Frequently Asked Questions
ELIGIBILITY
Q. I need 18 hours to graduate. I'd like to take 16 this spring semester and the other 2 during the summer. Can I still participate in the May ceremony?
A. Yes. Your diploma, however, will not be conferred until after your required credits are completed.
Q. How can I make sure I'm on the May graduation list?
A. In order to graduate, you must notify the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences of your intent. This is done at the same time that when you register for Spring semester on Banner by selecting "Graduation Information" then "Notify Intent to Graduate". Complete the requested information. If, for some reason, you do not do so by the tenth day of class, contact your admissions/records officer. Otherwise, your name will not be added to the pending degree list, and the date of your degree award and diploma will be delayed. Also, you should be aware that if you are removed from the list, for any reason, such as dropping a required course, you cannot register for additional course work without the approval of the associate dean in LAS Student Academic Affairs.
REGISTRATION
Q. How do I register to participate in the Sociology and Earth Sciences May Convocation?
A. You will receive an email from your department soon after the semester begins giving you the web address information for registering. The same email will provide you with the May 2008 Sociology and Earth Sciences web page. Most questions can be answered by exploring this site.
COLLEGE AND DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
Q. I'm getting Departmental Distinction. Will I be recognized for this during the ceremony?
A. Yes. At the ceremony, the emcee describes the various honors and what the student must do to achieve the honor status. The emcee will then read the list of students receiving departmental honors and the achieved level.
Q. How do I know if I'm getting College Honors (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude)?
A. Check with your records officer in LAS.
Q. If I get College Honors, will I be recognized at the ceremony?
A. Yes. At the ceremony, the emcee describes the various honors and what the student must do to achieve the honor status. The emcee will then read the list of students receiving college honors and the achieved level.
TICKETS
Q. I know that I register for the number of tickets on the Sociology and Earth Sciences Registration page, however, when will I know if I actually will get the number I requested?
A. Each participant will receive at least 4 tickets. We won't know about extra tickets until May 1, 2008. Students have from December 30, 2007, to April 23, 2008 to register to participate in the ceremony. Departments will be dispensing tickets the week of May 2nd.
DAY OF THE CEREMONY
Q. Will there be a rehearsal before the ceremony?
A. No. Because there isn't a rehearsal, it is imparative you arrive at the west end of the basement of Smith Music Hall at 8:45am.
ACADEMIC ATTIRE
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD candidates participating in the Sociology and Earth Sciences Convocation as well as the campus wide Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 11, 2008, are required to wear appropriate academic attire. Academic attire consists of a mortarboard, a gown and, in the case of a graduate degree, a hood.
Graduates may order academic attire on-line, at http://www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation, through April 20. Students may also order academic attire in person at the Authors Corner, Illini Union Bookstore. The schedule for these on-campus ordering dates is included in the 2008 Commencement Guide to Activities and the Spring Timetable. For more information on dates and attire cost please look in the 2008 Commencement Guide to Activities.