Spalding commencement is almost here! On June 2, the university will continue its long tradition of holding a ceremony that celebrates the hard work and commitment of Spalding students who have completed their degree. Some of the same questions about commencement come up over and over from graduates, so we compiled what we hope is a helpful Q&A about the big weekend. Also visit Spalding.edu/commencement for information.
When and where is commencement?
Commencement is always held on the first Saturday of June; this year that’s June 2. The commencement ceremony will take place from 10 a.m.-noon, at Canaan Christian Church, 2840 Hikes Lane.
How many tickets do I get?
Four (not counting yourself).
Where do I pick up my tickets?
Follow the signs on the third floor of the Egan Leadership Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
How do I get extra tickets?
Sorry, Spalding can only guarantee four. Your best shot is to attempt to find classmates who are not using their full allotment and ask them if they have spare tickets.
When should I show up to the church on June 2?
Graduates must check in at 8:30 Saturday morning at Canaan, and the graduate lineup starts at 9. The actual commencement ceremony starts at 10.
When should my relatives show up?
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Seats on the first floor and in the balcony of the sanctuary are available on first-come, first-served basis, and not every ticketed guest is guaranteed a seat. Guests arriving after 9:45, even if they have a ticket, will have to go to the overflow seating room (see below), so tell them to make sure not to be late if they want to sit in the sanctuary.
How does the overflow seating work?
If guests don’t have a ticket, they’ll be directed upstairs to the overflow room with seats where they can view a screen that shows the commencement ceremony. That said, there is also limited seating in the overflow room, so there’s no guarantee that every person who doesn’t have a ticket will get in the building. Spalding encourages only guests with tickets to come to commencement.
What about accessible seating at commencement?
Wheelchair and scooter-accessible space for guests with tickets is available on a limited basis within the direct viewing area in the sanctuary. Please reserve one of these spaces in advance by emailing sdelaney@spalding.edu.
Do infants require a ticket?
No, so long as they don’t require their own seat. They must be sitting in an adult’s lap.
Where do I pick up my cap and gown?
The campus bookstore in the Egan Leadership Center. Students that placed their order at the Jostens Grad Fair on April 3-4 must have their student ID or driver’s license present during package purchase. As of May 17, there are also doctoral and master’s degree hoods there.
Can I still order a cap and gown?
Yes, a limited amount of extra regalia is available at the bookstore that be can purchased first come, first served while supplies last.
What should I wear under my cap and gown during commencement?
Whatever you want that feels comfortable. Be as formal or as casual as you want to be on your big day.
If my loved ones can’t make it, will commencement be livestreamed?
Yes, the home page of Spalding.edu will have a link to watch the same live video feed that is on screen in the sanctuary.
Is there a Facebook event for the commencement?
Yes, here’s our Facebook commencement event page. Click to let people know you’re coming. Speaking of Facebook, now that you’ll be transitioning from current Spalding student to proud Spalding alumnus, be sure to like the Spalding University Facebook page in order to keep up with everything going on at your alma mater.
How many are graduating?
As of May 17, the commencement list has 645 students. This includes anyone who graduated in October 2017, November 2017, January 2018, March 2018 or May 2018 and anyone who is expected to finish in June 2018 or August 2018. It also includes some doctor of clinical psychology (Psy.D.) students who will finish internships by October 2018. Of those nearly 650 total students, usually between 300-400 walk at commencement.
When do I get my diploma?
With its six-week schedules, Spalding actually is conferring degrees all year-round, so many of the people going through commencement already have officially graduated and received their diploma. This is now their opportunity to walk across the stage. For those just now completing degrees, assuming the students finish in good standing with the registrar – having paid their account balances and completed exit counseling with financial aid – paper diplomas will be mailed out and an email link to electronic versions of the diplomas will sent in about 2-4 weeks.
When you walk across the stage at commencement, you’ll receive a ceremonial diploma tube that includes various letters from the university and a coupon for a free transcript.
What other events are scheduled around commencement?
Friday is also a big day, with the annual Baccalaureate Celebration and College and School Awards Ceremonies and receptions being held. The ceremonies are a time for family and friends to commemorate the graduate’s accomplishments.
The Baccalaureate Celebration will be 9-10 a.m. Friday at the First Unitarian Church, 809 S. Fourth Street, right next to campus.
The awards ceremonies, held at different times and locations on or near campus, are personalized to the individual degree program or school and often feature visiting, faculty or student speakers. Degrees are not conferred at these events. Friends and family of graduates are welcome to attend a reception immediately following their graduate’s award ceremony.
11 a.m.
School of Professional Psychology (Calvary Episcopal Church, 821 S. Fourth St.)
Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy (Spalding University Auditorium, 824 S. Fourth St.)
College of Education (Greater Bethel Temple, 834 S. Third St.)
School of Liberal Studies & School of Natural Science (First Unitarian Church, 809 S. Fourth St.)
Athletic Training program (Egan Leadership Center Troutman Lectorium, 901 S. Fourth St.)
1 p.m.
School of Business & School of Communication (First Unitarian Church, 809 S. Third St.)
School of Social Work (Greater Bethel Temple, 834 S. Third St.)
School of Nursing (Spalding University Auditorium, 824 S. Fourth St.)
Kentucky College of Art and Design (849 Gallery, 849 S. Third St.)
Receptions
11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. (following each College & School Awards Ceremony), College Street Ballroom, 812 S. Second St.
Should I wear my cap and gown to Baccalaureate and the awards ceremony?
Yes, to both.
What’s going on the day after commencement?
Take your family to Spalding’s 14th annual Day at the Downs! Spalding hosts a trip to Churchill Downs – and specifically Millionaire’s Row – every year on the Sunday after commencement. It’s a really fun event with a buffet lunch, cash bar, door prizes, silent auction and more. Tickets are $45 per person or $340 for a table of eight. Order your tickets. Hundreds of members of the Spalding community – and their families – will be there, so join the fun.