Detailed Instructions for Undergraduate Students 2021

Instructions for Graduating Students

May 1, 2021 Undergraduate Commencement

Congratulations Graduates! These certainly are extraordinary times, with extraordinary circumstances. But you are an
extraordinary class! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

The purpose of this document is to prepare you for the events of the day. When in doubt, just show up. We have people
ready to assist you and make this ceremony as smooth as possible.

What to bring/wear

1. Wear all of your regalia as applies to your situation. Caps, gowns, tassels, stoles, etc.
2. Honors cords and tassels will be provided in your packed upon check in.
3. Caps may be adorned as you wish. Start with your tassel on the right. You will move it to the left when instructed to

do so at the end.
4. Masks will be required at all times except for when crossing the stage (optional) and when outdoors. Jessup is

providing a “Jessup Grad 2021” mask for all students. You may wear the one provided or a personal mask if you
choose.

Who can attend?

1. No tickets are required. We trust that you will make every effort to keep your guests to 10 or less.
2. Remember, it will be live streamed and anyone can watch it from the comfort of their own home.

Where are the bathrooms?

Restrooms are located in the Administration Building near check-in. Additionally, restrooms in the auditorium will be
available.

Timeline

9:00 a.m. Graduates arrive with their families for check-in and parking.

● Please proceed to the courtyard area located between the auditorium and the administration building.
● Graduates: in your packet you will find your name card and pencil in the packet provided. If you have a

unique name, please be sure to provide the phonetic spelling of your name on the space provided.
● After checking in, please proceed to get your individual photo taken.

9:40 a.m. All graduates must be back at the courtyard area to line up and receive instructions for the
processional.

10:00 a.m. Commencement begins.

● About 20 minutes into the program, Phil Escamilla will say “Graduates, prepare to commence.”
● As Great is Thy Faithfulness is being sung, graduates will be lead to the side hallway to line up for walking

across the stage.
● Graduates’ name cards will be read as you begin to cross the stage.
● You will receive a diploma cover from the VPAA, then a towel from the President with a photo opportunity at

that point.
● Both the VPAA and the President will have hand sanitizer applied between each graduate.
● Hand sanitizer will also be provided in the containers on the back of the seats.

● Once all names are read, the prayer of consecration is prayed, and Dr. Jackson returns to the podium
11:55 a.m. (approximately) Closing of ceremony.
● Graduates will stand. Dr. Jackson will confer the degrees and at the end will say “Graduates, you may turn

your tassels!” At that time graduates will move their tassel from the right side of the cap to the left and may
toss their caps or respond as they wish.
● Dr. Jackson and the faculty will lead students in the recessional to the outside deck.

The JESSUP letters will be available for photo opportunities before and after the ceremony.

Processional: Green
Line up for stage: Red
Recessional: Blue