Spring 2018 Dear Aquinas College Graduating Student: Congratulations! You have worked diligently during your academic career, and you have every reason to be proud. I hope that you will find this detailed information helpful to you as you prepare for graduation. For All Graduates: On Saturday May 5: Baccalaureate Mass will be held at 10:00am at the Cathedral of St. Andrew located at 301 Sheldon Blvd.; Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Graduates will begin lining up at 9:30am in gowns and honor cords; caps and hoods are not to be worn at Baccalaureate. Tickets are not required for Mass. Commencement will begin at 2:00pm at Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center located on the campus of Aquinas College. Due to the limited seating in Sturrus, we will offer an alternate viewing location in the Wege Student Center Ballroom. Graduates will begin lining up at 1:15pm. Tickets are required for guest entry in both locations. Questions frequently asked by graduating students: Have I completed all the required steps for participating in Commencement exercises? Every student is required to complete specific paperwork and follow certain procedures if they wish to participate in the ceremony. Please see the enclosed "Commencement To Do List" for specific details. Do I qualify for an honor cord? Aquinas College awards honor cords to undergraduate students based on their most recent completed semester cumulative GPA. Quad grades in the spring will not be considered. Honor cords will be included with your cap and gown in the bookstore. Cum Laude cords (silver) are for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better; Magna Cum Laude cords (maroon) are for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or better; and Summa Cum Laude cords (silver and maroon) are for students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.9 or better. If you believe you qualify for this honor please check with the Registrar s Office before graduation day; no changes will be made on May 5. Is there a limit on the number of people I can invite to the graduation ceremony? Do I need tickets? Please reference the enclosed Ticket Policy and Information sheet for further information. Congratulations again on your achievements at Aquinas College. I look forward to seeing you at Commencement. Sincerely yours, Stephen P. Barrows, Ph.D. Executive Vice President Provost and Dean of Faculty
Commencement TO DO List for the Graduate If you will be participating in Commencement 2018, please make certain you have completed the following: DECLARED a MAJOR and/or MINOR (Undergraduate Students Only) Form is available on-line at https://www.aquinas.edu/registrar/registrar-forms and in the office of the Registrar and Academic Advising (Hruby 30). Completed the APPLICATION for DEGREE CANDIDACY Form is available on-line at https://www.aquinas.edu/registrar/registrar-forms and in the office of the Registrar and Academic Advising (Hruby 30). Completed forms must be signed by the department chair and returned to the Registrar s Office by April 14, 2017. A graduate s name will not appear in the Commencement program if degree candidacy is submitted after April 13, 2018. CAP and GOWN have been ordered from the Aquinas Bookstore by Thursday March 30, 2017. (see bookstore information sheet included in this packet). GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS have been ordered from the Aquinas Bookstore. The deadline for personalized announcements is Thursday March 29, 2018. (see bookstore information sheet included in this packet). COMPLETED and RETURNED the NAME PRONUNCIATION form to Lori Orlowski in the Office of the President (Holmdene) by Monday April 23, 2018, or return at GradFest on Monday, April 23, 2018. (form included in this packet). DVDs of the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement will be available for purchase. The cost is $15.00 for one or $25.00 for both. To reserve your copy, please return form to Jody Wright in the Office of the President (Holmdene) or return at GradFest on Monday, April 23, 2018. (form included in this packet). COMPLETED and RETURNED the SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION SEATING REQUEST FORM to Lynn Atkins-Rykert (AB210) by Monday April 23, 2018, or at GradFest on Monday, April 23, 2018. (form included in this packet) OBTAINED TICKETS for guests to attend the COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY Tickets will be available at GradFest on April 23, 2018 from 12:00 2:00 pm or 5:00 7:00 pm. If you are not able to attend GradFest, you can obtain your tickets from the Dean of Students Office (AB 107): beginning Tuesday, April 24 Friday, April 27 from 8:30 11:30 am and 1:30 4:30 pm. (information sheet included in this packet).
Important Information for Your Family and Friends Please Share in Advance of Commencement Day The following guidelines have been established in order to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for our graduates and guests on this important day. We appreciate your cooperation. Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew Baccalaureate will be held at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 301 Sheldon Boulevard in downtown Grand Rapids. Tickets are not required, but seating is limited. Your guests should plan to arrive early as parking is limited in the area surrounding the Cathedral. Guidelines for Attending Commencement at Aquinas College Guests must have a ticket to attend Commencement and/or alternate viewing location. Doors at all locations (Sturrus and alternate viewing location) will open at 1:00 pm for individuals picking up tickets at Will Call and for general admittance with a ticket. Having tickets held at Will Call does not indicate you have reserved seats. All seating is first-come, first-served. Guests will not be permitted to save seats for others. Any guests needing special seating accommodations (e.g. wheelchair, walker, hearing impairment, etc.) must submit the Special Needs Seating Request form in order to be accommodated. When the Academic Procession begins, all guests will be asked to take their seats. Guests will not be allowed in the hallway or at the rear of the venue during the procession. Late arriving guests will not be allowed to enter the auditorium until the procession is complete. A professional photographer will be present to capture your graduate s special moment so we ask guests to refrain from leaving their seat for photography purposes during the ceremony. Your graduate will receive an e-mail after Commencement with instructions on how to order photographs. As the ceremony ends, guests must remain in their seats until the academic recessional has ended. Once the academic recessional has cleared the building, guests will be allowed to exit. Prior to the Commencement, we suggest that you identify a location on campus where you will meet your graduate.
