Commencement 2020 Guidebook

Class of 2020

C OM M E N C E M E N T G U I D E

TABLE OF CONTENTS I

Eligibility to Graduate

pg.4

A. Undergraduate Programs............................................................................. 4 B. Graduate Programs.......................................................................................4 C. Steps for Intent to Graduate.........................................................................4 D. Diploma........................................................................................................5

II

Commencement Preparation

pg.5

A. Grad Fest....................................................................................... 5 B. Tickets............................................................................................ 5 C. Career Services.............................................................................. . 6

1. Preparing for Career.................................................................................6 2. Career Outcomes Survey................................................................ . . . . . . . . 6

D. Office of Accounting Operations........................................ . . . . . . . . . ...... . 6

III

1. Student Account Clearance Requirements..............................................6

Regalia

(Cap & Gown)

pg.6

A. What is Regalia?..............................................................................6 B. Academic Costume Code................................................................ . . .6

1. Mortarboard

2. Tassel....................................................................................................... 7

3. Gown...................................................................................................... 7

4. Hood........................................................................................................ 7

5. Graduation Stole..................................................................................... 7

(Cap)

................................................................................ . 6

C. Military: Veteran’s, Active Duty, Reservist and Reserve Officer Training. . . 7 D. Ordering Regalia..............................................................................7 E. Commencement Dress Code.......................................................... . . . . . 8 F. Class Rings and Announcements........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

IV

pg.8 Academic Honors A. Academic Honors..................................................................................8 B. Academic Societies................................................................................8 C. Cords and Stoles..................................................................................9

V

Commencement Processional Instructions

pg.9

A. Check-in............................................................................................. .9 B. Line Up............................................................................................... .9 C. Marching Order....................................................................................9 D. Hooding..............................................................................................9

VI

Commencement Events

pg.10

A. Affinity Events.....................................................................................10

1. Cultural Celebrations....................................................................................10

2. Bridge Graduation Celebration....................................................................11

3. Veterans Graduation Reception................................................................... .11

4. Nurse Pinning Ceremony...............................................................................11

5. Professional Studies Celebration...................................................................11

B. Baccalaureate......................................................................................11

VII

Commencement Ceremonies

pg.12

A. Arrival...............................................................................................12 B. Parking...............................................................................................12 C. Seating / Disability Needs....................................................................12 D. Hotel Accommodations........................................................................ .12 E. Flowers and Leis................................................................................. .13 F. Commencement Photos...........................................................................13 G. Webcast.............................................................................................13 H. Spanish Translation..............................................................................13

VIII

Communication & Contact Info

pg.13

A. Official Channels.................................................................................13 B. Contact Info...................................................................................... . .13

IX

Alumni Association

pg.14

I

Eligibility to Graduate

The Vanguard University Commencement Ceremony is held in May for students who are eligible degree candidates. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that honors the completion of a degree. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.

The Awarding of Degrees formally takes place at the end of the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. The academic degree is posted on the transcript and reflects the last day of the academic term in which the graduation requirements are met.

A. Undergraduate Programs In accordance with the academic catalog, to be eligible to graduate, eligible candidates need to have successfully completed 120-124 units; 40 of which are upper division units. A minimum of 24 of the last 30 units must be completed at Vanguard University. The required minimum cumulative GPA to graduate is 2.0. (see Academic Catalog).

To participate in commencement, an eligible candidate shall not have more than four (4) units of academic coursework outstanding. All academic coursework, including the four outstanding units, must be completed by the end of the summer term immediately following the formal Commencement ceremony. Commencement exercises are held annually at the end of the Spring term. More information regarding graduation requirements for undergraduate programs can be found in the Academic Catalog.

B. Graduate Programs Eligible candidates with more than three courses to finish during the summer term immediately following Commencement will not be approved by the Registrar’s Office to participate in the commencement ceremony.

C. Steps for Intent to Graduate All eligible candidates for graduation must complete and submit to the Registrar’s Office the Intent to Graduate form. This form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the end of business on Friday of the second week of the semester prior to completion of their coursework. Any forms received after this assigned date will be subject to a late fee.

Deadlines for intent to graduate

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Friday, September 6, 2019 (December 2019) Friday, January 24, 2020 (May 2020) Friday, May 22, 2020 (August 2020)

Candidates not approved to graduate one week prior to Grad Fest may not be eligible to participate in Commencement. Eligible candidates wishing to use off-campus testing, such as CLEP exam to fulfill graduation requirements must do so prior to the beginning of the spring term (see Academic Catalog). For off-campus courses taken during the spring term, proof of registration must be provided to the Registrar’s Office

by February 1st.

