Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Where do I get my cap and gown?

A: Caps and gowns may be borrowed from the college free of charge.  They are available in the basement of Cordiner Hall.  Hours will be posted in the spring semester.  

Please obtain your cap and gown early to avoid a "last minute" rush.  They should be returned to the robe room in Cordiner Hall immediately following the ceremony.  The robe room will also be open on Monday and Tuesday following commencement from 10:00 a.m. to noon.  A $75 replacement fee will be charged to your account if the cap and gown are not returned by 12:00 noon, Tuesday following Commencement.  After Tuesday, caps and gowns may be returned to Judy in the Business Office (Memorial 217) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Q:  Is there a rehearsal?

A: No, there is no rehearsal. Through printed and e-mail communications, as well as this Web site and the commencement marshalls, you will be informed of all the ceremony details, from when and where to show up to how to walk across the stage and shake the president's hand.

Q:  How do we line up?

A: Seniors will assemble in alphabetical order on the sidewalk between Lakum Duckum and Maxey Hall.  There each senior will be given a numbered program and those who qualify for honors in course will be able to borrow an honors stole.

Q: How long are the Commencement and Baccalaureate Ceremonies at Whitman?

A: Commencement generally lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours.  Baccalaureate is usually about an hour.

Q: If I am receiving two degrees, do I walk across the stage twice?

A: No, both will be presented simultaneously.

Q:  Can my family and friends takes pictures of me getting my diploma?

A: Audience members can take stills and videos from their seats. They are not allowed to approach the stage or stand in the area where graduates exit the stage. This is because the official professional photographer will capture graduates, diploma in hand, coming off the stage. If a graduate sees multiple cameras, he/she will be distracted. This hinders capturing the best possible professional shot.

Q: How do I get copies of the professional photo and DVD?

A: The professional photographer is Marty Huie. Shortly after commencement, his company will send packets addressed "To the Parents/Family of STUDENT NAME." All the order information will be included along with contact information if you have questions. All order questions should be directed to the photography company directly, not Whitman.  Also, you can order online through this link: www.orders.gradphotonetwork.com  If you have questions, please call  (509) 529-5183 or send an e-mail to grads@bigfoot.com

Q: When and where is the senior class photo going to happen?

A: Please meet no later than 9:50 a.m. near the Science Building on Ankeny Field; please wear your cap and gown.

Q:  What time should I tell me family and friends to arrive?

A: Breakfast will be available for purchase as early as 8 a.m. in the Reid Campus Center. Access to seating will open at 9:00 a.m.

Q: Is there reserved seating?

A: No, seating is first-come, first-served. There will be seating on bleachers as well as folding chairs.  Please advise your guests that they will be outdoors and may want to bring blankets, seat cushions, hats, umbrellas, water, etc...  Please see the next few questions for special needs seating.

Q: Is there a place to sit inside and watch the ceremony?

A: If you have guests who would prefer to watch from an indoor location, the Commencement ceremony will be webcast on a large screen in the Young Ballroom, Reid Campus Center and Kimball Auditorium, Hunter Conservatory.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A:  Only in extreme weather conditions will Commencement be moved inside.  Each senior will be cleared by the Registrar to receive two rain tickets for Cordiner Hall upon completion of the senior class survey. Rain tickets will be available from Reid Campus Center mailboxes following  Baccalaureate.  In the unlikely event of an indoor ceremony Commencement will start at noon instead of 11:00 a.m.  Overflow seating will be available in the Reid Campus Center, Maxey Auditorium, and Kimball Auditorium. In all conditions, the ceremony will be webcast in the Reid Campus Center Ballroom and Kimball Auditorium for those who prefer to be inside.

Q: What are the arrangements for individuals who use wheelchairs or need access to a sign language interpreter?

A: Staff and students serving as event ushers will be available to guide individuals to appropriate seating. Security will allow vehicles to drop people off for the ceremony.  Meet the security officer at the intersection of Boyer and Park for instructions.

Q: Where is parking available?

A: Several parking lots are available throughout campus.  There are also parking spaces in the residential neighborhoods that surround campus and on Main Street.  Self-contained motor homes are welcome to park in any of the available campus parking lots for the Commencement weekend.