Congratulations! You are near the completion of your studies and are eligible for graduation from Manchester University in 2022.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR GRADUATES

BACCALAUREATE, Friday, May 20, 7 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium 

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES, Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. in Cordier Auditorium

Arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. 

UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES, Saturday, May 21, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium

Arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.  

ACCESSIBLE SEATING

Facilities are accessible for both ceremonies. If you have guests who require accessible seating, please contact Jill Manns at ext. 5050 or jrmanns@manchester.edu.

MEAL AND REFRESHMENT OPTIONS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 21

Sisters Café, located in the Academic Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
At the Jo Young Switzer Center, Haist Commons will be open 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

HOUSING

If parents or guests coming to Commencement need overnight accommodations, please see the suggested list of accommodations here.

CAP AND GOWN

The Campus Store will communicate about ordering your cap and gown. Make sure you try on your cap and gown before the day of Commencement.

When worn properly, the mortarboard cap should be level on top. It is also advisable to take your gown out of the packaging and hang it up a few days before Commencement to release it of wrinkles. Contact Heather Gochenaur at the Campus Store for more information.

GRADUATION PLEDGE ALLIANCE

Manchester University has a long history of supporting the graduation pledge, a voluntary affirmation of the signers’ commitment to consider the environmental and social impact of whatever work they choose to pursue. Each year, 50-60 percent of the graduating class signs the pledge and wears a green ribbon in recognition of that commitment.

We invite you to consider signing the graduation pledge yourself, which can be done online. We ask that you sign the pledge before May 11 to ensure we have enough ribbons for all signers. The pledge reads:

“I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”

Click here to learn more about Manchester University's history with the pledge.

GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHY

Each student will be photographed as his/her diploma is presented by the president of the University. Information will be sent to the student's home following Commencement. Each student will receive a free proof and the opportunity to purchase additional copies. There is no obligation to purchase these pictures.

In addition, a digital recording of the Commencement ceremonies will be available to stream online or download after graduation.

ALUMNI OFFICE

The Alumni office often receives the question of whether a graduate can be included in reunions of a class other than the one in which they are graduating. The answer is yes. Please let the Alumni Office know with which class you want to be listed, and they will be happy to include you in those mailings. For more information please contact the Alumni office at ext. 5223 or alumnioffice@manchester.edu.

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Manchester University is dedicated to the success of our graduates, and the Office of Career and Professional Development is here to help! Alumni can utilize these services any time by appointment. Please send inquiries to CareerDevelopment@manchester.edu.

Services include:

• strategies for finding a job
• assistance with graduate school applications
• resume and cover letter reviews
• interviewing practice
• negotiating ideas
• job listings
• successful practices on the job

DIPLOMA RELEASE

Graduates will receive a diploma cover during Commencement ceremonies, a common practice among colleges and universities. Once graduates complete their academic work, settle any remaining financial obligations to MU, and complete Federal Loan Exit Counseling, their diplomas will be available for pickup or mailing on a date to be determined. Please contact the Office of the Registrar if you have questions about the completion of academic requirements.