Commencement Policy (Faculty)

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Approved by: President's Cabinet

Original Date Effective: 2023-08-23

Last Modified: 2023-08-23

Purpose: 

The purpose of this policy is to set expectations regarding faculty participation at graduation. 

Policy: 

Faculty attendance at annual commencement exercises is mandatory.

Any faculty member who wishes to be excused from commencement must notify his/her immediate supervisor in writing (via email) and provide documentation as soon as possible.  Any faculty member who wishes to be excused from commencement must gain approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.  Faculty may be excused from attending commencement due to a:

  • Medical emergency or condition (self or family member as defined by TBR)
  • Significant family event (family member as defined by TBR)
  • Significant professional responsibility that requires one to be away from campus on the date of commencement
  • Religious obligation
  • Safety and travel concern (e.g. inclement weather)

Academic regalia is required for commencement exercises. Faculty members will be given the option to rent regalia.