Commencement 2024 What to Expect

7 p.m. Thursday, May 9^th

Aldrich Arena
1850 White Bear Avenue North
Maplewood, MN 55109

Commencement Timeline

• 6:00 p.m. – Graduate Line-up begins (Check in at the west entrance of Aldrich Arena, no later than 6 p.m.)
• 6:30 p.m.- Faculty Line-up begins in the Team Room (Please be in regalia and ready to line-up)
• 7:00 p.m. – Processional/Ceremony Begins
• 8:30 p.m. – Approximate End of Ceremony

Directions & Parking

Aldrich Arena offers free parking in the parking lots adjacent to the arena. Please see the arena's website for more details.

Where To Go When You Arrive Aldrich Arena

Graduates: Please enter the west entrance of the arena and then line-up follow the signs to line up.

Faculty: Enter Aldrich Arena on the east side of the arena (the side opposite White Bear Avenue), go down the stairs on east side of the arena and assemble for line up in the "Team Room" at the bottom of the stairs. The Team Room doors will be locked during the ceremony to protect personal belongings. There will be signs to identify the space for faculty line up.

Event workers (Staff/Faculty working the event): Enter the west entrance near the check-in station.

Guests: Enter either the west or east entrance. The doors will open at 6 p.m. for audience members.

Guests

There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate can bring, and guests do not need tickets.

Commencement Instructions For Graduates

• Graduates must be checked in by 6:25 p.m. Inver Hills does not hold a commencement rehearsal, so it is important that graduates arrive on time so that they can receive instructions about the ceremony and find your place in the lineup.
• Graduates enter through the west entrance and follow signs directing to graduate line-up/check in.
• Check in, receive a name card, and have your name written on your card phonetically if needed.
• Find your program sign and line up within your program area.
• Graduates MUST follow instructions of the ushers and graduation staff in the line-up area, processional, and recessional.
• The Tassel should be worn over your right temple and later moved to the left when directed to do so at the end of the ceremony.
• The processional will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. You will be guided into your row by the ushers.

Remain standing until all graduates have entered.

• When it is time to have your name called, the ushers will dismiss your row and guide you to the right side of the stage.

Bring your name card with you.

• You will hand your card to the reader who will announce your name as you cross the stage. There will be staff with extra cards before you cross the stage if you misplace yours.
• As you cross the stage, you will be given a scroll. Your actual certificate, diploma or degree will be mailed to you within 10-12 weeks.
• Photography will be provided by Grad Images. Grad Images will email graduates after the ceremony and provide the opportunity to purchase photos.

Is there a rehearsal?

Inver Hills does not have a graduation rehearsal; however, we ask that graduates arrive at Aldrich Arena (allow time for travel and parking) by 6:00 p.m. on May 9. Graduates will check in and receive name cards to verify pronunciation and receive instructions about the processional. Students will be lined up within their program. The line-up must be complete by 6:25 p.m. so that the ceremony can begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Please be on time or risk not being able to sit with your fellow students. Graduates will have reserved seats.

Questions

For questions regarding graduation and commencement, please contact the Enrollment Center at (651) 450-3503 or enrollment@inverhills.edu.