Commencement Itinerary and Ticket Policy and Information 2018 Ticket Information Tickets are REQUIRED for admission to Commencement and will be collected at the door. Each graduate is entitled to up to four tickets for guests for the Commencement ceremony in the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center and four tickets to an alternate viewing location on campus. Tickets will be available at GradFest on Monday, April 23 from 12:00 2:00 pm or 5:00 7:00 pm may be picked up in the Dean of Students Office, located in the Academic Building (AB107) between Tuesday, April 24 and Friday, April 27 from 8:30-11:30 am and 1:30 4:30 pm. If a graduate is unable to pick up tickets in person because he/she is studying abroad, student teaching, or serving an internship, please call 616-632-2171 to make arrangements to have the tickets held at Will Call. Will Call tickets can be picked up at Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center at 1:00 pm on Commencement day. If additional Commencement tickets become available after April 27, they will be offered to graduating students on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, April 30. Please watch The Moose for further information. Please note that tickets are NOT required for the Baccalaureate Mass being held at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew at 10:00 am. Commencement Itinerary 9:30 am - Line up for Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Gowns and honor cords are worn; caps and hoods are not worn. Graduates will process into church at 9:50 am. 10:00 am - Baccalaureate Mass (optional but encouraged). 1:00 pm - Doors at Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center will open for Will Call ticket pick-up and all others with a ticket. 1:15 pm - Graduates will check in and line up in Alksnis by degree in alphabetical order. Please know what degree you are receiving. You will be given a 4 x 6 card with your name printed on the card. DO NOT LOSE OR WRITE ON THIS CARD. You will be given procession instructions when you line up. 1:45 pm - Academic Procession begins (graduates, staff, faculty, administration, Board of Trustees). 2:00 pm - Commencement begins.
COMMENCEMENT 2018 CAP & GOWN ORDERING AQUINAS COLLEGE BOOKSTORE ***PLEASE PLACE YOUR ORDER BY Thursday March 29, 2018*** IMPORTANT! Remember you must complete your application for degree & have it audited by the Registrar in order to participate in the Commencement ceremonies. INFORMATION NEEDED: Name, Height, Weight, Degree and official Major designated by Registrar/Advising Center. COST: Payment required with order: BACHELOR Package (cap/tassel/gown/hood) $67.00 (tax included) MASTER Package (cap/tassel/gown/hood) $73.00 (tax included) GRAD FEST: A special event for all graduates is being held on Monday, April 23, 2018 from Noon 2:00 pm and 5:00 7:00 pm in the Ballroom of the Wege Student Center. You can pick up your Commencement Tickets, Cap & Gown, etc. DISTRIBUTION: At GradFest held on Monday April 23, 2018 12:00 2:00 pm or 5:00 7:00 pm in the Wege Student Center. If you are not able to attend GradFest, you may obtain your cap and gown in the bookstore from April 24 May 4. **The bookstore will be open May 5, but it is strongly recommended that you pick up your graduation apparel before that date to check for correct fit. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All parts of these graduation apparel packages are keepers they belong to you and do NOT have to be returned after graduation. The gowns are made of Renew Repreve yarn, a fabric made of 100% post-consumer recycled materials certified by the U Trust Verification Program. Please contact the AQ Bookstore with any questions: Phone: 616-632-2962 Fax: 616-732-4599 E-mail: aquinas@bkstr.com Thank You and CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations Aquinas College Graduates! Order your Graduation Announcements and Diploma Frame at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation Standard Package 10 Personalized Announcements 25 Thank You notes 25 Envelope Seals $65.85 Deluxe Package 20 Personalized Announcements 25 Thank You notes 25 Envelope Seals $100.80 Premium Package 30 Personalized Announcements 25 Thank You notes 25 Envelope Seals 50 Personal Notes $166.70 A LA CARTE Graduation Announcements & Accessories 10 Personalized Announcements 34.95 25 Thank You Notes 18.95 25 Envelope Seals 11.95 50 Personal Notes 30.95 60 Return Address Labels 15.95 25 Tissue Inserts 11.95 Pricing does not include tax nor 13.50 S&H **Please allow two weeks for announcement delivery. Order your Aquinas College Official Diploma Frame! Order online: www.framingsuccess.com Contact 317.578.8130 or pacavazos@herffjones.com with any questions
Aquinas College* Graduation Hood colors Degree Major Color Bachelor of Arts All except those listed below White Bachelor of Arts History & Theology Red Bachelor of Arts Philosophy Dk. Blue Bachelor of Music & Music Education Pink B.A.G.E (no major) White Bachelor of Fine Arts all Brown Bachelor of Science All except those listed below Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Science in International Business Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business Bachelor of Professional Accountancy Gold Gold Drab/Tan Drab Drab Drab *Please note all Bachelor degrees will fit into one of the above categories. Except for Music Education, there is not an Education major or a Bachelor of Education degree. Master of Management Royal Blue Master in the Art of Teaching Light Blue Master in Education Light Blue Master in Science Education Light Blue HONOR CORDS For Honor Societies, cords must be ORDERED THROUGH THE FACULTY ADVISOR for your particular society; there is usually a fee. Cords for Cum Laude, Magna & Summa Cum Laude are determined by Registrar office according to grade point average after the last completed semester (spring quad grades will not count) & will be distributed with cap & gown.
