the Informer

All the late bloomers and early hatchlings will all be gathered in Lincoln Theater on Sunday Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

The annual Fall Commencement Ceremony will take place on this day for those students who finished their degree requirements at different points during the academic school year. Some students complete the semester in September, while others in January.

Either way, the Fall Commencement Ceremony is held in order to honor the students and their hard work and academic achievements throughout their academic career.

Those honored during this time will be graduates who received degrees in September 2011 and January 2012 applicants for graduation. The diplomas are mailed to the candidates following their actual graduation dates.

One special woman added to the list of those to be honored is Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, Chase T. Rogers. Approximately 135 other University of Hartford graduates expected to receive degrees during the ceremony will join her. Rogers is scheduled to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.             President Walter Harrison will offer remarks to the graduates, their families, and friends.

The participating graduates are limited to four tickets each, and those without tickets will be able to view the ceremony on a large screen in the Konover Campus Center Great Room, located just a short distance from the theater itself.

The University of Hartford is also pleased to announce an offer of a live webcast of the ceremony for those unable to attend in person. It can be accessed at www.hartford.edu/view.

As for caps and gowns, students may pick them up in the Konover Campus Center on Friday, Dec. 2 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 beginning at 11 a.m. Remember that graduates caps and gowns are rented and must be returned. Those wishing to purchase a cap and gown should contact the Herff Jones Company directly via phone at (860) 673-8806 or order online at the Herff Jones website. The standard tassel is provided with the cap and gown. Legacy medals may also be picked up at Konover Campus Center on Friday, Dec. 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Grad Images is the professional studio that will be photographing the graduates. Each individual graduate should receive a proof in the mail in the weeks immediately following the ceremony. Several ordering options are available, but there is absolutely no obligation to purchase.

Videos on the other hand may be purchased through the University of Hartford’s Television Studio. Call (860) 768-4776 for more information regarding prices and further details. Flowers will also be available for purchase near the ceremony site.

Lincoln Theater has a handicapped parking area near the front entrance, so do not hesitate to invite those who may need special arrangements, but the school does ask to state any special needs to a Public Safety officer upon arrival on campus.

Commencement will not be held under any severe storm conditions. If the weather is inclement, the University of Hartford’s website will display any advisories beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday with any updates proceeding on Sunday morning. Those without access to the Internet are encouraged to call (860) 768-4100. If the event is cancelled in its entirety, it will not be rescheduled.

The University of Hartford hopes that this ceremony will be a great opportunity for families and friends to honor the graduates who have worked ever so diligently over their college careers and wishes them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.