2013 COMMENCEMENT
The 2013 Commencement was held Saturday, May 11, at 9 a.m., in the Phelps Student Center.
COMMENCEMENT DETAILS
The Commencement Service will be on Saturday, May 11, at 9:00 a.m. in the Phelps Student Center. No tickets will be issued for Commencement seating. Since seating is limited, each graduate should restrict the number of invited guests to 8 persons for the Athletic Center. Guests will not be admitted to the seating area prior to 8:00 a.m., and no seats may be reserved prior to that time. No child care will be provided.
Students will assemble in the Cafetorium on Commencement Day at 8:00 a.m. to line-up for marching. Ladies are expected to wear dresses, dress shoes or dress sandals (no flip-flop style sandals or sandals without a heel strap). Men are expected to wear dark dress slacks, white or solid color dress shirts with ties (no bow ties), dress shoes and socks (no sandals or mules). Men are expected to maintain the hair length and facial hair policy of the school. Caps should be worn level, with the tassel on the right side before you graduate. Please do not chew gum during the service or engage in any behavior that would detract from the dignity of the occasion.
Attendance/Absence
For those who are currently enrolled in classes, you are expected to participate in the Commencement service unless you have received an approved absence. College students may request an excused absence from Dr. Jim Lytle; Seminary students from Dr. Mike Stallard; and Graduate School students from their Program Director. The deadline is April 5.
If you are excused from attendance at Commencement, you will graduate in absentia and your diploma will be mailed to you following graduation. Please make sure the Registrar’s Office has your correct mailing address.
For those who are not currently enrolled, you may decide whether or not to participate in the ceremony. Please notify Joshua Michael (570.585.9220) whether or not you will be marching in Commencement.
Rehearsal
In preparation for graduation, there will be a rehearsal on Friday, May 10, at 3:00 p.m., in the Phelps Student Center for all graduating students. Attendance is mandatory for a successful ceremony the following day. You will receive detailed instructions and practice marching at that time. The rehearsal will last about one hour. If you anticipate a work conflict, please speak to your employer early to arrange for time off. All questions about the rehearsal should be directed to Joshua Michael.
If you plan to attend the Commencement service but absolutely cannot make the rehearsal, please let Joshua Michael know so that other arrangements can be made for you to receive your instructions.
President's Graduate Reception
President & Mrs. Jeffery will host a reception for graduating College and Graduate School students and their families on Friday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m., in the Phelps Student Center. Graduates and their families will have the opportunity to enjoy desserts, punch and coffee with the faculty and administrators of the college. Tickets are required. Each graduate will receive three complimentary tickets, one for themselves and two for the guests of their choice.Additional tickets may be purchased for $3.00 each. All tickets must be reserved by Monday, May 6. You can order your tickets online at www.bbc.edu/2013grads. Seminary graduates will be honored at a separate event and will receive information about this event at a later date.
Commencement Regalia
Commencement regalia, if not previously picked up at Senior Salute on February 27, can be picked up at the Registrar's Office. Honor cords, if applicable, can be picked up at the Registrar’s Office. Seminary Graduates can pick up their regalia and honor cords at the Seminary Registrar’s Office. Hoods for Graduate and Seminary students will be given at commencement. Check your Commencement Regalia carefully and report problems to the Registrar promptly.
Special Seating Needs
In order to secure proper seating for everyone we need to know if anyone among your family and friends attending Commencement has special seating needs. These may include wheelchairs or those with hearing or sight difficulties who require seating up front. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can make arrangements. We are able to make adjustments up until the last week.
Contact Information
- Joshua Michael, Commencement Assistant (570.585.9220 or jmichael@bbc.edu)
- David Lackey, Special Seating Contact (570.585.9235 or dlackey@bbc.edu)
- Amy Heitner, President’s Reception Contact, (570-585-9202 or aheitner@bbc.edu)
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