Fall 2008 Commencement & Convocation
Thursday December 18, 2008	ASU Commencement 10 AM - Wells Fargo Arena (see campus map, Tempe campus, building: WFA)
Friday December 19, 2008	Fulton College Convocation 1:00 PM Wells Fargo Arena (see campus map, Tempe campus, building: WFA)

Fall 2008 Convocation

The Mary Lou Fulton College of Education Convocation individually recognizes Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degree candidates in an intimate ceremony conducted exclusively for Fulton College of Education graduates and their families. A highlight of this special ceremony is when the name of each degree candidate is read as they cross the stage to receive personal congratulations from Dean George W. Hynd.

Phone numbers

ASU Office of University Ceremonies—480.965.3565

Fulton College of Education Convocation Questions—480.727.7262

Curriculum & Instruction Hooding Ceremony—480.727.7262

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Hooding Ceremony—480.965.3264

Psychology in Education Hooding Ceremony—480.965.3384

Links for additional information

ASU Graduation—information about filing for graduation, diplomas

ASU Office of University Ceremonies—information about the ASU commencement ceremony

ASU Bookstore—information about caps, gowns, tassels, hoods, announcements

Frequently asked questions—

What is the difference between commencement and convocation? Commencement is the official university ceremony for all ASU graduates. Convocation is the college ceremony where each Mary Lou Fulton College of Education graduate is individually recognized.

Do I need to RSVP? Yes, as a courtesy to the Dean's Office, please fill out our RSVP form if you plan to attend the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education Convocation Ceremony. You may also need to fill out the appropriate registration forms for your division’s hooding ceremony if you are a master's or doctoral candidate.

How will I know that my name will be called? We use a simple method to call your name as you walk across the stage. We give all of our graduates a name reader card when you arrive to Wells Fargo Arena. You will hold onto this card until you are prompted by convocation volunteers to rise and approach the stage during the ceremony. When you are on-stage, you will hand your card to one of our faculty members who will read your name aloud. If you are unable to RSVP, please be reassured that your name will still be called because it is based upon your physical attendance at the ceremony, not a prepared list.

How long are these ceremonies? Convocation will last approximately 90 minutes and commencement lasts 75 minutes.

Do I need tickets for these ceremonies? For the Convocation Ceremony in Wells Fargo Arena, tickets are not needed as there is ample seating for family and guests. Seating can not be reserved in the arena ahead of time.

Where do I get my cap and gown and/or hood? These items as well as announcements are available at the ASU Bookstore.

What color tassel or hood do I get? Please contact a representative at the ASU Bookstore.

In order to graduate, do I have to attend convocation or commencement? No, attendance at either one of these ceremonies is optional and not required.

When will I receive my invitation for the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education Convocation Ceremony? The Dean's Office mails out invitations approximately six weeks prior to the date of the convocation ceremony. Please make sure that you apply for graduation by October 15 at the Registrar's Office and have a current mailing address on file.

I still haven't received an invitation from the Dean's Office and the ceremony is nearing, what do I do? There are many reasons why you may have not received an invitation, but please be reassured that everything you need to know about the ceremony is on this website. Please feel free to RSVP if you plan to attend the ceremony. If you have not already applied for graduation through the Registrar's Office, please apply despite missing the October 15 deadline. Late application fees may apply.

Will I get my diploma at convocation or commencement? Diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately 10 to 12 weeks after commencement. Questions about your diploma should be directed to the Registrar's Office at 480.965.3256.

Should I wear my hood during the convocation ceremony? Yes, if you are a master's or doctoral degree recipient, please wear your hood during the ceremony. Our volunteers can assist you when you arrive to the arena so that your hood lies properly.

Will there be a photographer at convocation? Yes, Chappell Studios will photograph each student as they shake hands with the dean of the college. You will then be contacted by Chappell Studios about purchasing pictures.

If I am unable to attend convocation, how do I receive my diploma cover? Please call 480.727.7262 or e-mail paula.miller@asu.edu to request a diploma cover be mailed to you.

What if I am a graduate and have special needs that need to be accommodated? Please call 480.727.7262 or e-mail paula.miller@asu.edu so that we can best assist you. Handicapped parking is available in Lot #58. Please make sure you have a state-licensed handicapped parking decal.

My grandparents are coming for the ceremony and have difficulty walking. Is there parking and other accommodations for the disabled? Handicapped guests may be dropped off in front of the north entrance of Wells Fargo Arena. Upon entering the arena, guests with wheelchairs will be escorted by arena security to the appropriate areas to be seated. One guest may sit next to an individual in a wheelchair, but Wells Fargo Arena asks that other guests please sit in the rows below the wheelchair area. The wheelchair area can not be reserved and is on a first come, first serve basis. We recommend that handicapped guests arrive promptly at noon so that the arena security staff can best accommodate their needs. There are a limited number of courtesy wheelchairs available at Wells Fargo Arena in which guests may borrow during the ceremony; however these can not be reserved ahead of time. Handicapped parking is available in Lot #58. Please make sure you have a state-licensed handicapped parking decal.

What GPA do I need to graduate with honors? Academic recognition is granted to undergraduate students completing 60 or more hours of resident work at Arizona State University and having the appropriate grade point average. Below are listed the final GPAs and the corresponding academic recognition:

3.40 - 3.59 cum laude

3.60 - 3.79 magna cum laude

3.80 - 4.00 summa cum laude

My GPA is not quite high enough to receive honors, but I expect it to go up this semester. Is there a way to receive my honor cords? Yes, you must ask the professor of every class you are taking this semester to sign a statement projecting your grade. Return the letters to the Commencement Office (Fulton Center, Fourth Floor) and your GPA will be figured based on the projected grades. If your GPA meets the requirements, you will be given your honor cords. Your GPA and honor status will not be official until grades for the semester are posted. Honors will be noted on your diploma.

What if I have honors right now, but I expect my GPA to improve and move me to the next honor level. Can I petition for that recognition? Yes, it is the same process as described above.

If you have additional questions about the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education Convocation Ceremony, please call 480.727.7262 or e-mail paula.miller@asu.edu.

RSVP

Please submit an RSVP for convocation.

DATES TO REMEMBER

December 18, 2008
ASU Commencement
Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe Campus
10 am

December 19, 2008
Fulton College Convocation
Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe Campus
1:00 pm

FUTURE DATES

Spring 2009
ASU Commencement
Thursday, May 14, 2009

Fall 2009
ASU Commencement
Thursday, December 17, 2009