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Commencement

Celebrate the graduating class of 2024!

Join us for our Spring 2024 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 10 am in the Mason Activity Center (Gymnasium)

The commencement ceremony will be live streamed at cairn.edu/livestream.

MG 9332

Full Event Schedule

Friday, May 3rd

9:30 amUndergraduate Commencement Rehearsal (Dual-Level included)
Gymnasium, MAC
10:30 amUndergraduate Brunch
Furman Dining Commons, MAC
5 pmMasters and Degree Completion Commencement Rehearsal
Gymnasium, MAC
6:30 pmMasters Banquet and Hooding Ceremony
Furman Dining Commons, MAC

Saturday, May 4th

8–9 amBuffet Breakfast
All graduates, family, and friends are invited to enjoy breakfast.
COST: $5.75 per person (pay at the door)
Furman Dining Commons, MAC
Coffee will be available in the Upper MAC lobby.
9 amGymnasium Doors Open
9:15 amGraduate Check-In
Gymnasium, MAC (Lower Level)
10 amCommencement Ceremony
Gymnasium, MAC
12–1 pmLunch Buffet
All graduates, family, and friends are invited to a buffet lunch.
COST: $6.75 per person (pay at the door)
Furman Dining Commons, MAC

Undergraduate Commencement

Graduation 2023 1000 1

Department Obligations

Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. Unpaid fines accrued after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s).

Students must pay all financial obligations (including fines) before they may participate in commencement, receive official transcript(s), or receive diploma(s). Payment is due by December 1st for Fall (December) graduation, and April 15th for Spring (May) graduation. (If paying with a Nelnet plan, final payment is due November 1st for Fall graduation, and April 1st for Spring graduation).

Graduation Fee: All students whose graduation application is approved will be charged a graduation fee: $110 for Undergraduate & Degree Completion students, and $120 for Graduate students. The fee covers all expenses related to graduation and the Commencement ceremony. These expenses are shared by all graduates regardless of participation in the ceremony.

Balance & Payment Methods: Check for a balance due at https://selfservice.cairn.edu. Pay either online at https://pay.cairn.edu or in-person at Student Financial Services with cash, check, eCheck, or credit card (2% fee). If your student account has a credit balance, you may request a refund after commencement: email [email protected] from your Cairn inbox and include your post-graduation physical mailing address

Contact us with any questions at [email protected] or (215)702-4201. You may also visit the Student Financial Services office Monday–Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm (first floor of SAB, down the hall & to the left from the Welcome Center).

 

All students who have borrowed federal loans during any portion of their education at Cairn are required to complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling. This requirement is completed online at studentaid.gov. As you get started, it would be helpful to have available information about your income, financial aid and living expenses.  At the end of your exit counseling session, you will be asked for information that will be included as part of your federal student loan records. You must provide the following:

Name, address, email address and phone number for:

  • Your next of kin
  • Two references who live in the US
  • Your future employer (if known)

You will need your FSA ID username and password to Sign In, then look for the “Loan Replacement” and from the dropdown menu select “Complete Exit Counseling.”

  • Select the School State: Pennsylvania and School Name: Cairn University
  • Click the Add School button
  • Click the Continue button
  • Follow the instructions to continue through the counseling session.
  • Be sure to include Cairn as the school you attended so that we are notified that you have completed the counseling.

The counseling session typically takes about 20-30 minutes.  At the end you will click the Submit Counseling button that will send confirmation to the Cairn University Financial Aid office that you have completed this counseling requirement.

Contact Financial Aid at [email protected] if you have questions about this process.

In order for students to participate in commencement, as well as receive their diploma(s) and official transcript(s), all financial obligations to Cairn University must be paid.  Unpaid parking fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. To pay your citation, Please go to https://cairn.edu/safety and look for the link (pay for a citation). Unpaid parking fines accrued after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s).  All Safety and Security fines must be paid online at https://cairn.edu/safety.
 
