Mt. San Jacinto College
COMMENCEMENT 2017 NEWSLETTER “Educated • Unified • Empowered” How will you change the world? Congratulations on making it to commencement. You have come a long way. The Spring 2017 commencement ceremony is just around the corner. This ceremony is held annually to honor those students who have completed their Associates degree or Certificate programs of study. Commencement will take place on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the picturesque Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre in Hemet. The Ramona Bowl is host to numerous events, and offers a spacious venue for graduates and their friends and families. Graduates are encouraged to invite as many of their friends and family as they wish, tickets are not required. We sincerely hope that you will participate in Commencement 2017. This is an opportunity for your family and friends to honor and celebrate you and your academic achievements!
MSJC GRADUATION FAIR
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR GRADUATION NEEDS There is much to know and understand about this year’s commencement ceremony. As a way of providing this needed information to the most students in the quickest amount of time, MSJC Bookstores will hold their annual Graduation Fair as listed below: Monday, April 24th (MVC) 10 a.m.—4 p.m. and Thursday, April 27th (SJC) 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
You will be able to pick up information related to: Caps & Gowns Graduation Packs: Announcements Pride Sash Grad T-Shirt Photography PTK Regalia Graduation Gifts Accessories
IN THIS ISSUE
Grad Fair
April 24th - MVC 250 April 27th - SJC 1450
Student Speaker Auditions
April 11th - MVC 851
Honors Convocation *
May 9th - SJC Library
Scholarship Luncheon *
Rehearsal & BBQ
April 12th- SJC 200
*By Invitation Only
May 10th Wilson Creek Winery
10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
*By Invitation Only
May 25th Ramona Bowl
5:30 p.m.
Amphitheater Commencement
May 26th Ramona Bowl Amphitheater
5:30 p.m.
STUDENT SPEAKER AUDITIONS
Important Dates & Student Auditions
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Do you have parting wisdom you’d like to share?
Your “BIG DAY”
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President’s Message
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Student Speaker Auditions are an opportunity for graduates to participate in commencement as a member of the Platform Party. During the auditions, three students will be chosen to participate: one closing reflection speaker, a tassel turner and a Pledge of Allegiance leader.
Frequently Asked Ques4 tions Parking Information
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Directions
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Veterans, Foundation & 7 More
To audition, prepare a 5-minute speech focused on this year’s theme:
“Educated • Unified • Empowered” How will you change the world? Auditions will be held Monday, April 11 2017 from 2:00 – 4 p.m. in room 851 located on the Menifee Valley Campus and Tuesday, April 12, 2017 from 2:00 – 4 p.m. in room 200 located on the San Jacinto Campus. No appointment is necessary.
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COMMENCEMENT: Your BIG Day! Many students seem to think that Commencement is a complicated, time-consuming process. It isn’t! The really difficult part is completing two full years of course work or a Certificate of Achievement. You’ve already accomplished that! The TheGraduation GraduationisisFriday, Friday,May May26th 27, at at5:30 5:30p.m. p.m. at The Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, Hemet, CA 92544 Phone: (951) 658-3111 or (800) 645-4465 CAPS CAPS, ,GOWNS, GOWNS,and & REGALIA REGALIA
GRADUATION GRADUATION REHEARSAL REHEARSAL and BARBECUE & BBQ DINNER
All graduates attending graduation are required to wear regalia. We encourage you to purchase caps and gowns in the Eagle Shop Bookstores. Grad Packs are specially priced during the Graduation Fair (see dates below).
Graduation rehearsal is scheduled the day before Commencement on Thursday, May 25th at 5:30 p.m., at the Ramona Bowl. A complimentary barbecue will follow for graduates participating in the rehearsal. We encourage all students to attend the rehearsal and barbecue dinner.
Monday, April 24th (MVC) & Thursday, April 27th (SJC)
For additional information contact the Eagle Stop Bookstore at, msjc.edu/Bookstore/Pages/default.aspx. FLOWERS Flowers will be on sale prior to the ceremony. Please ask guests to hold flowers and/or gifts until after the ceremony as graduates are not permitted to carry items into the Bowl. Balloons are prohibited from the Ramona Bowl.
