Biology Graduation Ceremony & Reception Information:

Sunday, May 11, 2008
Noon Ceremony, Reception to Immediately Follow
Wilson Recreation Center

This ceremony will include the actual distribution of diplomas for first majors only. If you are a second major in Biology then your diploma will be awarded by the department of your first major.

Ceremony Procedures

Please make all efforts to arrive at Wilson Recreation Center promptly after the Wallace Wade Ceremony. We will begin as close to noon as possible. The easiest way to get to Wilson from Wallace Wade Stadium will be to leave the Stadium towards the student parking lots and walk to Wilson, entering directly
into the gym. Please do not enter Wilson through the regular carded entrance.

Here's what you'll need to do:

* Continue to wear your cap and gown.

* Find your seat in the rows next to the stage. Each seat will be marked with a graduate's name. The seating will be alphabetical. YOU MUST SIT IN YOUR ASSIGNED SEAT! There will be no lining up for a processional, so we depend on you to be seated in the right order to be sure that you get the correct diploma.

* There will be a name-tag on your seat. Place the name-tag over your heart. It will be used to match you with your diploma during the ceremony.

* Awards and Honors will be announced first. Distinction in Biology recipients will be asked to rise when their name is called. Departmental awardees will be asked to approach the stage to receive their awards.

* An usher will direct your aisle to rise and approach the stage. You will process in a single-file across the stage. You should step forward onto the stage when your name is called. A faculty member will be at the top of the steps to cue you when your name is called.

*Return to your seat immediately after exiting the stage, staying in line with your classmates. Please remain seated until all graduates have received their diplomas and the ceremony has concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

* Are tickets issued for the Ceremony & Reception?

No. RSVPs were requested for a seat and catering head count. If your family indicated on the RSVP that wheelchair accessible seating would be needed, appropriate seats will be reserved with a sign that reads "Reserved for the John Doe Family".

* How long will the Ceremony & Reception last?

The Ceremony should take about an hour. The Reception will immediately follow at the same location. You may stay as long or short as you wish, but please ask your families to be patient and wait till the ceremony is over before heading back for food.

* What happens if I am not receiving a diploma due to unpaid fines, Dec or Summer graduation, etc.?

We will issue a "dummy" diploma in a University diploma holder that looks just like what everyone else is getting. No one in the audience will know the difference. Actual diplomas will be mailed out by the University Marshal when appropriate.

* Will there be a photographer at the Ceremony?

Yes. We have contracted with Photo Specialties to take a picture of each graduate as they receive their diploma. The company will email and snail mail the proofs sometime after Graduation. You are under no obligation to buy. Parents/guests are welcome to take photos as well.

* If I am a double major, which Ceremony should I attend?

Diplomas are distributed through your first major. Should you choose to attend the ceremony of your second major instead of BIO, please notify Jill Foster at 660-7320. Likewise, second majors in biology are more than welcome to attend the Biology Ceremony, the Reception, or both, but should keep in mind that their actual diploma will only be available from their first major department. If you are a second major in BIO and plan on attending the BIO ceremony, please notify Jill.

Other questions? Call 660-7320 or email jill.foster@duke.edu.