February 23, 2009

MEMORANDUM

TO:            NWSA 2009 COLLEGE DEGREE CANDIDATES: BFA, BM

FROM:        Lourdes L. Werner

SUBJECT:    GRADUATION INFORMATION


GRADUATION BANQUET:

Date:        Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time:        6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Place:        Parrot Jungle
                1111 Parrot Jungle Trail   
                Watson Island

RSVP:    You and two guests of your choice will receive complimentary tickets to the banquet.   Please pick up your tickets from Student Services beginning Monday, March 2, 2009 and no later than Friday, April 24, 2009.  You may buy additional tickets for $40 per person.  Parking is $5. 
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COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY:

Date:        Thursday, April 30, 2009
Time:        12:30  p.m.  Building #5, Gallery -Robing/Pictures
                1:30 p.m.  Procession to Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
               Graduation will begin at 2 p.m. promptly.
Place:       Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
               174 East Flagler Street       
       
       

Parking:  Public parking available in the downtown area.

Eligibility:
All students who will be completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts or the Bachelor of Music during the period of December 2008- December 2009 are eligible to participate in commencement.

Graduation Certification:
Each student is responsible to make sure that graduation requirements have been met.  This means that you have satisfied all NWSA departmental requirements, general education requirements, CLAST, and MDC and UF graduation requirements.  Your Associate in Arts Degree must be awarded before the BFA or BM can be awarded.  Please see me if you have any questions about your eligibility to graduate.  The fact that you are participating in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee graduation.

Free Commencement Invitations:
Each student will receive free commencement invitations from the NWSA College Student Services office. They should be available by the end of March.  You will be notified when they are available.  Please stop by the Student Services office when notified and pick them up.

Free Cap and Gown:
All graduates are expected to participate in commencement and wear the traditional cap and gown.  Each student will be provided a cap and gown free.  Please pick them up at the MDC bookstore beginning the last week in March.  Tassels and honors cords, if applicable, will be distributed the day of the graduation by NWSA staff.
    
Attire:
Women - dark shoes, comfortable dress, no jewelry, no purses/handbags
Men - White shirt, dark tie, dark trousers, dark shoes and socks

Pictures:
There will be a photographer present during graduation.  You will receive one CD which will include commencement and banquet pictures.

Admission & Reception:
Admission is free.  It is suggested that spectators arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. as parking may be limited.  Commencement will begin at 6 p.m. sharp. 

Diplomas:
During commencement each candidate will receive a diploma cover with instructions and information.   Please read the instructions carefully.  Make sure that the Student Services office has your correct address and that you notify us if you move.  You must also verify your address on line at www.ufl.edu.  Remember that your diploma and all future correspondence will be mailed to the address on file.  Diplomas will not be ordered until the degree is posted on your transcript.  It will take 6-8 weeks to get them and they will be mailed to you.  You will also receive a certificate from NWSA.  All obligations to NWSA, MDC, and UF must be cleared before any transcripts and/or diplomas are released.  This includes an exit interview for financial aid which you can do on line.