2008 Commencement Information

DATE: Sunday, May 18, 2008
TIME: 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Greek Theatre
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Ishmael Reed, Emeritus

A reception will immediately follow at the Campanile Esplanade. To locate the Campanile Esplanade, please visit http://berkeley.edu/map/maps/large_map.html (C4.5).

To participate in the English Department's Commencement and to have your name printed in the program, please RSVP between April 1, 2008 and April 30, 2008.

Please familiarize yourself with the ceremony details in advance to ensure that you comply with all requirements.

Please note: The English Department holds one commencement ceremony per year in the Spring. December graduates who are interested in participating in a ceremony in December can participate in the University Graduates Convocation. The University holds a commencement convocation in the Spring as well. For more information, visit: http://www.alumni.berkeley.edu.

Participation

All graduating students in the academic year 2007-2008 may attend this Spring's Commencement ceremony. This includes all Fall 2007, Spring 2008, and Summer 2008 graduates. Students who plan to graduate in Fall 2008 and would like to participate in this ceremony must meet with the Undergraduate Advisor before April 30th.

The deadline to sign up to participate is April 30.

Your name will not be on the printed program if you do not sign up on-line.

If you are a graduating Ph.D. student, or have already graduated, and intend to participate in the English Department’s commencement, please complete and return the Commencement Participation form to the English Graduate Office, 319 Wheeler, NO LATER THAN THURSDAY APRIL 26th.  (The form is available in the Graduate Office or by contacting Lee Parsons at ltp@berkeley.edu.)

Cap and gown are available from the Cal Student Store.

Tickets

Admission to the ceremony will be by ticket only (Graduates and children under two will not need tickets).

Graduating students will be given two (2) free tickets which may be obtained from the English Department (322 Wheeler Hall) as of May 6th. The office is open from 9-12 and 1-4, Monday through Friday. Please note that the tickets must be picked up during regular business hours. To obtain these tickets you must have signed up on-line for the commencement.

You, your family, and friends may purchase an unlimited number of additional tickets at $6 each through CAL PERFORMANCES, either in person at 101 Zellerbach Hall, by phone at 510-642-9988, or on the web at http://tickets.berkeley.edu.

Tickets may also be purchased at the Greek Theatre the day of the event.

Guests will be required to show their tickets before entering the Greek Theatre for the ceremony.

Come Prepared

The Greek Theatre is an outdoor facility with concrete seating. You may want to recommend to your guests that they bring protection from the sun or the cold, cushions for their seats, and, if possible, that they wear flat shoes. If it is a hot day, a sun hat and water are also recommended.

Parking

Parking is difficult to find in the area. A long walk will be required from the car to the theatre. We urge you to drop off those who may have difficulty walking the distance. For more information, please go to the Parking and Transportation website at http://pt.berkeley.edu.

Wheelchair Accessibility

For wheelchair accessibility to the Greek Theatre, please use the ramps at the main entrance to the theatre or at the South Gate. There will be designated wheelchair seating inside the Greek Theatre. Restrooms are available to accommodate wheelchairs.

Cap and Gown Rental

Caps and gowns for all students may be rented from the ASUC Store (see flyer outside the English Department Office, 322 Wheeler).

The gown (and hood) must be returned. More information about the return of your caps and gowns will be available from the ASUC when you pick them up. If you have any questions concerning cap and gown rentals, call (510) 642-7028.

Graduation announcements and individual name cards may be purchased at the ASUC Store.

Valedictory Address

If you are interested in delivering a student speech at the English Department's Commencement ceremony this year, please submit a proposed speech between April 1st and 30th to 322 Wheeler Hall. Submissions must be typed, double-spaced, and no longer than four pages.

Photography

Bob Knight Photography will take pictures of graduates as they receive their scrolls. You are under no obligation to buy them, but information will be sent to you via e-mail for consideration.

Diploma

The English Department does not handle diplomas.

The scroll you receive at the commencement ceremony will not be your diploma. Diplomas are generally available about four months after your graduation date. You can pick up your diploma in person at the Office of the Registrar (120 Sproul Hall, 643-7490), or you can have it mailed to you. For more information, please visit the Office of the Registrar.

If you need proof of completing your degree before the Registrar has processed your diploma, you may obtain a Certificate of Completion from them. More information regarding the Certificate of Completion is available on the Registrar's web site.

Degree List

If you plan to complete your degree you must put yourself on the degree list. If you did not do so via Telebears, contact the College of Letters & Science.

Honors

Honors in English cannot be granted without the successful completion of the Honors Course, English H195A/B.

All students graduating with honors in the English major may purchase Honors Cords to wear at the commencement ceremony. The Gift & Apparel section of the ASUC will have a list of all students in English H195B, Spring '08 as eligible for purchasing an Honors Cord.

No distinction is made during the commencement ceremony between honors students and non-honors students. Honors are marked in the commencement program.

The December Graduates Convocation

Students who complete their degree in the fall may choose to attend the December Convocation in place of, or in addition to the following spring’s English Department commencement. The December Graduates Convocation is the only University-wide event that celebrates the accomplishments of over 2,800 seniors who will be completing their studies in December.

Accomodations

For local hotel suggestions, try the CalParents Resource Guide.

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Last modified: May 14, 2008