If your name is frequently mispronounced, please fill out the information below: (Please print clearly) Name: Phonetic Pronunciation: (Example: Szewczyk pronounced Shev chick) Contact Phone Number: (for pronunciation verification) Return this form at GradFest on April 23, 2018 or to Lori Orlowski in the Office of the President Holmdene 101 or via e-mail at llo001@aquinas.edu
Special Accommodation Seating Request Aquinas College Commencement Saturday May 5, 2018 Individuals who may require special seating due to the use of a wheelchair, cane, or walker may request special accommodations for the Commencement ceremony by completing the form below and returning it at GradFest on April 23, 2018, deliver to Lynn Atkins-Rykert in the Academic Building, Room 210, or send via e-mail to atkinlyn@aquinas.edu prior to April 23, 2018. One additional person may be seated with each special seating individual. Please note that Special Accommodation seating is located in various areas of the auditorium for convenience of access to entrances/exits, restrooms, water, and assistance from AQ personnel, if needed. The doors of Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center will open at 1:00 pm. Please remember that TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY. Please see the Ticket Policy sheet for further details. Note: Reserved special needs seating not claimed by 1:40 pm will be forfeited. _ Special Needs Seating Request Commencement 2018 Name of graduate: (please print) Name of individual requesting special seating: cane hearing walker wheelchair other* *If "other" is selected, please briefly describe Name of accompanying individual: Contact person: (please print) Contact Phone(s): Contact e-mail: Return request to: Aquinas College Attention: Lynn Atkins-Rykert (AB210) 1700 Fulton St. E Grand Rapids, MI 49506 or e-mail to atkinlyn@aquinas.edu Deadline: Monday April 23, 2018 If this form is not returned, your accommodation request may not be met. Questions? Please call Lynn at 616-632-2924
Commencement 2018 DVD Order Form DVDs of the unedited recording of Baccalaureate Mass and/or the Commencement Ceremony may be purchased for personal use only. The cost is either $15 for the Mass or Ceremony or $25 for both the Mass and Ceremony. Both prices include shipping and handling. Please provide the following information. Your mailing address and contact information Name Address City State Zip Phone number - - Email Please check your DVD preference Baccalaureate Mass ($15.00) Commencement Ceremony ($15.00) Both ($25.00) My check # Please remit your check made payable to Aquinas College and this order form to: Jody Wright Office of the President Aquinas College 1700 Fulton St. E Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 Forms and payment may also be dropped off to Jody Wright in the Holmdene Building or campus mail, H 102. Questions? Please call 616-632-2883 or email jody.wright@aquinas.edu Orders are due by May 25, 2018
Gradfest 2018 GRADFEST IS A MUST FOR ALL GRADUATING SENIORS. IT S YOUR MONDAY, APRIL ONE-STOP SHOP EVENT TO OBTAIN COMMENCEMENT RELATED ITEMS, ASK QUESTIONS AND CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. 23 NOON - 2 P.M. AND 5-7 P.M. WEGE BALLROOM Confirm your graduation degree Pick up tickets (bring your student ID) Turn in your pronunciation form Confirm you have the correct hood, cords and honor cords Turn in the Special Accommodation Request Form Update your contact information with the alumni office Find information on Baccalaureate Mass, Alumni Career Services & Registrar s Office Refreshments provided. This is an open house style event. Questions? Call Alexa Carey at ext. 2822
AQ SENIOR Bucket List 2018 Take a selfie with President Quinn Watch the sunset at Reed s Lake Attend a Saints sporting event, musical performance or theater production Take a HammAQ nap on campus Caffeinate during exam week at the Moose Ride the Rapid downtown Go to a career fair and hand out your resume Write a thank you note to your favorite staff and faculty members Eat one last Wege Brunch Attend a Toast to the Tassel at Brookby with the Senior Class on April 26 Sign the Rock on Cinco De Mayo with the Class of 2018 Pass all of your classes & GRADUATE!