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

In order for students to participate in commencement, as well as receive their diploma(s) and official transcript(s), all library materials must be returned and financial obligations to Cairn University must be paid. All library materials are due the Friday before commencement. Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 for Fall and April 15 for Spring can be paid by cash, check or credit card at the Library; anything unpaid by December 1 for Fall and April 15 for Spring will be sent to Business Services for collection.

Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. Unreturned items and unpaid fines after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s). Fines and fees can be paid via cash, check, or credit card at the Library.

Library accounts can be viewed at: https://cairn.locate.ebsco.com/bookshelf/checkouts

Students must satisfactorily complete six (6) ministry experiences (two (2) of which need to be a church related ministry) and receive satisfactory evaluation from a ministry mentor in order to graduate from Cairn. Students should contact Thandizo Chawinga at [email protected] with questions about these requirements.

This short survey is administered in eLearning and allows students to evaluate personal experiences in regards to the academic, co-curricular, and overall quality of life. The data collected assists the University in evaluating its services, programs and helps create a community that provides an enriching experience for our students.

Contact Rick Houseknecht at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

Registrar Obligations/ Information

Please be aware that professors must submit current semester grades for all graduating students by 10 am on Wednesday, May 1. If students have a course grade of “NR” or “I” from a previous term, it is their responsibility to contact the professor and request they submit a Change of Grade Form to the Registrar’s Office by the May 1 deadline.

 

Undergraduate Baccalaureate candidates who have completed at least 60 credits in residence are eligible for graduation honors.  Those who attain a scholastic average of 3.50 graduate Cum Laude. Those who attain a scholastic average of 3.75 graduate Magna Cum Laude. Candidates who attain a scholastic average of 3.90 graduate Summa Cum Laude.

  • Caps and gowns may be picked up in the Registrar’s Office. Dates and times: TBA
  • An email will be sent out on dates/times that pick-up will be available.
  • Men and women are to wear dark shoes; men are to wear dark socks.
  • All graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony must arrive wearing full academic attire: cap with tassel, gown, and hood. Only University-issued honor cords and academic medals are to be worn with academic attire. 

ACADEMIC REGALIA SHOULD NOT BE ALTERED IN ANY WAY.
THIS INCLUDES BOTH CAP AND GOWN.

 

Diplomas and transcripts will be printed following the Commencement ceremony and will be sent to the address indicated on your Graduation Application. Please notify the Registrar’s Office of any address changes after submission of the Graduation Application. Please allow 4-6 weeks for diplomas to be processed and mailed.

The Provost Office and Office of Alumni Engagement would like to recognize and celebrate the accomplishment of our students earning their master’s degree. To that end, we are happy to present to you the opportunity to participate in a banquet and hooding ceremony after commencement rehearsal. Invitations for the evening event will be sent to all qualifying students, and we ask that all students RSVP for them and their guest(s) prior to commencement weekend. The banquet will be held in Furman Dining Commons, beginning at 6:30pm. Any questions, feel free to contact Melissa Moyer in the Alumni office ([email protected] or 215-702-4393).

Commencement Ceremony

  • All Graduates should check in at the table in the lower MAC (near the elevator) 45 minutes prior to their ceremony to receive a color-coded placement card. Graduates should come dressed in academic attire. Restrooms are available nearby.
  • Graduates should not bring any personal items (purses, cameras, etc.) to the lineup. Personal items should be given to guests for safekeeping as there is no secure area to store valuables. Cairn University is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • During the program, watch Dr. Todd Williams for signals to rise or to remove caps. Only men should remove caps for prayer.
  • Listen carefully for the cue to rise with the correct degree group and enter the line for the platform.
  • Tassels are to be worn on the right side of caps and remain there until after receiving the diploma cover, then, graduates should move the tassel to the left side of their cap.

