Saturday, May 17, 2008, 3:00 p.m.
Northrop Memorial Auditorium

Reception to follow at Rapson Hall.

It's time to celebrate your academic achievements!

College of Design undergraduate students who have applied for their degree fall 2007, spring 2008, or summer 2008 are invited to participate in the 2008 Commencement ceremony on May 17, 2008.

Commencement Speaker:

Kaywin Feldman, Director and President, Minneapolis Institute of Arts (January 2008)

We must know you are coming! On March 11th we sent all eligible students a letter to their current address with an attached RSVP card. We need the card back so we can pronounce your name correctly as you walk across the stage!

If you did NOT receive this letter by April 5 (but have applied for your degree for fall 2007, spring 2008, or summer 2008 BY April 1, 2008), please contact Gayle Whitney.

Here’s your Commencement checklist:

• Return the RSVP postcard to 12 McNeal Hall or 107 Rapson Hall by Friday, April 11. We need to know you are coming and how many guests you plan to bring (no limit).
• Cap and Gown at Grad Fest—no hassle for your tassle! Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27.  Caps and gowns are optional, but most students going through commencement each year do wear them.
• Attend Senior Send-Off - graduating seniors and graduate/professional students earning degrees in 2007-08 are invited to celebrate their upcoming graduation on Wednesday, April 2, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center.
• Ceremony details: Check in is at 2:00! Leave your valuables with family or friends—we have no safe place to put them.
• Parking: Parking will be available in the 4th Street Ramp (4th Street & 17th Ave. SE), the Washington Ave. Ramp  (Washington and Harvard), as well as a number of lots along 4th Street SE running parallel to University Avenue.

Parking for persons with disabilities is available in designated areas of the Church Street Garage. The accessible entrance is located at the ground-level entrance on the east side of Northrop.  The curved driveway is accessible form Church Street SE (18th Ave. SE).

• Directions to Northrop Auditorium

• Seating: Open seating on the main floor and balcony.  The doors to the auditorium will open at 2:15 p.m.
• Seating arrangements for guests with special needs can be arranged by calling Gayle Whitney at (612) 624-4244.
• Instructions for lining up
• Consider being a student presenter! Application
• The day after our commencement, attend a graduation reception at Eastcliff, the home of University president Robert Bruininks.
• Enjoy free membership in the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. (You will receive this automatically when your degree is posted.) Learn more about the benefits of this membership.
• Photographs: Chappell Studios will attend commencement and will be taking a photograph of each graduate as they are recognized on stage and will send you a free color proof via your U of M e-mail.  The proof will be mailed within a week of the ceremony.  Enlargements will be available to you at a reasonable price. Family members are encouraged to relax in their seats and limit their personal picture taking to before or after the ceremony.
• Diploma:  Most students generally receive their diplomas two to three months after completing their degree requirements.  Participation in the graduation ceremony does not guarantee that you have completed your degree.  Be sure to contact your academic adviser if you have questions or concerns about completing your degree requirements.
• Recognition for Academic Achievement:  If you are graduating with a cumulative gpa of 3.75 or above, and/OR if you are completing the honors program, please be sure to identify yourself on your reply card when you turn it in. Your achievement will be noted in the program and you will receive an Academic Achievement medallion. Academic Achievement medallions are given to students completing the honors program, those graduating with Latin designators, as well as students graduating with distinction (3.75-3.89) or high distinction (3.90 or above).
• Learn more about services for alumni including Career and Employer Services; Alumni and Faculty Connections; Academic Services; and Technology and Research Services.