Graduation HOME | Graduation 2023 commencement Congratulations Class of 2023 You finally made it! We’re so excited to share graduation weekend 2023 with you. You can explore the schedule of events for your last days on campus below, as well as information on our commencement speaker, regalia, and additional information as it becomes available. You’re well on your way to becoming AMU alumni! Schedule of Events Information Handout Graduation Rehearsal Thursday, May 4, 2023 9:00 a.m. Gyrene Field Students are required to attend graduation rehearsal at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 4. This is the time when you can ask questions about the commencement ceremony and related activities and when will be given important instructions to make the weekend as enjoyable as possible for you and your guests. If for some reason you cannot attend, you must contact the Office of the Dean of Faculty at (239) 280-2550. Baccalaureate Mass Friday, May 5, 2023 5:00 p.m. Ave Maria Catholic Church It is our hope that seating capacity in the Church will be able to accommodate families and guests. However, the University will be required to follow the protocols for Mass attendance that the Diocese of Venice has in place at the time of the ceremony. Academic regalia is required for this event. Tickets are not required. Graduates are to meet in the Paul M. Henkels Academic Building Lecture Hall at 4:15 p.m. for robing and to form the procession line. No particular order will be observed for the procession and seating. Ushers and staff will be on hand to assist with any last-minute cap and gown issues. It is recommended that you do not bring valuables with you. President's Dinner Friday, May 5, 2023 6:30 p.m. Bob Thomas Student Union This event requires advanced reservations and tickets. Seating is limited; tickets are available first come, first serve. Cash bar of wine and beer will also be available. The President’s Dinner is open to all graduating seniors, their family and guests, and to all faculty and staff members. Dinner will be served free of charge to graduation candidates. Family members and guests are asked to make reservations and purchase tickets at the following prices: Adults – $28.00* Children 6–15 – $15.00* Children 5 and under – Free *price subject to change A letter and reservation form will be sent to parents. RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL APRIL 21. Please complete the reservation form and send along with payment to: Christy Dorer Ave Maria University 5050 Ave Maria Blvd. Ave Maria, FL 34142 Commencement Saturday, May 6, 2023 9:00 a.m. Gyrene Field Tickets are required. Each graduate will be allotted a set number of tickets for bleacher seating – tickets are not required for standing-room-only sections. Relatives and friends will also be able to view the graduation events through a livestream on our AMU Facebook page and Youtube. Links for these streams will be made available during graduation weekend. Relatives and friends will also be able to view the ceremony live in their home on their own computers (avemariavprev. wpengine.com). Graduates, faculty, and stage party are to arrive at Gyrene Field no later than 8:00 a.m. Academic regalia is required. Graduates will line up alphabetically, undergraduates first, followed by M.A.’s, M.B.A.’s and Ph.D.’s. Ushers and staff will be on hand to assist with any last-minute cap and gown issues. It is recommended that you do not bring valuables with you. Procession will enter Gyrene Field from the north endzone area and exit the same way. Please pay attention to the Student Marshals leading the procession and assisting at the steps to the stage when your name is called. Access to Gyrene Field will be as follows: Graduation candidates, administration, and faculty will register at registration tables under the white tent at the north end of the bleachers to receive their stage card and line up. Commencement SpeakerPatrick Lencioni Founder and President of The Table Group Graduation Photos GradImages® is the official photographer for Commencement. Proofs will be sent to your home and via email within three to five days after graduation. Pictures can be ordered online, by phone or by mail. GradImages® can be contacted at (800) 628-4509 or via email at www.gradimages.com. Registering with GradImages® provides them with the information they need to deliver your graduation proofs to you in a timely manner. Giving them an accurate mailing address and email address will allow them to get your proofs to you on the first try. You may also provide them with email addresses of up to six friends and family members to allow them to celebrate in the accomplishment. Stop by the Mail Room in the Bob Thomas Student Union to complete the GradImages® Address Card. Cap and Gown Information Academic regalia (cap, gown, and tassel), as well as graduation announcements, can be purchased via the Herff Jones website. Scroll down and select “Ave Maria University” and follow the instruc-tions. ORDER DEADLINE is March 17. Academic regalia will be available for pickup at the Ave Maria Bookstore the week of April 24. Note: If you plan to participate in the ceremony and have your own cap and gown (not purchased through the Herff Jones), please notify the Bookstore. YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TASSEL. WOMEN Bring bobby pins to secure cap. MEN Gowns are to be worn with a collared shirt and tie. Candidates Congratulations on your pending graduation. The faculty, administration, and staff are looking forward to recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments. The commencement ceremony is a joyous occasion for you, your family and friends, and for the University community as a whole. The conduct of the ceremony is governed by academic tradition, overall good manners, and state and local laws. Therefore, your cooperation is requested in creating an occasion which will appropriately highlight your academic achievements. Candidates All university coursework requirements must be completed by the time of graduation. Your student account must be cleared with the university before graduation day, Saturday, May 6, 2023. This includes any outstanding charges, parking fines, library fines, etc. If you have any questions, please contact Student Billing at (239) 280-1673. Academic Honors Ave Maria University awards degrees with honors for distinguished achievement according to the following system: Cum Laude is earned with a cumulative GPA of from 3.6 to 3.749. Magna cum laude is earned with a cumulative GPA of between 3.75 and 3.899. Summa cum laude is earned with a cumulative GPA of 3.9 and above. To graduate with these honor recognitions, a minimum of 64 credits, or 16 courses, must be taken while you are enrolled at Ave Maria University. Honor cords for eligible graduates may be picked up in the Office of Academic Records after final grades are published and prior to the day of the ceremony. Checklist Complete a graduation audit Complete and submit an Application to Graduate to the Office of Academic Records by November 15, 2022. Application deadline for Spring or Summer graduates is February 15, 2023 Applications received on November 16 and February 16 will be subject to a $29.71 late fee Meet all university requirements Settle your student account Verify your name and address. If you have any changes, please contact the Office of Academic Records Conduct an exit interview with the Department Chair, if appropriate Highlights from PreviousGraduation Ceremonies ACADEMIC CALENDAR All of the important dates throughout the academic year can be found here, including new student orientation, class registration, exams and holiday breaks. VIEW THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR
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