THE USE OF AIR HORNS, NOISE MAKERS OF ANY KIND, AND INFLATABLE ITEMS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

At the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony, board members and faculty will depart from the gym first. Graduates will exit next, starting with the last row. When exiting the gym, please continue moving outside into the circular driveway. Do not stop to greet family and friends in the MAC’s lower level.

When all graduates have exited the gym, family and friends may meet students outside. Graduates may return to the platform inside the gymnasium for photographs if desired.

In the event of inclement weather, board members, faculty, and graduates will be directed by the ushers to an alternate lineup area. Once the recessional has concluded, graduates may join their family and friends in the gymnasium.

This is a special celebration for the University, its graduates and their family and friends. By following these guidelines, we hope to provide an honoring ceremony that respects the dedicated work of all those in attendance. Please keep the following in mind:

  • A designated drop-off area for baby strollers will be available outside of the gymnasium.
  • Tickets are not required for the ceremony.
  • Seating is on a first-come, first serve basis.
  • Doors open at 9 am for seating in the Mason Activity Center (MAC, Gymnasium).
  • Attendees should be in their seats by 9:55 am. Ushers will ask individuals to remove any saved seats beginning at 9:50 am.
  • After 9:55 am, individuals will be instructed to view the graduation ceremonies from the overflow area on the second floor of the MAC.
  • For the safety of all, backpacks and oversized bags are not allowed in the gym; attendees are requested to leave these items in their vehicles. All bags are subject to search.

Please keep in mind that, due to fire code restrictions, the ushers will not allow individuals to stand or sit in undesignated areas (on the floor or steps of the bleachers) and will ask them to view the ceremonies from the overflow area.

Cairn Security Officers will direct traffic on the day of Commencement. Handicapped parking is available in parking lot D. For all other parking lot locations please download the Campus Map at: https://cairn.edu/documents/2014/02/vehicle-rules-and-regulations.pdf/

 

The Courtyard by Marriott and The Homewood Suites by Hilton offer a discounted rate for Cairn visitors. Be sure to ask for the “Cairn Commencement” rate when booking. You may also access a list of hotels on our website.

Chappell Graduation Images will photograph graduates as they receive their diplomas. Chappell will mail each graduate a passport-size proof within a week of graduation. Graduates will have the opportunity to select from a variety of photo packages but are under no obligation to make a purchase.

NOTE: We ask that during the ceremony, family and friends remain in their seats to prevent interference with the ceremony or the Chappell photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

If you have any other questions regarding Commencement please contact:

Dustin Smith
215.702.4294
[email protected]

Graduate Commencement

Graduation 2023 1000

Department Obligations

Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. Unpaid fines accrued after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s).

Students must pay all financial obligations (including fines) before they may participate in commencement, receive official transcript(s), or receive diploma(s). Payment is due by December 1st for Fall (December) graduation, and April 15th for Spring (May) graduation. (If paying with a Nelnet plan, final payment is due November 1st for Fall graduation, and April 1st for Spring graduation).

Graduation Fee: All students whose graduation application is approved will be charged a graduation fee: $110 for Undergraduate & Degree Completion students, and $120 for Graduate students. The fee covers all expenses related to graduation and the Commencement ceremony. These expenses are shared by all graduates regardless of participation in the ceremony.

Balance & Payment Methods: Check for a balance due at https://selfservice.cairn.edu. Pay either online at https://pay.cairn.edu or in-person at Student Financial Services with cash, check, eCheck, or credit card (2% fee). If your student account has a credit balance, you may request a refund after commencement: email [email protected] from your Cairn inbox and include your post-graduation physical mailing address

Contact us with any questions at [email protected] or (215)702-4201. You may also visit the Student Financial Services office Monday–Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm (first floor of SAB, down the hall & to the left from the Welcome Center).

