What used to be last year’s Senior Send-Off is this year’s Commencement Kick-Off. For the “kick-off,” every office on campus will be in the Dixon Center for the graduating seniors to check on things before graduation.
Administrative Coordinator for Student Development Nicole Nordberg is running the event. “It is a one-stop shop to get everything done before commencement without running all over campus to meet all ends,” Nordberg said. This event started last year when Vice President for Student Development Dr. Laura Valente proposed the idea. It was so well done and such a success that she decided to keep the event going. Valente came up with the idea from Josten, the ring company, which sponsors what is called the “Graduation Salute.”
“We just changed the name and did our own thing,” Nordberg said.
The tables that will be represented there are the Business Office, the Financial Office, Student Government Association, Public Safety, Campus Ministry, Co-op services, the Registrar Office, Student Development and Graduate and Professional Studies. Also, there will be tables for seniors to receive their rings, caps and gowns. There will also be a survey that the graduates will need to fill out in the boardroom institutional research.
This event allows the graduates to get their graduation tickets, parking passes, caps and gowns, specify any special needs they have for commencement, clear all financial holds, check on the spelling of their names on their diplomas and to get information about senior week all in one shot.
Commencement Kick-Off is on Tuesday, April 16, from 10 a.m to noon and 3 p.m to 6 p.m, Wednesday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p. m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be refreshments and food. “We are trying to make it a festive atmosphere,” Nordberg said.
“This is being held for all students, not just full-time students. Anybody that is graduating should go,” Nordberg said.
