School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Annual Convocation
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 2 PM
Huff Hall Gymnasium
1206 South Fourth Street, Champaign
Click here to learn about Graduation with Distinction
This ceremony is for students earning B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology. It is separate from the campus-wide ceremony held at the Assembly Hall ( http://illinois.edu/commencement/). Doctoral candidates may be hooded at either or both ceremonies.
The doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are not needed for seating at this event; however, guests that arrive after the ceremony has begun will be seated in the balcony. Handicapped parking is available on the north side of the building, off Gregory Drive. A wheelchair ramp is located at the northwest corner of the building. There is ample seating on the floor level for individuals who need special seating.
Eligibility
August and December 2008 graduates and May 2009 degree candidates are eligible to participate in this informal ceremony. August 2009 B.S. or M.S. candidates are also eligible to participate.
The online registration form for the MCB specific ceremony has been taken down. Any students still needing to sign up for Sunday's ceremony should report to 127 Burrill Hall to receive instructions.
Instructions for day of ceremony
download Word document here
Before the Ceremony Meet in the Armory:
Participants should arrive by 1:15 PM in the Armory. Enter the Armory by the center doors on the south side (Gregory Avenue). Look for a sign with the letter of your last name on it at the check in table. Check in with the staff person at the table, get your name card and line up in alphabetical/numerical order. Your program will be on your seat in Huff Hall.
The Ceremony:
At approximately 1:55 PM you will follow a marshal across Gregory Avenue to Huff Hall (if it is raining we will take the tunnel). You will then proceed to your seat, which will be on the main floor of the hall. Please stand until the master of ceremonies asks you to be seated. We anticipate the ceremony lasting ~ 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Receiving Your Diploma Cover, MS and BS Candidates:
Undergraduates and Masters Candidates, the master of ceremonies will ask a faculty member to present the candidates for each degree. When the marshal so indicates, stand and move toward the ramp at the east end of the stage. When your name is called, approach the podium and give your name card to the marshal. When your name is announced proceed across the stage and shake hands with a faculty member, who will give you a diploma cover. The photographer will take a picture of this moment. Continue across the stage, pause for the photographer at the bottom of the stairs and return to your seat. Please remain standing until your entire group has returned.
Receiving Your Diploma Cover, PhD Candidates:
Students earning their doctorate degree must have a faculty presenter to hood them. When the marshal so indicates, stand and move toward the ramp at the east end of the stage. When your name is called you will carry your hood over your arm and proceed across the stage to your presenter. Greet the presenter and then turn so that your back is to him/her (face the audience) as he/she places the hood over your head. Once the hood is in place you will turn and shake hands with the presenter and exit the stage. You will pause for the photographer at the bottom of the stairs and then return to your seat. Please remain standing until your entire group has returned.
Recession:
Marshals will provide instructions for the recession. Please remain standing at your seat until a marshal indicates that your row can leave. Please continue walking until you have exited the gym and the building (weather permitting). You should have a plan for meeting your family and friends outside after the ceremony.
Guest Seating:
Huff Hall will open for guest seating around 1:30 PM. Tickets are not needed for seating at this event; however, guests that arrive after the ceremony has begun will be seated in the balcony. Handicapped parking is available on the north side of the building, off Gregory Drive. A Wheelchair ramp is at the northwest corner of Huff Hall. There is ample seating on the floor level for individuals who need special seating.
Regalia Pickup:
Commencement regalia should be picked up in the ARC, Multipurpose Room # 6 during one of the following times:
- Thursday, May 14, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Friday, May 15, 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday, May 16, 8 AM to 12 PM
- Sunday, May 17, 8 AM to 9:30 AM
You are strongly advised to pick up your attire before Sunday, May 17. Please be aware that your attire will be folded and may require steaming (do not iron). Bronze Tablet students must request their cord at this time if they did not attend the Bronze Table Reception in April. If you cannot pick up your attire at one of the scheduled times, you may arrange for someone else to do so; that person should present your receipt and must pay the rental fee. Please note Herff Jones does not accept credit cards as payment for attire, so please make sure to have either cash or check available for payment. Checks should be made payable to Herff Jones and have your name, address and phone number on it.
Returning Regalia:
Herff Jones representatives will accept rented attire at the ARC, Multipurpose Room #6, at the following times:
- Saturday, May 16, 2 PM to 6 PM
- Sunday, May 17, 10 AM to 8 PM
- Monday, May 18, 8 AM to 5 PM
Graduates who do not return their rented attire by 5 PM on Monday, May 18, are responsible for returning the attire to the Illini Union Bookstore on Tuesday, May 19 through Friday, May 22, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Please note that Herff Jones will assess a late charge of $5 per day to all graduates returning rented attire to the Illini Union Bookstore after May 18.
Photographer:
For your convenience, Chappell Graduation Images will be taking two candid photographs of you at the Commencement ceremony. One will be as you receive your diploma cover and the other will be as you exit the stage. You will receive separate passport-sized color proofs of these photos in the mail within 5 – 7 days of the ceremony. If you have registered to participate in the MCB ceremony online, Chappell will send you an email immediately after the images are posted online. This email will contain a direct link to your photos. You may place orders or obtain answers to questions at www.gradimages.com or 1-800-424-3686. The email address for Chappell is service@chappell.com if there are further questions. There is no obligation to purchase, and Chappell Graduation Images guarantees complete satisfaction.
BE SURE TO BOOK YOUR LODGING EARLY!
Most hotels in the Champaign-Urbana area begin taking reservations for Commencement Weekend very early and are usually completely booked by the December prior. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Web site has more information on accommodations.
Questions
If you have any further questions regarding commencement please contact Jennie Downs at 217-333-6774 or Shawna Smith at smsmith1@illinois.edu.