 

All students who have borrowed federal loans during any portion of their education at Cairn are required to complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling. This requirement is completed online at studentaid.gov. As you get started, it would be helpful to have available information about your income, financial aid and living expenses.  At the end of your exit counseling session, you will be asked for information that will be included as part of your federal student loan records. You must provide the following:

Name, address, email address and phone number for:

  • Your next of kin
  • Two references who live in the US
  • Your future employer (if known)

You will need your FSA ID username and password to Sign In, then look for the “Loan Replacement” and from the dropdown menu select “Complete Exit Counseling.”

  • Select the School State: Pennsylvania and School Name: Cairn University
  • Click the Add School button
  • Click the Continue button
  • Follow the instructions to continue through the counseling session.
  • Be sure to include Cairn as the school you attended so that we are notified that you have completed the counseling.

The counseling session typically takes about 20-30 minutes.  At the end you will click the Submit Counseling button that will send confirmation to the Cairn University Financial Aid office that you have completed this counseling requirement.

Contact Financial Aid at [email protected] if you have questions about this process.

In order for students to participate in commencement, as well as receive their diploma(s) and official transcript(s), all financial obligations to Cairn University must be paid.  Unpaid parking fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. To pay your citation, Please go to https://cairn.edu/safety and look for the link (pay for a citation). Unpaid parking fines accrued after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s).  All Safety and Security fines must be paid online at https://cairn.edu/safety.
 
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

In order for students to participate in commencement, as well as receive their diploma(s) and official transcript(s), all library materials must be returned and financial obligations to Cairn University must be paid. All library materials are due the Friday before commencement. Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 for Fall and April 15 for Spring can be paid by cash, check or credit card at the Library; anything unpaid by December 1 for Fall and April 15 for Spring will be sent to Business Services for collection.

Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. Unreturned items and unpaid fines after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s). Fines and fees can be paid via cash, check, or credit card at the Library.

Library accounts can be viewed at: https://cairn.locate.ebsco.com/bookshelf/checkouts

This short survey is administered in eLearning and allows students to evaluate personal experiences in regards to the academic, co-curricular, and overall quality of life. The data collected assists the University in evaluating its services, programs and helps create a community that provides an enriching experience for our students.

Contact Rick Houseknecht at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

Registrar Obligations/ Information

Please be aware that professors must submit current semester grades for all graduating students by 10 am on Wednesday, May 1. If students have a course grade of “NR” or “I” from a previous term, it is their responsibility to contact the professor and request they submit a Change of Grade Form to the Registrar’s Office by the May 1 deadline

 
  • Caps and gowns may be picked up in the Registrar’s Office. Dates and times: TBA
  • An email will be sent out on dates/times that pick-up will be available.
  • Men and women are to wear dark shoes; men are to wear dark socks.
  • All graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony must arrive wearing full academic attire: cap with tassel, gown, and hood. Only University-issued honor cords and academic medals are to be worn with academic attire. 

ACADEMIC REGALIA SHOULD NOT BE ALTERED IN ANY WAY.
THIS INCLUDES BOTH CAP AND GOWN.

 

Diplomas and transcripts will be printed following the Commencement ceremony and will be sent to the address indicated on your Graduation Application. Please notify the Registrar’s Office of any address changes after submission of the Graduation Application. Please allow 4-6 weeks for diplomas to be processed and mailed.

The Provost Office and Office of Alumni Engagement would like to recognize and celebrate the accomplishment of our students earning their master’s degree. To that end, we are happy to present to you the opportunity to participate in a banquet and hooding ceremony after commencement rehearsal. Invitations for the evening event will be sent to all qualifying students, and we ask that all students RSVP for them and their guest(s) prior to commencement weekend. The banquet will be held in Furman Dining Commons, beginning at 6:30pm. Any questions, feel free to contact Melissa Moyer in the Alumni office ([email protected] or 215-702-4393).

