Stevenson University’s winter graduates will be turning their tassels to commence the next chapter of their lives on Dec. 18, 2017.

The ceremony will be held in the Greenspring campus’ gymnasium at 3 p.m. for all undergraduate majors. The commemoration will last approximately two hours.

Tracy Bolt, registrar, said, “We are really proud of our graduates and looking forward to having a great graduation day.”

All graduating seniors receive five tickets to the ceremony. Seniors who are hoping for extra tickets should carefully monitor their email messages, according to the registrar’s office. Overflow seating is available in the Inscape Theatre where the ceremony will be streaming live on the big screen. Theatre seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and tickets are not required. A live video stream of the graduation will be available for family and friends who are unable to celebrate in person on the Stevenson website.

Psychology professor Virginia N. Iannone received the 2016 Rose Dawson Award for full-time faculty and will be the winter commencement speaker.

“I’m excited for the ceremony and hearing one of my professors give us some advice as we enter the real world,” said Kenneth Scott-Kelow, a graduating human services major.

Instead of the usual graduation rehearsal, the university has created a YouTube video to help students prepare for the ceremony. Cap and gown directions, the procession plan and what to do with their name cards are just a few of the topics covered. Students are strongly encouraged to watch the entire video.

Graduating seniors are advised to arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. They will report to Knott Hall 101, while family and friends will report to the gymnasium. Students must leave all of their personal belongings—coats, umbrellas, purses, etc.—with their family or friends.

According to the registrar’s website, “Doors to the gym will open one hour before the start of the ceremony. Seating areas are not assigned and are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to arrive early. When the procession begins, no one will be allowed to enter the Manuszak Center until the procession is complete; guests arriving late may enter the gymnasium after the procession is complete.” All guests, including children and those in wheelchairs, will need a ticket. Answers to frequently asked questions are available here.

Professional photographers will be taking photos in Knott Hall prior to the ceremony. The photographers will also take pictures in the gymnasium as the graduates walk across stage and step down from the stage. Ordering information is available here.

Students with handicapped guests attending should contact the university immediately to inform the graduation committee about the need for special accommodations. Students should email Lisa Labrecque through campus email.

Although students walk across the stage to receive their diploma, the official diplomas with completed signatures and student names will be mailed out approximately three weeks after the ceremony. Participation in the ceremony does not necessarily mean that a student has graduated.

For more information on the ceremony, visit here.