Graduation - Spring 2012

Tips and resources to help you prepare for your big day.
Review the following details to make preparing for graduation easier, including what you'll need to do for certification, request for ceremony participation, graduation clearance, and how to dress for graduation. Find useful checklists and information below for you and your guests.

Live Video Streaming of the May 2012 Commencement
A live video of the St. Edward's University 126th Commencement will be available ON-LINE.
Family and friends of the 2012 graduates may begin using the link at 9:45 a.m. CDT on Saturday, May 12, 2012. There will be no charge for viewing the commencement. No registration is required, simply click on "watch" to view the video. (Also for your convenience, the commencement video will be archived & available for future viewing.)
 
New Plans for University Commencement
The university is changing the way it conducts all commencement ceremonies and celebrations that accompany them. Beginning this year, all commencement ceremonies will be combined, into one ceremony in May that will be held at the Frank Erwin Center.
  • Students certified to graduate in the Spring Term 2012, may walk in the May 2012 ceremony.
  • Student who will complete ALL degree requirements by the end of the Summer Term 2012, may walk in the May 2012 ceremony. If it is determined that meeting degree requirements is not possible by the end of the Summer Term, the student may NOT walk in May.
  • Students planning to complete all degree requirements and graduate in August who wish to participate in the May 2012 ceremony must complete the May Graduation Participation Form. Forms are due to the student's certifying official (School Dean's office or New College or Graduate Advisor) no later than March 1st.
  • August graduates who walk in May will receive their diploma when the degree is posted after the end of the summer term and all grades are turned in.
  • Students who graduate in the Fall Term may walk in May 2013.
  • In subsequent years, students certified for spring and for the summer following the May ceremony will walk in May, and students who graduate in December will have the option of returning to walk in the May ceremony following their graduation.

Hilltop Send-Off: A Celebration for 2012 Graduates, Friday, May 11, 2012, 8:30p

On the eve of graduation, St. Edward’s University invites you to participate in the Hilltop Send-Off to recognize your achievements and welcome you a new alumnus. This event is open to all 2012 May and August graduates.

The Hilltop Send-Off will begin with Baccalaureate Mass to be celebrated in the Recreation and Convocation Center at 7 p.m. St. Edward’s is honored to have Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, DD, STL, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin preside.

Following Baccalaureate Mass, you are invited to a Legacy Walk taking you through the heart of campus and the historic red doors, symbolizing the completion of your academic career and entry into the St. Edward’s alumni community. Your family and friends are invited to await your arrival on Main Building lawn.

The Hilltop Send-Off culminates with the Red Doors Revelry — a festive outdoor reception on Main Building and Trustee Hall lawns. Enjoy a Champagne toast and the downtown night skyline, and receive a special gift from the Alumni Office. This is an opportunity to connect with your professors and celebrate graduation on campus. There will be designated meet-up areas for each school at the Red Doors Revelry.

Details on how to participate:
7:00p Baccalaureate Mass
8:30p Legacy Walk - Graduates arrive in your cap & gown at the Recreation & Convocation Center parking lot where graduates will line up & begin the procession. Family & friends will walk to the Main Building lawn.
9:00p Red Doors Revelry
For more information please contact: Melissa Robinson, melissa@stedwards.edu

GradFest - Your Single Source for Graduation, Wednesday, March 28, 11a.m. to 7p.m., Mabee Ballroom, Ragsdale Center
It's one-stop shopping for all your graduation needs — caps, gowns, announcements, class rings and more. And you won't want to miss the great giveaways and prizes, such as gift cards from local hotels and restaurants. Plus you can:

  • Have your graduation portrait taken with Main Building as the background. It's a one-time opportunity at GradFest. Caps, gowns and ordering information are provided at the event. Order portraits online from Flash Photography or call 214-443-9393 for more information.
  • Confirm how your name will appear on your diploma.
  • Clear any financial holds.
  • Discover alumni networking and career services that can help with your job search.
  • Learn about graduate programs at St. Edward's.

