Commencement

Registration Form

The deadline to register for Commencement has past. You may contact your Program Coordinator to inquire regarding the possibility of late registration.

Two, four, six, eight, who do you appreciate?

We are continuing our tradition of including a section in our Commencement Program written by our graduates. You did it! But you probably didn’t do it alone. Here’s your chance to acknowledge those who supported you on your educational journey. Your words will be included in our keepsake program for you to share with the friends and family who helped you reach this milestone.

Deadline for Submission: May 16, 2013  DEADLINE EXTENDED to 5/23/13

Graduate Speeches

Students interested in speaking at Commencement must submit their speeches no later than May 3, 2013. Speeches will be evaluated by a faculty panel blind to the identity of the author. Speeches should be no more than 750 words in length and focus on the following theme:

Antioch University’s mission is to provide “…education to empower students with the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful lives and to advance social, economic, and environmental justice.” How has this mission been manifested in your experience at Antioch University Santa Barbara?

Submission Process:
Speeches should be submitted to Cynthia Stewart via email (preferred–cstewart@antioch.edu) or hardcopy.

Include a cover letter with the subject line “2013 Graduation Speech”  including the title of your speech and your contact information.

Identifying information should be included ONLY in the cover letter. Speeches will be selected blind to the identity of the student authors. Cynthia Stewart will retain the cover letters linking the authors to the speeches so that she can notify the authors of the outcome of the selection process.

Selection Criteria:
The speeches will be reviewed by a faculty panel and evaluated on the following criteria:

• Consistency with theme
• Writing quality
• Interest to and representative of a general student audience
• Evidence of critical/analytical thinking

Timeline:

May 3            Submission deadline.
May 6-15      Submissions reviewed by faculty committee.
May 16          Review committee makes recommendation to President.
May 20         Authors notified of results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to participate in Commencement 2013?
If you completed your program requirements in Spring 2012 or Summer 2012 and did not participate in Commencement 2012, you may participate in Commencement 2013.

If you complete your program requirements in Fall 2012 or Winter 2013, you may participate in Commencement 2013.

If you anticipate completing your program requirements in Spring 2013 or Summer 2013, and this is confirmed by your program, you may participate in Commencement 2013.

I am hoping/planning to graduate this Spring/Summer, but I’m not certain that I will get everything done. Should I register for Commencement now, or wait?
If you wish to participate in Commencement in 2013, you must register by April 26, 2013.

Your eligibility will be confirmed with your program in early May. If your program determines that you will not complete your program requirements by Summer 2013, you will be notified that you are not eligible to participate in Commencement 2013 and your registration will be cancelled.

If you do not register, you will not be able to participate in Commencement 2013, even if you find that you will complete your program requirements by Summer 2013.

How do I know if I am registered for Commencement?
You will receive an automated confirmation email.

I paid the $100 graduation fee. Does that mean I’m registered for Commencement?
There is no fee charged to participate in Commencement. You must register for Commencement using the online form. You will receive an automated email confirming that your Commencement Registration form has been received.

Completion of the Graduation Review and Diploma Application is a separate process required to confirm completion of your degree requirements, review of your student account, and issuance of your diploma. A fee of $100 is charged for this processing. You may be eligible to participate in Commencement before you are ready to complete the Graduation Review and Diploma Application.

There are other expenses that may be associated with participation in Commencement. For example, Academic Regalia is required for participation in Commencement. Graduates may also wish to purchase announcements or class jewelry.

Can a baby/young child attend the Commencement ceremony?
The Commencement ceremony will last 90-120 minutes and is a serious academic ceremony. Young children may become restless. There is no minimum age for guests, but we ask that you take the comfort of the child and other guests into consideration as you make your plans.

My guests will include a baby/young child, does the child need a ticket?
All guests need tickets, regardless of age.

How many tickets will I receive?
While the ballroom at Fess Parker’s Doubletree is quite large, seating is limited and each graduate will receive a limited number of tickets. The number of tickets given to each graduate will be based on the number of registered, eligible graduates and will be determined after the registration deadline, April 26, 2013. We always seek to make as many tickets available to graduates as possible.

How will I receive my tickets?
Tickets will be available for pick up at the Reception desk from May 6, 2013. If you wish to request alternative arrangements, please contact your Program Coordinator.

Can I get additional tickets?
Some graduates may not need as many tickets as they receive. Graduates who would like additional tickets may seek extra tickets from other students.

I have a friend who graduated from AUSB. Can I borrow his/her cap & gown?
In order to participate in Commencement, you must have proper Academic Regalia. If you are able to borrow the correct regalia, that is fine.

However, unless you are borrowing regalia from a recent graduate from your program the regalia may not be correct. Your degree level and subject determine the length of sleeves, the presence and length of hood, the color of the satin stripe on the hood, and other decorative details. Please be aware that regalia from before 2011 may not have the correct Antioch University colors—green velvet with a white chevron.