the 117th commencement ceremony - Frostburg State University

Dear Prospective Graduate:
Congratulations! You are almost to the day when families, friends, and the FSU community can celebrate
your academic achievements. This correspondence and the enclosed items provide details for your
participation in Frostburg State University’s 142nd Commencement:
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Harold J. Cordts Physical Education Center
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences 9:30 a.m.
College of Business and College of Education *(includes “walkers”) 2:00 p.m.
*Those students who are within 9 credits of graduating, appealed, and were approved to walk.
Doors open one hour before the ceremony
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL GUESTS ATTENDING COMMENCEMENT
(Announcement enclosed regarding ticket distribution)
Please review all information closely. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the
offices noted at the end of this letter. The Commencement website offers complete details on everything
related to the ceremony: transcripts, diplomas, travel to FSU, etc. www.frostburg.edu/events/commencement
Reminders
This announcement is for information purposes only and should not be construed as an official
declaration of your eligibility to graduate.
This correspondence has been mailed to all students who have applied for graduation in May of 2013.
This mailing is being sent to both your home and local address to ensure that you receive it.
You are encouraged to participate in Commencement rehearsal, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on
Friday, May 17, in the main arena of the Cordts Center. The rehearsal, expected to take
approximately 30 minutes, will give you insight into lineup, the processional, and the order of the
service so you can explain to your family where you will be sitting. Please note that attendance is
recommended, but not mandatory. If distance prohibits easy attendance (i.e., you earned your final
credits in Intersession or are a Hagerstown graduate participating in Commencement), you are
welcome to attend, but are not expected to do so.

The Ceremony
All participants are required to wear academic regalia (cap and gown). If you have not already done
so, please go to the Bookstore’s website (http://frostburg.collegestoreonline.com) immediately, click
on Graduation Center, and place your order. Additionally, from the drop-down menu, you may
choose to pick up your regalia at the Frostburg campus Bookstore beginning Monday, May 13, at the
Hagerstown campus in the office of Kathy Griemsmann, Room 305, beginning Tuesday, May 14, or
you may choose to have it shipped to your home for a fee (gowns being shipped will be shipped from
the campus bookstore on or about Friday, May 10). Caps and gowns are provided at no charge to all
graduates; the only fee would be for shipping charges should you decide to have your cap and gown
mailed to you. Regalia may be picked up during the Grad Fair held on May 13. Those who attend the
Grad Fair will receive a coupon for 40% off one regular-priced apparel item. After the Grad Fair, all
caps and gowns will be available in the Lane Center, Room 108, during the hours indicated on page 3
(included).
The Commencement program will list your academic major. In the case of a double major, the
program will show the primary major you indicated on your application for graduation.
Personal photographs may be taken only before and after the ceremony. For safety reasons, no one is
permitted in the aisles during the ceremony; and family and guests are asked to remain seated for the
entire ceremony. Graduates will have the opportunity to have photos taken with friends and family in
front of a backdrop with the Frostburg State University seal, located within the Cordts Center (one on
the lower level and two located in the hallway by the Hall of Fame Room entrance).
Sign interpretation for graduates or guests with hearing impairments will be provided for the
commencement ceremony. Please ask one of the ushers for appropriate seating.
At Frostburg State University we view our Commencement as both a celebration of our students’
achievements and recognition of the families and friends who support them. The Commencement
Ceremony is a most dignified event in which decorum and courtesy are very important. During the
announcement of each graduate’s name, we ask graduates and their guests to be considerate in their
applause and to refrain from using any type of noisemaker so that all names are heard clearly and
the ceremony is not disrupted. In addition, we ask that you cease the use of all electronic devices
during the ceremony. The University retains the right to escort from the building any individual or
group who creates inordinate noise that distracts from the solemnity of the program.
Commencement Activities and Services
Enclosed is information regarding several services available on the day of commencement. Each is offered
with no obligation for purchase or participation.
If you are interested in ordering a DVD of the ceremony, send the enclosed order form directly to the
Department of Mass Communication, Frostburg State University, with a check made payable to
them. You should expect to receive a videotape or DVD (your choice) approximately 4 weeks after
the ceremony.
GradImages will photograph each student during the ceremony. Also offered prior to each
ceremony is an opportunity for you to sit for a formal portrait. The enclosed card provides full
details. You will receive your proofs approximately 3-5 weeks after Commencement. You are
welcome to purchase a copy, but you are under no obligation to do so.
A flower vending service will be available in the lobby area of the Cordts Center offering a variety of
floral bouquets, balloons, and 2013 tassel keychains, and more.
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Questions About Commencement? Try our website (www.frostburg.edu/events/commencement) first. If the
answer to your question isn’t there, then please contact any of the following offices.
Appeal process:
Cap and gown orders, announcements:
Graduation certification (undergraduate), address changes, diplomas:
Master’s programs, graduation certification:
Rehearsal and ceremony:
Office of the Provost
301-687-4212
University Bookstore 301-687-4341
Registrar’s Office 301-687-4349
Graduate Services 301-687-7053
Special Academic Services 301-687-4423
The faculty and staff of Frostburg State University congratulate you on your academic achievements and
wish you continued success in your future endeavors. We look forward to seeing you and your family and
friends at Frostburg State University’s 142nd Commencement Ceremony.
