Faculty and Staff Commencement FAQs

Yes, faculty and staff may present the diploma cover to graduating members of their immediate family. You will receive an email from the Alumni Relations Office about 2 months before the ceremony with a form to complete if you wish to present a diploma cover during commencement. You can also complete the form HERE.

Please note that your request has not been approved until you receive a confirmation with additional information from the Alumni Relations office.

All faculty are invited to participate in commencement. The Alumni Relations Office and the Bookstore work together to rent all needed faculty regalia. You will receive an email from the Alumni Relations Office about 2 months before the ceremony with a form to complete if you plan to walk in the ceremony. Please pay attention to the form deadline if you require SVSU to rent your regalia.

You can sign up to walk in commencement HERE.

The University continues to provide regalia free of charge to faculty, adjunct faculty, and staff. Regalia is due on the date stated by the Bookstore. You will receive an email from the Alumni Relations Office about 2 months before the ceremony with a form to complete if you plan to walk in the ceremony. Please pay attention to the form deadline if you require SVSU to rent your regalia.

If you wish to confirm that your regalia order was received, call the Bookstore at ext. 4277.

More instructions on how to order your regalia will be provided as the date of the event gets closer.

Sign up to walk in commencement and regalia rental HERE.

Faculty and staff robing and line-up will occur in the Fitness Center (southwest side of the Ryder Center) approximately 60 minutes before the procession. 

Below is the information that you will need to know for the day of the ceremony:

-The doors to the Ryder Center open 90 minutes before the ceremonies. Please put on your regalia and be ready to walk 30 minutes before the ceremony begins.
-10:00 am ceremony for College of Arts & Behavioral Science; Carmona College of Business; College of Science, Engineering & Technology
-2:30 pm ceremony for College of Education; College of Health & Human Services
All faculty will meet in the Ryder fitness center. Volunteers in blue quarter zips can direct you if needed.
You do not need to wear your regalia to the Ryder Center. The fitness center has space to hang your regalia and put it on once you arrive. Coats can also be stored there. Note that there may not always be someone in the area, so keep your valuables with you.
-The SVSU bookstore will be present in the fitness center to support regalia needs.
-When it is time for the ceremony to start, the Marshal will organize everyone and lead them to their seats for the ceremony.

All faculty and staff are encouraged to volunteer during commencement to be a part of the graduate's celebration. You will receive an email from the Alumni Relations Office about 2 months before the ceremony with a form to complete if you would like to volunteer.

Sign up to volunteer for commencement HERE.

Learn more about the different volunteer roles at Commencement Volunteer Roles (75KB).

Yes, all faculty and staff are invited to Senior Toast to celebrate with graduates! Senior Toast is on April 21st from 5:00-7:00pm in the Curtiss Hall Banquet Rooms. Celebrate with graduates with a champagne toast from President Grant, and enjoy food, beverages, and several photo areas.

RSVP to Senior Toast HERE.

Senior Toast program:

5:00-5:30 Doors Open: Graduates and faculty/staff can come and grab a seat, food, and beverages

5:30-6:00 Champagne toast with President Grant

6:00-7:00 Mingle: Graduates can mingle with faculty and staff while continuing to enjoy Hors d'oeuvres. As they leave the event, they can take a champagne flute.