records before the deadline to apply for graduation.
  5. It is requested that candidates wear dressy casual attire, for example, slacks, dresses, ties, etc.  T-shirts, shorts, flip flops, etc. are discouraged.  Corsages, ornamental accessories or lettering on the hat may not be worn.  Honor cords and organizational sashes are allowed.
  6. Do not bring any personal items with you, i.e. purses, shades, flowers, or cameras since you will not be allowed to carry them during the ceremony.  They will be collected and taken to the Office of Admissions & Records, Room 111 in the Administration Building, for you to pick up immediately after the ceremony. 

General Commencement Information

Kerr Activity Center doors will open at 8:45 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. ceremony.  Programs will be available to each guest as they arrive at the dome for the ceremony.  Guests may sit anywhere in the dome that does not have a reserved seating sign.  Seats may not be reserved by guests attending the ceremony.

Commencement Photos

A professional photographer from Genesee Photo will be at the ceremony to take photographs of each candidate as you walk across the stage and then another photo as you exit the stage, standing between the American Flag and the State Flag.  A proof will be mailed to you at the address listed on your Application for Diploma along with information about purchasing photo packages.

Tickets for Commencement Ceremony

Tickets are not given to ECU graduates for family members and friends to attend the graduation ceremony and they are not required.  Guests attend the commencements ceremonies free of charge and seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Commencement Rain Plan

In the event of heavy rain or other inclement weather, all candidates will meet in Kerr Activities Center, Room 202. 

Guests with Disabilities and/or Special Needs

At East Central University, it is our goal to accommodate all guests with disabilities or special needs.  For your convenience, we have wheelchair seating inside Kerr Activity Center on the North side, floor level.  In addition, there is limited wheelchair seating on both the North and South side upper levels.  There is also handicap parking available on the lower level north parking lot.  Enter west off of Stadium Drive.

Parking

All guests may park at any available East Central University parking area.    Available parking includes, but is not limited to, Kerr Activity Center, Norris Field, Pontotoc Residence Hall, and Mayhue Tennis Courts.