Participant Instructions

Overview

  • Graduates participating in commencement must attend their designated ceremony – no exceptions.
  • All guests need a ticket to attend the ceremony.
  • Arrive at the SF Gymnasium, in your cap and gown, one hour before your ceremony begins. Tassels should be positioned on the right side of your cap.
  • Secure storage for your belongings is not available. Bring only items you can carry with you.
  • Upon arrival at the SF Gymnasium go to the Graduate Check-In room to complete a reader card, which contains the information you want announced as you cross the stage. Do not lose the reader card. The reader card should include:
    • The phonetic spelling of your name, for accurate pronunciation.
    • One or two facts about yourself such as your transfer institution, place of employment, or a distinguishing honor.
  • Once your reader card is complete, you will line up with the other graduates in this order:
    • Graduating veterans
    • Baccalaureate graduates
    • Honors and Phi Theta Kappa graduates
    • All other graduates
  • The student line will proceed into the ceremony following the bagpiper, administrators, and faculty. Student marshals will direct graduates to their seats. Please remain standing until directed to be seated.
  • During the ceremony, marshals will direct students into a procession to cross the stage. Have your reader card ready to hand to the administrator. Proceed across the stage to President Broadie, who will greet you, hand you an unofficial diploma, and pose with you for a professional photographer. As you leave the stage you will pose for a solo picture, and then return to your seat.
  • After all names are called, you will be asked to stand, and Dr. Broadie will confer your degree. You will join all the graduates in moving your tassel to the left side of your cap.
  • A special Santa Fe College tradition closes the ceremony. Faculty and staff will form a "Walk of Honor" line, and student marshals will lead the graduates through it. Once all graduates have exited the gymnasium, guests will be permitted to leave and meet graduates outside. Photo opportunities will be available for you outside of the gymnasium.