Graduation Day Instructions

Tickets are not required for the Graduation Exercises in Geneen Auditorium at The Fuqua School of Business.

Caps and Gowns

Your hood should be worn draped around your neck with the largest portion of the hood hanging down your back. The velvet border, which indicates your specific field of study, should be showing on the outside.  The velvet should fold under on the lower back to allow the colors to show.  FYI ~ How to Wear a Hood

Here are a few things to keep in mind for graduation apparel:

• If possible, wear a shirt that buttons in the front. This will allow you to hook a string from the hood to the button; keeping the hood from sliding.
• Ladies may want to bring hair pins to help secure the cap and safety pins to secure the hood if you do not have a shirt with a button.
• Business casual or business formal should be worn under your gown.
• The tassel of the academic cap is typically worn on the left front side; however, for photography purposes we ask that you wear your tassel on the right side during the ceremony.
• Leave all personal items with family members.

Class Photograph

We will take a class photo with everyone in their graduation apparel in front of the Fox Student Center at 8:45 am. Please meet outside on the steps in front of the Fox Student Center dressed and ready for the class photo by 8:45 am sharp! Given the busy schedule, we will not be able to wait for you if you are running late. A class photo will be taken of students who are present. After the photo is taken, please head into the Fox Student Center and begin lining-up alphabetically in preparation for the procession.

Note: In the event of rain, the photo will be taken during the graduation reception in the Fox Student Center of The Fuqua School of Business. The procession line-up will also take place inside the Fox Student Center. Please plan accordingly.

Photographer

A professional photographer will take pictures during the ceremony and reception. We will provide a website to all students after graduation to purchase pictures. Guests are encouraged to take pictures during graduation.

Procession

Immediately following the class photo, at approximately 9:15 am, please line up in alphabetical order in the hallway of the Fox Student Center. If you are late, you will impact the entire group, so please be on time.

The procession into Geneen Auditorium will begin promptly at 9:30 am. Graduates will follow the faculty procession. An usher will direct students to the appropriate seating area. Remain standing until you are asked to be seated by the individual at the podium.

Ceremony

There will be a program at your seat that you may use to follow the ceremony. When it is time for you to receive your graduation scroll, you will be given instructions by the ushers. Please be alert to their instructions, particularly if you are a row leader. Once your name is called, walk across the stage to receive your scroll and shake hands with the distinguished individuals on stage. Please proceed down the stairs stage left and return to your seat.

Note about diplomas: The graduation scroll you receive on graduation day will be a "mock diploma." The Board of Trustees at Duke University approves all diplomas three times a year. Your final grades will be submitted and diplomas will be approved after their meeting in September, and the EMBA Programs office will send the diplomas via FedEx in October.

Process Out

The faculty and staff on stage will process off the stage, past the graduates. After the group on stage processes out, an usher will direct the first row of graduates to follow. Graduates process out row by row. Please continue all the way outside of Geneen Auditorium, allowing all graduates to leave the main auditorium in a timely fashion. Plan to reconnect with your family out of Geneen Auditorium before walking to the reception at the Fox Student Center.

Reception

Immediately following the graduation ceremony, there will be a reception in the Fox Student Center at The Fuqua School of Business. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served. All graduates, family and guests are invited.