Ceremony Etiquette for Academic Convocations
Bethune-Cookman University seeks to develop graduates who are honorable, democratic citizens capable of making worthwhile contributions to society. The University expects its graduating students to uphold the highest moral and ethical standards set forth by our founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune by practicing self-discipline throughout the graduation activities. Graduating students are still accountable for their behavior.
PURPOSE:
Academic convocations, which include the Service of Consecration for Graduates and Commencement Convocation, are solemn and sacred affairs; therefore, all attendees should remain until the ceremonies are over. The attire that is worn and the behavior of participants must lend dignity to these occasions.
The Service of Consecration for Graduates is a sacred worship experience of consecration. It is a time when we ask God to anoint and bless our graduates. Bethune-Cookman University is a church-affiliated institution and was founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune on her principles of faith in God.
The Commencement Convocation is a formal ceremony to celebrate the graduates’ commissioning into a new mission (undertaking) of life. Only those students who have completed all requirements for graduation from Bethune-Cookman University may participate.
CONDUCT DURING COMMENCEMENT WEEK ACTIVITIES:
When students enroll in the University, it is expected that they have learned what is considered acceptable behavior in public gatherings. Graduating students are expected to adhere to the Bethune-Cookman University Honor Code for Students (see the 2006-08 Undergraduate Catalog, pp. 20-21 and the 2007-2008 Graduate Catalog, p. 20). Graduating students are expected to conduct themselves in a decent, respectful and civilized manner during all Commencement week activities. This includes:
- Arriving on time to all activities. All graduates are expected to be at each event at the designated time. Once a processional has started, no student will be allowed to enter the procession.
- Wearing all academic regalia (cap and gown) until the end of the event and the recessional has ended.
- Refraining from disruptive behavior during The Service of Consecration for Graduates, Graduation Practice, and the Commencement Convocation. Yelling, talking, walking out, use of cellular devices, chewing gum, etc. is prohibited.
- Being respectful and attentive to all speakers throughout a program.
DRESS CODE:
Graduating students are expected to reflect the image of Bethune-Cookman University and its founder in the attire that is worn during the Service of Consecration for Graduates and the Commencement Convocation. Administrators, faculty, and staff will follow the same academic dress code.
Female
- Black or dark colored dresses, skirts and blouses
- Black shoes (No higher than 3”heels)
- Flesh tone stockings
- Post or small hoop earrings (No dangling earrings or excessive jewelry)
- No purses
- Full academic regalia (cap, tassel, and gown) is required to participate in the ceremonies. Undergraduate candidates wear tassels on right side of cap until the degrees are conferred by the President at Commencement.
- No cellular devices
Male
- Black or navy blue slacks
- White dress shirt
- Black or dark tie (No loud or wild color prints)
- Black shoes
- No earrings or excessive jewelry
- Full academic regalia (cap and gown) is required to participate in the ceremonies. Undergraduate candidates wear tassels on right side of cap until the degrees are conferred by the President at Commencement.
- No cellular devices
GUESTS:
Graduates are requested to inform guests attending the Service of Consecration for Graduates that they should be seated 15 minutes before the event begins. The doors will be closed when we reach full capacity. Guests should not leave the auditorium until the entire ceremony is over. Leaving causes disruption and noise which disturbs others. If leaving is necessary, guests should leave the times designated on the printed program. The ushers will indicate when guests may return to the auditorium.
Graduates are requested to inform guests attending the Commencement Convocation that they should be seated 15 minutes before the event begins. Guests should not leave the arena until the entire ceremony is over. Leaving causes disruption and noise which disturbs others.