PHOTOGRAPHS Audience members are to remain seated during the ceremony. Photographs may be taken after the ceremony. Graduation Images GRAD TRAK will be onsite to take your candid photograph as you receive your diploma or certificate cover. You will receive a free passport-sized, full-color proof by email after graduation. There is no obligation to purchase. Available portrait packages vary in cost. House of Portraits will also be available at the Ramona Bowl on May 26th from 10— 2 p.m. to take your commencement portrait. Available portrait packages vary in cost. GUESTS Your family and friends are welcome at Commencement, and you may invite as many guests as you wish. Guests should go directly to Hemet High School, located at 41701 E. Stetson Ave. Hemet, 92544. A free shuttle, to and from the Bowl, will be provided. Please advise your guests of the following: Ceremony will last 2-3 hours Be early, seating is on a first come basis Guests should be seated no later than 5:15 p.m. Parking is at Hemet High School Contact (951) 487-3302 for special accommodations
DIPLOMAS & CERTIFICATES You will not receive your diploma or Certificate of Achievement at commencement. Instead, you will receive one diploma cover as you cross the stage. No matter how many degrees or certificates you are receiving, you will be given only one cover. Diplomas and certificates are issued by Mt. San Jacinto College after verification that all requirements have been met. July 14th is the anticipated date of mailing. Please ensure that the college has your correct mailing address on file. STAGE PROTOCOL
Graduates will be announced one at a time. Students will rise and file to the right of the stage as directed. Once on the stage, graduates will hand their “Reader Cards” to the announcer who will read the student’s name over the loud speakers in the Ramona Bowl. Graduates will proceed to the President and other dignitaries, to shake hands and receive their diploma cover. Graduates then exit the stage and proceed down the center aisle back to the stands, as directed. You may not end up in the same seat, please do not leave your belongings. RAMONA BOWL PROTOCOL Strollers and balloons are not permitted in the Bowl due to fire and safety concerns. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted. Do not bring glass containers of any kind. Do not leave any personal bags or backpacks unattended. Children are not allowed onto the grassy areas of the Amphitheatre or with graduates. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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A Message From MSJC’s President Congratulations MSJC Class of 2017! You’ve reached a major milestone in your life and you are now “Educated • Unified • Empowered.” The question is: “How Will You Change the World?” When you think of great change agents and what sets them apart is their belief and openness to education. They have an ability to empower others; to help society see that change is needed and possible. They become a unifying force by breaking down barriers that separate people. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve the society in which we live. By taking this step in your journey, you are now charged with looking at life through different perspectives, to serve as leaders in your community, and to continue your education either through earning advanced degrees or expanding upon your life experience. You are a unified student body. You have engaged in campus activities, worked together to improve student life, helped the less fortunate, participated in study groups, have moved towards equity to engage underrepresented groups, and have exhibited higher levels of student success. You have been empowered to go into communities and talk about the education you received at Mt. San Jacinto College. You can encourage the next generation of students to begin their own educational journeys. I urge you to remember the MSJC faculty, the classified staff, and the administration that worked together to provide you with a solid educational foundation. This is not where your journey ends. Your work is not done when you turn your tassel. Your work is just beginning. Take the education you have gained to map your strategy. Unify and inspire those around you to help build your vision. And know that you have the power to change the world.
