Commencement 2008

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

On Sunday morning we ask graduates participating in the Commencement Exercises to be seated in the O'Hare Academic Center by 8:15 am. Graduates not in place by 8:15 will have their diplomas and their names removed from the rolls. We ask that you allow plenty of time for traveling to the University, finding a parking place, and locating a seat in the Tent. Security Officers and Newport Police will help with the parking. The Academic Procession begins at 9:15 am and moves from Wakehurst down Ochre Point Avenue to the Commencement Tent. Parents and guests should be in the tent and seated by this time.

The Commencement Exercises end at about noon; if you are making luncheon plans or other celebratory arrangements for after the ceremony, please remember that traffic leaving the area will be heavy immediately following the ceremony.

Food Service and Facilities
The University Food Service will be selling refreshments on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the cafeteria, located in Miley Hall, will be open from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. In addition, the Jazzman Café in the O’Hare Academic Center will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. On Sunday, coffee, juice, and pastries will be sold starting at 8 am near the Commencement Tent and also at The Jazzman Café.

Handicapped and non-handicapped restrooms will be available behind O'Hare Academic Center, at the right rear of the tent, both on Saturday and Sunday.

Photography
Arrangements have been made with Commencement Photos, Inc. to take close-up pictures of each graduate as degrees are being conferred. Information on how to purchase pictures will be sent directly to your home by Commencement Photos, Inc.

Seven Oceans Video & Digital Media will videotape Honors and Awards, Baccalaureate Mass, and Commencement. Videos of the ceremonies may be purchased directly from Seven Oceans. They can be contacted at Seven Oceans, Inc., 23 Warner Street, Newport, RI 02840; by phone at 401- 846-0001; or by email at Richard@SevenOceans.com.
Publicity, Hometown Newspapers
The Office of Public Affairs will issue press releases regarding Commencement for those students who have filed for degree. Click here for Hometown publicity forms.