December, 2008 Convocation
Undergraduate Students

Are you Ready for December Convocation?

December Convocation is a mid-year celebration and gathering of the ESF community to formally recognize students completing their degrees in December, and who may not be able to attend the Commencement ceremonies in May. As in past years, the Convocation will be held in Syracuse University's Hendricks Chapel.

Held prior to final exams, December Convocation is not a Commencement, but is a celebration of scholarship and academic accomplishment. The program includes the individual recognition of degree candidates. All faculty, staff, students, family members and friends are invited to join the festivities.

Items for Your Planning Calendar

Convocation Rehearsal: Wednesday, December 3, at 3:00pm in Hendricks Chapel. This will be a quick preview of what will happen on the 5th!

Convocation: Friday, December 5, at 3:00pm in Hendricks Chapel. You need to arrive at the Chapel by no later than 2:30pm with your cap and gown in order to participate in the procession. Ceremonies will include the individual recognition of each degree candidate.

Reception: Immediately following Convocation in Nifkin Lounge, Marshall Hall.

December Soiree: Friday, December 5, beginning at 6:00pm at The Genesee Grande Hotel. This semi-formal dinner-dance is sponsored by the Undergraduate Student Association in honor of December degree candidates. Tickets are required and will be available in advance. You will receive detailed information directly from that planning committee.

Items Requiring Your IMMEDIATE Action or Response

Undergraduate Application for Graduation: Undergraduates: Do you plan to attend the Convocation? YOU MUST COMPLETE THE UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION:

• Online version—complete online and submit by November 10.
• PDF version—print out, complete, and return it to the Registrar’s Office (111 Bray) by November 10.

If you do not complete this form by the deadline, your name will not be included in the convocation program.

Degree Requirements: All undergraduate students who will complete degree requirements by December 2008 are expected to participate in this Convocation. Be sure to confirm with the Registrar's Office that all requirements have been met for your degree.

Caps and Gowns: All students who participate in December Convocation are required to wear a cap and gown. You can obtain these through the Syracuse University Bookstore in the Schine Student Center. To place your order, you must go to the third floor of the Bookstore to be measured. There is no additional charge for this regalia!

Please note: Your order and payment must be received by the SU Bookstore by October 22 in order for your regalia to be received in time for Convocation! Orders made after October 22 will be assessed a sizeable late fee for shipping for which you will be responsible to pay out-of-pocket at time of ordering! (SU Bookstore 315-443-9900)

Regalia can be picked up from the SU Bookstore (3rd Floor – Reception Area) Wednesday, December 3 - Friday, December 5. Regalia must be returned directly to the SU Bookstore (main desk) following the Convocation. Reminder: You will need to bring this cap and gown with you should you plan to attend May Convocation and/or Commencement.

Hotels/Motels: If out-of-town guests will be coming to Syracuse to celebrate with you, reserve space NOW.

Parking: Arrangements will be made for guests to park in the Syracuse University Standart Street parking lot, about one block from campus. While, due to limited space, we cannot offer on-campus parking, drive-on and drop-off provisions can be made for those who need it.

Questions? Concerns?

Contact the Office of Student Life at 470-6658 or studentactivities@esf.edu. We're looking forward to celebrating with you!