 

Commencement Ceremony

  • All Graduates should check in at the table in the lower MAC (near the elevator) 45 minutes prior to their ceremony to receive a color-coded placement card. Graduates should come dressed in academic attire. Restrooms are available nearby.
  • Graduates should not bring any personal items (purses, cameras, etc.) to the lineup. Personal items should be given to guests for safekeeping as there is no secure area to store valuables. Cairn University is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • During the program, watch Dr. Todd Williams for signals to rise or to remove caps. Only men should remove caps for prayer.
  • Listen carefully for the cue to rise with the correct degree group and enter the line for the platform.
  • Tassels are to be worn on the right side of caps and remain there until after receiving the diploma cover, then, graduates should move the tassel to the left side of their cap.

THE USE OF AIR HORNS, NOISE MAKERS OF ANY KIND, AND INFLATABLE ITEMS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

At the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony, board members and faculty will depart from the gym first. Graduates will exit next, starting with the last row. When exiting the gym, please continue moving outside into the circular driveway. Do not stop to greet family and friends in the MAC’s lower level.

When all graduates have exited the gym, family and friends may meet students outside. Graduates may return to the platform inside the gymnasium for photographs if desired.

In the event of inclement weather, board members, faculty, and graduates will be directed by the ushers to an alternate lineup area. Once the recessional has concluded, graduates may join their family and friends in the gymnasium.

This is a special celebration for the University, its graduates and their family and friends. By following these guidelines, we hope to provide an honoring ceremony that respects the dedicated work of all those in attendance. Please keep the following in mind:

  • A designated drop-off area for baby strollers will be available outside of the gymnasium.
  • Tickets are not required for the ceremony.
  • Seating is on a first-come, first serve basis.
  • Doors open at 9 am for seating in the Mason Activity Center (MAC, Gymnasium).
  • Attendees should be in their seats by 9:55 am. Ushers will ask individuals to remove any saved seats beginning at 9:50 am.
  • After 9:55 am, individuals will be instructed to view the graduation ceremonies from the overflow area on the second floor of the MAC.
  • For the safety of all, backpacks and oversized bags are not allowed in the gym; attendees are requested to leave these items in their vehicles. All bags are subject to search.

Please keep in mind that, due to fire code restrictions, the ushers will not allow individuals to stand or sit in undesignated areas (on the floor or steps of the bleachers) and will ask them to view the ceremonies from the overflow area.

Cairn Security Officers will direct traffic on the day of Commencement. Handicapped parking is available in parking lot D. For all other parking lot locations please download the Campus Map at: https://cairn.edu/documents/2014/02/vehicle-rules-and-regulations.pdf/

 

The Courtyard by Marriott and The Homewood Suites by Hilton offer a discounted rate for Cairn visitors. Be sure to ask for the “Cairn Commencement” rate when booking. You may also access a list of hotels on our website.

Chappell Graduation Images will photograph graduates as they receive their diplomas. Chappell will mail each graduate a passport-size proof within a week of graduation. Graduates will have the opportunity to select from a variety of photo packages but are under no obligation to make a purchase.

NOTE: We ask that during the ceremony, family and friends remain in their seats to prevent interference with the ceremony or the Chappell photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

If you have any other questions regarding Commencement please contact:

Dustin Smith
215.702.4294
[email protected]

Graduate Commencement Banquet Registration - Formstack

Degree Completion

Graduation 2023 1000 1

Department Obligations

Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. Unpaid fines accrued after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s).

Students must pay all financial obligations (including fines) before they may participate in commencement, receive official transcript(s), or receive diploma(s). Payment is due by December 1st for Fall (December) graduation, and April 15th for Spring (May) graduation. (If paying with a Nelnet plan, final payment is due November 1st for Fall graduation, and April 1st for Spring graduation).

Graduation Fee: All students whose graduation application is approved will be charged a graduation fee: $110 for Undergraduate & Degree Completion students, and $120 for Graduate students. The fee covers all expenses related to graduation and the Commencement ceremony. These expenses are shared by all graduates regardless of participation in the ceremony.