Sincerely,
Sheila A. Pappas
Director, Special Academic Services and
Chair, University Commencements
Enclosures
Frostburg State University is committed to making all of its programs, services, and activities accessible to persons with
disabilities. You may request accommodations through the ADA Office, 201 Hitchins Administration Building, Room 329,
301-687-4102, TDD 301-687-7955.
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THE COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE
Approximately one month before Commencement you will receive a second mailing with additional information. To
assist your planning, please note the following roster of events. (Times may be subject to change; please check the
Web site for current information).
May 13- May 17
Monday, May 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
May 14 – May 16, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 17 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday, May 17
4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, May 18
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
College of Liberal Arts
& Sciences
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
College of Business and College of
Education
(Includes students who appeal to
participate early)
8:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
2:00 p.m.
College of Business and College of
Education
(Includes students who appeal to
participate early)
Event
Grad Fair
Pickup of caps and gowns
Pickup of tickets
Cap and Gown Pickup, if
unable to attend Grad Fair
Commencement rehearsal
Caps and gowns may also be
picked up in the lobby before
and after rehearsal starting at
3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Individual portraits
(optional)
Processional lineup
Commencement Ceremonies
Location
University Store
Lane University Center
Room 108
Lane University Center
Cordts Physical Education Center
Main Arena
Cordts Physical Education Center
Room 168
Cordts PE Center, Auxiliary Gymnasium
Cordts Physical Education Center
Main Arena
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T I C K E T P O L I C I E S
Admission to the May 2013 Commencement is by ticket only, including children (exception is an infant in the
arms of his/her caregiver). The number of tickets you are eligible to receive is dependent on the number of students
graduating and the number of seats available in the Cordts Arena. Tickets will be distributed according to the
following procedures.
Tickets Allotted
Dates and Location for
Ticket Distribution
Pick-up procedure
Student Government
Association Ticket
Giveaways
Mailing of Tickets
If you are cleared to graduate (either at the baccalaureate or the master’s level), you will
be provided with the following number of tickets:
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences – 6 tickets
College of Business and College of Education – 8 tickets
(Includes students who appeal to participate early)
You may pick up your tickets in the Ort Library, Fifth Floor, Room #512 during
regular business hours, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday from May 6
through May 17.
On Friday, May 17, tickets will only be available from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
If you have not yet been cleared for graduation, please allow 24 hours from point of
notification of clearance to allow time to prepare your tickets.
The Student Government Association will also sponsor ticket giveaways of any extra
tickets. Please see the information below.
On Monday, May 13, tickets will only be available at the Grad Fair held in the
University Store of the Lane University Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. We highly
recommend you pick up your tickets at this time. You can also enter to win extra
tickets in our drawing, pick up your cap and gown, enjoy refreshments, receive a
40% off coupon for one regular-priced apparel item, and purchase other graduation
related merchandise.
You must pick up your own tickets. Tickets cannot be picked up “by proxy” (i.e., by
another student or by a family member).
You must show your FSU ID or valid driver’s license, and you will be required to
sign a form verifying that the tickets have been given to you.
You will receive a packet of tickets as designated by your College affiliation.
If you’re sure you do not want all your tickets, please take your excess tickets to the
SGA Office, in Lane University Center, Room 222, for distribution at the ticket
exchange (details below).
The Student Government Association will conduct the first exchange of extra tickets on
Thursday, May 9, from 5-5:30 p.m. in the Lane University Center lobby.
On Friday, May 17, from 5 - 5:30 p.m. in the PE Center (following commencement
rehearsal) a final giveaway will be held. Full details will be included with your tickets, or
you may contact the SGA Office at 301.687.4304.
Tickets will be mailed only under extraordinary circumstances (e.g., if you’re a student at
the USMH Center, and you have no classes in Frostburg, or if you completed the
requirements for your degree in January 2013). All requests for mailing of tickets should
be directed to Ms. Brittni Teter by email at bkteter@frostburg.edu. The last day to
have tickets mailed is May 10, 2013.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND EVENTS
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
GRAD FAIR CELEBRATION
Monday, May 13, 2013
The University Store, Lane University Center
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join us for raffles, giveaways, refreshments, music, and more!
When you pick-up your cap & gown at the Celebration,
You will receive a Coupon for 40% Off Regular-Priced Apparel at the University Store!
You may pick up your graduation tickets at the Fair and enter to win extra!
Browse or purchase from the finest diploma frames available to help
preserve your achievements, and receive $20 off your diploma purchase only at the Grad Fair! In
addition, frames purchased online from May 13 through May 18 will receive a 12% discount using
Coupon Code FSU13.
Browse or purchase Balfour class rings and take advantage of their sale on Celestrium rings
starting at just $239.
Graduation Ticket Giveaway
Distribution of Extra Tickets (for Students Graduating in May Only)
**Must bring student I.D. **
Thursday, May 9 5 – 5:30 p.m. Lane University Center Downstairs Lobby
(May be cancelled via FSU email if no tickets available)
Friday, May 17 5 – 5:30 p.m. (after graduation practice) P.E. Center Lobby
Free exchange of tickets between students is encouraged.
Bring extra tickets to SGA Office (LUC 223) between 8 am – 4 pm, Monday - Friday
if you are not going to use them. They will be distributed to students who need extra.
George’s Creek Florist
will be located in the main arena lobby before, during, and after the ceremony
selling floral bouquets, balloons, 2013 tassel keychains, mugs, & more!
Call 301-463-6551 if you wish to place an order ahead of time!
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