Ways to Participate
There are a myriad of details that go into running a successful Commencement. Employees are needed to assist on the day, whether it be participating in the procession or supporting Commencement "behind the scenes".
Processional Participation
Faculty and staff participating in the processional and who will be seated in the Faculty/Staff section during a Commencement ceremony were asked to register their participation. Participating faculty and staff will receive further instruction from their College Coordinator.
Those needing to rent regalia to participate in the procession were asked to order with Herff Jones Faculty Direct. Items ordered online are available to pick up at The Campus Store on the Arcata Plaza. Faculty and staff can return regalia rentals back to The Campus Store during the week after Commencement.
If faculty or staff need regalia items or have any questions regarding faculty or staff regalia orders, contact The Campus Store at (707) 826-3741.
Commencement Support
Staff who would like to provide support during the on-campus Commencement ceremonies were asked to make arrangements with their supervisor and submit their interest and availability. With the change in venues and schedule, staff are being asked to submit their interest and availability once more. We ask staff to please complete the following form by Tuesday, May 7.
Positions such as greeting, ushering, handing out programs, providing ADA support, providing parking and traffic support, supporting the graduate and faculty/staff line-up area, etc. are needed. Information regarding shifts and assignments will be shared closer to the event.
If staff have questions about their supporting Commencement registration, contact grad@humboldt.edu.
Check-in
Faculty or staff who are participating in the processional, should arrive with their regalia at their assigned venue no later than 45 minutes prior to their ceremony start time.
Staff who are providing support at the local Commencement ceremonies will receive their shift and venue assignment closer to the event and will be asked to check-in and check-out at the Staff Check-In area at the start and end of their shift.
Order of Ceremony
Processional
The faculty will lead the staff and the graduates in, followed by the Platform Party. Graduates will file out in one single file line—you must stay in the line with your major. Please do not stop for photos or to talk with family and friends. Ushers will direct you to your seat.
During Ceremony
- Following the cue, you will be directed to exit their seats and line up near the stage one row at a time.
- When it is your turn, hand your name card to the stage manager, and cross the stage as your name is read.
- Move to the floor marker on the stage in front of the podium and receive your diploma cover. Pause and face the photographer for a photo.
- After the photo, ushers will direct you to exit the stage and return to your seat.
- For master’s candidates, you will carry your hood in the processional on your arm. As you line up to go on stage, you’ll get instructions about how to hold your hood. You will be hooded on stage prior to receiving your diploma cover.
- Following the reading of the graduate names, degrees will be conferred and you will be asked to switch your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left. Please ask your guests to stay for this celebratory moment.
Recessional
For all ceremonies, after the closing remarks, there will be a musical cue for the Platform Party to lead the faculty,staff and graduates out. Exiting will be prompted one row at a time by the ushers. Ushers will then direct guests when to depart.
Parking
There will be no designated parking for faculty or staff - please see the parking information for each venue on the Guest tab.