Ordering Your Announcements
Announcements may be ordered at GradFest or online from CB Announcements. Announcements will require five business days for delivery. For more information, contact CB Announcements at 1-800-433-0296.

Ceremony Date and Location
Spring 2012 graduation ceremonies:
  • Saturday, May 12, 2012
  • Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River, Austin, TX 78701
  • 10:00 am Ceremony for all graduation candidates
Key Dates for Spring 2012 Graduates
Mar 1 All transcripts for courses completed in past terms, and official CLEP scores due in the Office of the Registrar.
Feb 27 Spring certifications due.
Feb 28 Graduation information emailed to candidates' SEU email accounts.
Mar 28 GradFest scheduled from 11am to 7pm in Ragsdale Center, Mabee Ballroom.
Mar 29 Diploma verification forms mailed out to graduation candidates, who did not attend GradFest.
Apr 10 Dipolma verification forms due in the Office of the Registrar.
May 10 Graduation Practice, 3:30p-4:30p, Mabee Ballroom.
May 11 Baccalaureate Mass, 7:00p, Recreation and Convocation Center.
May 11 Legacy Walk, 8:30p, Graduates arrive in your cap & gown at the Recreation & Convocation Center parking lot. Family & friends will walk to Main Building lawn.
May 11 Red Doors Revelry, 9:00p, Main Building.
May 12 Graduation Commencement at Frank Erwin Center, 10:00a.
Jun 4 Deadline for all SEU credits and Spring 2012 transfer credits to be received in the Office of the Registrar.
July 6 Diploma release date.
Preparing for Graduation and the Ceremony
To help you get ready for this landmark day, we've put together the following checklists and instructions for you — and useful information for your guests.
  • Graduation Calendar (PDF): Track your key dates and steps to be ready for graduation.
  • Commencement Day Checklist (PDF): Help us make your graduation day go smoothly. Review this handy checklist and important commencement instructions.
  • Parking Map and Directions (PDF): Make sure your graduation guests know how to get to the ceremony and where to park on campus.
  • Hotel Discounts and Local Restaurant Information (PDF): Share this list of hotels with your guests to enjoy discounted rates from eight (8) local hotels during commencement weekend, May 12-13. Please note the reservation deadlines. For your convenience, a list of restaurants near St. Edward's is also provided.
  • Order of March & Memo/Instructions (PDF): Please find attached the order of march for the Spring 2012 ceremony and also the memo & instructions from Sister Donna to the graduates. This is given to students at the graduation practice on Thursday, May 10, 2012. (Please note there are two separate docs.

Special Assistance
Please contact the Registrar's office at 512-448-8762 by April 27, 2012, if you will need assistance during the ceremony due to a physical or mobility challenge.

Arrange a Diploma Pick Up
If someone else is picking up your diploma and/or transcripts, you must provide a written and signed statement instructing the Office of the Registrar to release these documents to the person. The person will be required to show a photo ID in addition to the signed letter of instruction.

For International Students
To avoid a delay in receiving your diploma, you should make arrangements to have your diploma and transcripts notarized no later than four weeks prior to the date diplomas are available. Contact the Office of the Registrar at 512-448-8762 for detailed information.

Graduation Honors
A student must complete 60 hours of credit in residence at St. Edward's with the appropriate grade point average in order to be eligible for graduation with honors. Credit by examination will not be counted in the 60 hours for graduation honors.

Graduate students with a 4.0 are recognized at Honors Night, not the graduation ceremony.

Undergraduate students will receive recognition during the ceremony for the following distinctions:
  • Cum Laude for a point average of 3.50
  • Magna Cum Laude for 3.70
  • Summa Cum Laude for 3.90

Commencement Photographs
Flash Photography will photograph each graduate twice at the commencement ceremony as they exit the stage. Free proofs will be mailed to each graduate within a week of the ceremony. For discounted pricing and expedited service, order online from Flash Photography using Department Code "P312". If you have any questions, please visit www.flashphotography.com or call 214-443-9393.

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