Congratulations from UAA!

Time and Date
Sunday, May 4, 2008. Ceremony begins at 3 p.m. and concludes at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Location
George M. Sullivan Arena, 1600 Gambell Street, Anchorage, Alaska

When to Arrive
Mandatory Rehearsal at 10 a.m.
Commencement at 3 p.m. (Note: Doors will open at 2 p.m. If you do not show up by 2:30 p.m., you will not walk.)

Where to Report
Students: Main Floor
Faculty: SE Lounge
Deans and Directors, Emeriti, Stage Party: VIP room 

Rehearsal - Mandatory
Sunday, May 4, 2008 (the same day as the main ceremony) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Sullivan Arena.  The 9 a.m. breakfast is optional, the rehearsal is not. During rehearsal and prior to the start of the ceremony, the Master’s, Baccalaureate, Associates and Certificate students will be assigned to designated sections, in the balcony, according to School or College.  Within that section, you will be seated according to degree level and then by major.  All students will sit alphabetically according to the first letter of their last name, enabling family and friends to take photographs as they receive their diploma.  This is why rehearsal is mandatory.  

Free Breakfast
No one can graduate on an empty stomach!  Join us for free continental breakfast prior to rehearsal, hosted and served by the UAA Alumni Association at the Sullivan Arena 9:15 to 10 a.m.  For questions or more information call (907) 786-1013.

Cap and Gown
A Cap and Gown (and Hood if applicable) is required during the ceremony.  They can be purchased at the UAA Bookstore.  You can visit them online here.

News Releases
Unless you have instructed us not to, we will provide your name, degree or certificate and major to the Anchorage Daily News for possible publication. If you would like another news release sent to your hometown paper, informing them of your graduation, click here.  Please contact the University Advancement Office at (907) 786-1288 if you need assistance.

Tickets and Seating
Tickets are not needed, all family and guests are welcome to attend this free event. Guests should arrive early for the best seating.

Length of Ceremony
Approximately 2.5 hours.

Hooding Ceremony
Master’s degree graduates and candidates will not be hooded during commencement.  Instead, UAA will hold a special Hooding Ceremony for Master’s Degree Graduates and Candidates on Saturday, May 3, 2008.  This special Hooding Ceremony adds to the graduation experience by making it possible to focus on advanced degree candidates and their accomplishments.  It allows graduate faculty and staff, family and friends a chance to witness the ceremonial hooding of the graduate student in a more intimate setting.  Please Note: This special Hooding Ceremony does not take the place of Commencement.  Graduate students will march with their hoods on their shoulders, receive their diplomas, have their degrees conferred and be recognized by name along with those earning bachelor’s and associate degrees and certificates at commencement on Sunday.  For more information on the Hooding Ceremony click here.

Record the Ceremony
The commencement will be recorded and will be made available for purchase in DVD format. The DVD will cost $20 and will be available after May 14. To purchase your copy call (907) 786-6177.

Parking and Transportation
There is no charge for parking. UAA will provide shuttle service every 15 minutes from the UAA University Center (3901 Old Seward Hwy – UAA South Entrance) to the Sullivan Arena and back before and after the ceremony. The first shuttle departs from the University Center at 1:30 p.m. After the ceremony, the shuttle will resume. The first post-ceremony shuttle will depart from the Sullivan Arena 15 minutes after the ceremony ends. Shuttle service will continue until 7 p.m.

Special Needs 
There will be American Sign Language interpreters for both the rehearsal and the ceremony. Please call Disability Support Services at (907) 786-4530 regarding other special need requirements.

There will be 40 handicap spaces reserved in the parking lot.

Commencement Photographs
Arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take pictures of each graduate as they are hooded. Color proofs will be mailed to your home approximately two weeks after graduation. Enlargements will be available to you at a reasonable price.

Honor Cords
Honors cords are distributed at the end of the spring semester. If you received honors in the summer or fall semesters of the previous year, or if you are eligible for honors for the spring of the current year, an email will be sent to your UAA student email address, late-March/early-April informing you when you will be able to pickup your honor cord at One Stop Student Services in the University Center located at 3901 Old Seward Hwy., Anchorage, Alaska.    

R.S.V.P. for Commencement
All graduates must R.S.V.P online by clicking here.

Flower Sales
Golden Key International Honor Society will sell flower bouquets and leis for the graduates at the two front entrances to the Sullivan Arena.  The prices will range from $25 to $35.  A few Golden Key stoles and cords will also be available for sale to members who have not purchased them yet, after April 6.  Contact Brenda Henderson (907) 786-4397.

What Not to Bring to Commencement  
Do not bring horns, mechanical noise makers or helium balloons to the commencement ceremony. These items will be confiscated upon entry by Sullivan Arena security.

More Information
Contact (907) 786-1013.