Balance & Payment Methods: Check for a balance due at https://selfservice.cairn.edu. Pay either online at https://pay.cairn.edu or in-person at Student Financial Services with cash, check, eCheck, or credit card (2% fee). If your student account has a credit balance, you may request a refund after commencement: email [email protected] from your Cairn inbox and include your post-graduation physical mailing address

Contact us with any questions at [email protected] or (215)702-4201. You may also visit the Student Financial Services office Monday–Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm (first floor of SAB, down the hall & to the left from the Welcome Center).

 

All students who have borrowed federal loans during any portion of their education at Cairn are required to complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling. This requirement is completed online at studentaid.gov. As you get started, it would be helpful to have available information about your income, financial aid and living expenses.  At the end of your exit counseling session, you will be asked for information that will be included as part of your federal student loan records. You must provide the following:

Name, address, email address and phone number for:

  • Your next of kin
  • Two references who live in the US
  • Your future employer (if known)

You will need your FSA ID username and password to Sign In, then look for the “Loan Replacement” and from the dropdown menu select “Complete Exit Counseling.”

  • Select the School State: Pennsylvania and School Name: Cairn University
  • Click the Add School button
  • Click the Continue button
  • Follow the instructions to continue through the counseling session.
  • Be sure to include Cairn as the school you attended so that we are notified that you have completed the counseling.

The counseling session typically takes about 20-30 minutes.  At the end you will click the Submit Counseling button that will send confirmation to the Cairn University Financial Aid office that you have completed this counseling requirement.

Contact Financial Aid at [email protected] if you have questions about this process.

In order for students to participate in commencement, as well as receive their diploma(s) and official transcript(s), all financial obligations to Cairn University must be paid.  Unpaid parking fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. To pay your citation, Please go to https://cairn.edu/safety and look for the link (pay for a citation). Unpaid parking fines accrued after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s).  All Safety and Security fines must be paid online at https://cairn.edu/safety.
 
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

In order for students to participate in commencement, as well as receive their diploma(s) and official transcript(s), all library materials must be returned and financial obligations to Cairn University must be paid. All library materials are due the Friday before commencement. Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 for Fall and April 15 for Spring can be paid by cash, check or credit card at the Library; anything unpaid by December 1 for Fall and April 15 for Spring will be sent to Business Services for collection.

Unpaid fines accrued prior to December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) are sent to Student Accounts for collection. Unreturned items and unpaid fines after December 1 (Fall)/April 15 (Spring) will result in the holding of diploma(s) and official transcript(s). Fines and fees can be paid via cash, check, or credit card at the Library.

Library accounts can be viewed at: https://cairn.locate.ebsco.com/bookshelf/checkouts

This short survey is administered in eLearning and allows students to evaluate personal experiences in regards to the academic, co-curricular, and overall quality of life. The data collected assists the University in evaluating its services, programs and helps create a community that provides an enriching experience for our students.

Contact Rick Houseknecht at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

Registrar Obligations/ Information

Please be aware that professors must submit current semester grades for all graduating students by 10 am on Wednesday, May 1. If students have a course grade of “NR” or “I” from a previous term, it is their responsibility to contact the professor and request they submit a Change of Grade Form to the Registrar’s Office by the May 1 deadline

 
  • Caps and gowns may be picked up in the Registrar’s Office. Dates and times: TBA
  • An email will be sent out on dates/times that pick-up will be available.
  • Men and women are to wear dark shoes; men are to wear dark socks.
  • All graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony must arrive wearing full academic attire: cap with tassel, gown, and hood. Only University-issued honor cords and academic medals are to be worn with academic attire. 

ACADEMIC REGALIA SHOULD NOT BE ALTERED IN ANY WAY.
THIS INCLUDES BOTH CAP AND GOWN.

 

Diplomas and transcripts will be printed following the Commencement ceremony and will be sent to the address indicated on your Graduation Application. Please notify the Registrar’s Office of any address changes after submission of the Graduation Application. Please allow 4-6 weeks for diplomas to be processed and mailed.