Dr. Roger W. Schultz Superintendent/President
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FAQ”s When is Graduation? Graduation, also called Commencement, is on Friday, May 26, 2016 at 5:30 p.m., sharp. Graduates are required to be at the Ramona Bowl no later than 4:30 p.m. (the earlier the better). Lineup is on a first come-first served basis (there are some exceptions). Where is Graduation? The Graduation is held at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre which is located at: 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, Hemet 92544. A map and driving directions are available on page 6 and also at msjc.edu/graduation. Is there a rehearsal? Yes. Graduates are strongly encouraged to attend rehearsal on May 25th at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet. Rehearsal will begin at 5:30 p.m. A free barbeque for graduates is provided after rehearsal. Can I decorate my graduation cap? Yes. Students can personalize their caps as long as it is done in a respectful manner. Can I bring my children? Yes. Children are welcome to attend as long as they have adult supervision in the stands and during the ceremony. Children may not sit in the graduates’ section or walk on stage. How long is the ceremony? The ceremony will last approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the number of graduates participating in the ceremony. Can graduates leave the ceremony early? All graduates are expected to be at the ceremony for its duration. Early departures are not allowed as it disrupts the ceremony and is disrespectful to other graduates. Special accommodations: Graduates and/or guests who need special accommodations during the ceremony (i.e. sign language interpreter, wheelchair access, parking, etc.) are strongly encouraged to let us know so arrangements can be made. Contact Disabled Students Program at (951) 487-3302 or email ada@msjc.edu for accommodations. Do I get my diploma on May 26th? No. Each graduate will receive one diploma cover as they cross the stage. The actual awards will be mailed to graduates after July 14th. If you have questions regarding diplomas or certificates, contact the Evaluators’ Office in Enrollment Services at (951) 639-5219 or (951) 487-3224. Where do I park? Free parking is available for all graduates. Graduates are required to park at Hemet High School located at: 41701 E. Stetson Ave. Hemet, 92544. Shuttle service, to and from the Bowl, will be provided free of charge. Shuttle service is available from 3:308:30 p.m. and parking lots close at 9 p.m. Where do my family and friends park? Free parking is available for all guests. Guests are required to park at Hemet High School located at: 41701 E. Stetson Ave. Hemet, 92544. Shuttle service, to and from the Bowl, will be provided free of charge. Shuttle service is available from 3:30-8:30 p.m. and parking lots close at 9 p.m. Can guests approach the stage for photos? No– Do not approach the stage. For safety concerns, guests are not allowed on near the stage and must remain seated during the ceremony. However, while space permits, families sitting towards the front of the arena will have a better opportunity of being able to take pictures without leaving their seats.
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ongratulations on your great achievement! We want to ensure that your commencement ceremony is a great experience and memory for both you and your guests. Free parking will be available for all graduates and guests. However, due to parking constraints, please consider carpooling and arriving early.
Parking Graduates and Guests are to go directly to Hemet High School, located at 41701 E. Stetson Ave. Hemet, 92544, to park their vehicles. A free shuttle has been provided to deliver everyone safety and quickly to and from the Ramona Bowl where the commencement ceremony will take place. Please allow a sufficient amount of time for traffic delays, to park, and to catch the shuttle to the Ramona Bowl entrance. Shuttle service is available from 3:30—8:30 p.m. and parking lots close at 9:00 p.m.
Parking for People with Disabilities and Mobility Issues Any graduate whose parents or other guests are disabled may access reserved parking in the Ramona Bowl. Eligible persons include those with a state-issued handicapped license plate or handicapped placard. The license plate must be on the vehicle or the placard or special parking pass displayed from the rearview mirror and easily visible to the parking attendants when approaching and parking in the Bowl. The person to whom the plate or placard is issued must be in the vehicle and be able to provide identification.
Traffic (Lots of Traffic) Come Early! We cannot stress enough how important it is to get there early. Commencement will result in hundreds of college students taking the last step in their educational journey, and during this time the traffic implications are not to be taken lightly. An already traffic-filled city will see a huge influx of thousands of joyous friends and family, coming to celebrate and partake in the commencement ceremony, potentially causing major traffic delays and parking issues, in and around the Ramona Bowl and the city of Hemet. The Ramona Bowl Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. and we ask that you come early to avoid traffic delays and bottlenecking that occur as a result of traffic coming to the ceremony.
Maps are located on page 6 and on the web at msjc.edugraduation.