The Provost Office and Office of Alumni Engagement would like to recognize and celebrate the accomplishment of our students earning their master’s degree. To that end, we are happy to present to you the opportunity to participate in a banquet and hooding ceremony after commencement rehearsal. Invitations for the evening event will be sent to all qualifying students, and we ask that all students RSVP for them and their guest(s) prior to commencement weekend. The banquet will be held in Furman Dining Commons, beginning at 6:30pm. Any questions, feel free to contact Melissa Moyer in the Alumni office ([email protected] or 215-702-4393).

 

Commencement Ceremony

  • All Graduates should check in at the table in the lower MAC (near the elevator) 45 minutes prior to their ceremony to receive a color-coded placement card. Graduates should come dressed in academic attire. Restrooms are available nearby.
  • Graduates should not bring any personal items (purses, cameras, etc.) to the lineup. Personal items should be given to guests for safekeeping as there is no secure area to store valuables. Cairn University is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • During the program, watch Dr. Todd Williams for signals to rise or to remove caps. Only men should remove caps for prayer.
  • Listen carefully for the cue to rise with the correct degree group and enter the line for the platform.
  • Tassels are to be worn on the right side of caps and remain there until after receiving the diploma cover, then, graduates should move the tassel to the left side of their cap.

THE USE OF AIR HORNS, NOISE MAKERS OF ANY KIND, AND INFLATABLE ITEMS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

At the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony, board members and faculty will depart from the gym first. Graduates will exit next, starting with the last row. When exiting the gym, please continue moving outside into the circular driveway. Do not stop to greet family and friends in the MAC’s lower level.

When all graduates have exited the gym, family and friends may meet students outside. Graduates may return to the platform inside the gymnasium for photographs if desired.

In the event of inclement weather, board members, faculty, and graduates will be directed by the ushers to an alternate lineup area. Once the recessional has concluded, graduates may join their family and friends in the gymnasium.

This is a special celebration for the University, its graduates and their family and friends. By following these guidelines, we hope to provide an honoring ceremony that respects the dedicated work of all those in attendance. Please keep the following in mind:

  • A designated drop-off area for baby strollers will be available outside of the gymnasium.
  • Tickets are not required for the ceremony.
  • Seating is on a first-come, first serve basis.
  • Doors open at 9 am for seating in the Mason Activity Center (MAC, Gymnasium).
  • Attendees should be in their seats by 9:55 am. Ushers will ask individuals to remove any saved seats beginning at 9:50 am.
  • After 9:55 am, individuals will be instructed to view the graduation ceremonies from the overflow area on the second floor of the MAC.
  • For the safety of all, backpacks and oversized bags are not allowed in the gym; attendees are requested to leave these items in their vehicles. All bags are subject to search.

Please keep in mind that, due to fire code restrictions, the ushers will not allow individuals to stand or sit in undesignated areas (on the floor or steps of the bleachers) and will ask them to view the ceremonies from the overflow area.

Cairn Security Officers will direct traffic on the day of Commencement. Handicapped parking is available in parking lot D. For all other parking lot locations please download the Campus Map at: https://cairn.edu/documents/2014/02/vehicle-rules-and-regulations.pdf/

 

The Courtyard by Marriott and The Homewood Suites by Hilton offer a discounted rate for Cairn visitors. Be sure to ask for the “Cairn Commencement” rate when booking. You may also access a list of hotels on our website.

Chappell Graduation Images will photograph graduates as they receive their diplomas. Chappell will mail each graduate a passport-size proof within a week of graduation. Graduates will have the opportunity to select from a variety of photo packages but are under no obligation to make a purchase.

NOTE: We ask that during the ceremony, family and friends remain in their seats to prevent interference with the ceremony or the Chappell photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

If you have any other questions regarding Commencement please contact:

Dustin Smith
215.702.4294
[email protected]

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