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DIRECTIONS to Ramona Bowl From Interstate 10: (Banning/ Beaumont/Palm Springs
Take highway 79 south to Hemet (becomes Sanderson Ave.). Turn left on Stetson Ave. Turn right on Girard St. Continue on Girard St. up to the Ramona Bowl.
From Interstate 215: (Riverside)
Take Highway 74 east to Hemet (becomes Florida Ave.), Turn right on Girard St. Continue on Girard St. up to the Ramona Bowl.
From Interstate 15 North: (San Diego/ Temecula)
Keep to the right and take I-215 N toward Riverside/San Bernardino. Take the Newport Road Exit. Turn right onto Newport Road. Newport Road becomes Domenigoni Parkway at Winchester Road, continue on Domenigoni Parkway to State St. Turn left onto State St. Turn right on Stetson Ave. Turn right on Girard St. Continue on Girard St. up to the Ramona Bowl.
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VETERAN’S WALL OF HONOR The Veteran Resource Center (VRC) staff would like to congratulate all of the Graduating Veterans! All Veterans are encouraged to participate in the Wall of Honor. The Wall of Honor has been a tradition since 2014, with one located at SJC and one at MVC. The Wall of Honor is VRC’s way of celebrating all of its graduating military veterans and serves as a reminder to current and future veterans that education and success are possible. To participate, send the following information to Mary Lou Dillard, the VRC Coordinator, at mdillard@msjc.edu. All submissions are due by May 26th.
A picture of yourself (head shot or full body shotprofessional photo not required) Full name Military branch Military rank Term of service Graduation term/year Major(s) University transfer acceptance
ALUMNI & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION Now that you are within weeks of becoming an MSJC graduate or certificate recipient, give some thought to becoming a member of MSJC’s Alumni & Friends Association. Membership in the Alumni & Friends Association is free. Members include current and former students, current and retired MSJC employees as well as members of our community. We invite you to be part of this special legacy. Benefits of free membership include: invitations to special Alumni & Friends events throughout the year, free entry to MSJC sporting events, reduced admission to performing arts events at MSJC, access to career services and job placement and discounts and/or benefits at local community businesses. For information about MSJC’s Alumni & Friends Association, as well as the Mt. San Jacinto College Foundation, please contact Rebecca Orlauski in the Foundation Office at rorlauski@msjc.edu or (951) 487-3171.
CLOTHING & WEATHER We recommend that graduates wear cool and comfortable clothing as it is generally very hot in late May. Although the majority of the areas that you will be walking across are stable pathways, there are areas composed of grass, dirt or gravel; and some areas have a slope. Therefore, wear appropriate footwear to be both comfortable and safe. We do not recommend bringing purses or bags of any kind. You will not want to carry these items across the stage. We also do not recommend leaving items in your seat as you may end up in a new seat after crossing the stage. We are not responsible for lost /stolen items.
ACCOMMODATIONS We want to assist our graduates and guests with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations at the ceremony. If you or your guests need an accommodation, please call Disabled Students Program at (951) 487-3302 or email ada@msjc.edu.
DECORUM The graduation ceremony is a festive occasion, but also a formal academic event. The celebration manifests itself in the dress of the graduates and faculty adorned in academic regalia and the joy and satisfaction of accomplishment. The ceremony is also marked by respectfulness during the actual conferring of degrees because it signifies the hard work of everyone involved: students, faculty, staff, administrators, and family. Because of the nature of the ceremony, students and their guests are expected to maintain a measure of decorum consistent with the occasion. Students are required to adhere to MSJC’s Student Code of Conduct.
GRADUATION SURVEY Please help us improve our services by participating in a 2-3 minute survey. To participate please visit msjc.edu/graduation and select the ‘Graduation Survey’ link on the left. All responses are confidential. Thank you for your participation.
QUESTIONS We hope this newsletter answers all of your questions. However for more information, please visit msjc.edu/graduation or call (951) 639-5201.
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Mt. San Jacinto College
Class of 2017
Sign Language interpreters will be provided at commencement