D. Diploma Diplomas are ordered upon receipt of final grades and transcripts and upon clearance from the Office of Accounting Operations. Graduates will be notified via student’s Vanguard e-mail when his and her diploma is available.

II

Commencement Preparation

A. Grad Fest Grad Fest is Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in the Scott Courtyard from 12:006:30pm. This event is open to all candidates for graduation to take care of their graduation needs including ordering announcements, rings and diploma frames, purchasing regalia, meeting alumni association, reviewing name on diploma, pronunciation of name at ceremony, professional photography, and completing financial responsibilities to the university.

Grad Fest for Graduate Organizational Psychology and Graduate Clinical Psychology will be held at the Vanguard Santa Ana Campus on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 from 5:00-7:00pm.

B. Tickets The Vanguard University Commencement Ceremonies are ticketed events.

Tickets will be distributed electronically to eligible candidates who have been cleared to participate in Commencement. Ticket limits are announced in March.

Children under two years of age and sitting on the lap of an adult will not require a ticket. Due to capacity requirements of the venue an overflow section will be available at Mariners Church, located on the 2nd floor of the Worship Center to accommodate guests without tickets (traditional undergraduate ceremony only). Commencement ceremonies will also be live streamed for external viewing (see Webcast, p.13).

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Commencement Tickets are not for resale. Any eligible candidates found selling or bartering tickets will have all tickets revoked and be removed from graduation ceremonies.

C. Career Services 1. Preparing for Career All eligible candidates and Vanguard alums have access to Career Services for career assistance. To schedule an appointment, visit Career Services.

2. Career Outcomes Survey It is required that students take Vanguard’s Career Outcomes Survey (aka First Destination Survey). Eligible candidates will receive directions via e-mail from Career Services.

D. Office of Accounting Operations 1. Student Clearance Requirements All students account balance must be paid in full by April 1st. If you have received a Perkins Loan an exit interview must be completed prior to April 1.

III

Regalia (Cap & Gown)

A. What is Regalia?

“Regalia is the academic costume which includes the gown, mortarboard (cap) and hood. The academic gown is meant to subdue the differences in dress arising from the variations of taste, fashion, manners, individual uniqueness, wealth and clothes all with the outward grace of equal fellowship” (Harris, 2005, p. 2).

B. Academic Costume Code For detailed information, please read the academic costume code.

1. Mortarboard (Cap) Caps shall always be worn in academic processions and during the ceremony of conferring degrees. Men should remove their caps during prayer, playing of the alma mater, during the baccalaureate sermon and commencement address. Please look to the President for cues for removing and replacing the cap. Mortarboards are properly worn flat on the head with the pointed under-cap pulled onto the wearer’s forehead. It should

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be parallel to the ground, not tilted back on the head, so the tassel can fall straight down the wearer’s face.

2. Tassel Baccalaureate eligible candidates wear tassels on the right front side of the cap before degrees are conferred and shift to the left in unison as the President instructs during the ceremony. Master’s eligible candidates wear tassels on the left side of the cap. The color of the tassel’s for master’s degrees are determined by the academic program color.

3. Gown All gowns must be worn zipped closed.

4. Hood Hoods should not be worn until the degree is conferred. For additional information regarding hooding, (See Hooding Section, p.9).

4. Graduation Stole All students will be provided a Vanguard University branded stole with their regalia purchase. The graduation stole is the only approved stole to be worn at the Commencement ceremony.

C. Military: Veteran’s, Active Duty, Reservist and Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) Eligible candidates who are active duty, reservist, or ROTC may wear their military dress uniforms in lieu of academic regalia. Eligible candidates in the ROTC may wear their dress uniform if commissioning takes place prior to the university commencement. If commissioning take place after commencement, eligible candidate wears academic regalia. Eligible candidates who have veteran status, wear academic regalia with service cords. Questions, please contact the VA School Certifying Official.

D. Ordering Regalia Regalia will be available for purchase at Grad Fest. Eligible candidates participating in Commencement ceremonies will be required to wear VU approved regalia. For those unable to attend Grad Fest, regalia can be ordered by emailing the bookstore at stephanie.bunt@vanguard.edu.

No regalia available prior to Grad Fest. Shipping cost will be applied.

Regalia can be picked up from the bookstore no later than Monday, May 4, 2020.

Bachelor’s Regalia includes: cap, gown, Vanguard stole and tassel.

The purchase price is $75.00.

Master’s Regalia includes: cap, gown, tassel, Vanguard stole and hood.

The purchase price is $125.00.

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E. Commencement Dress Code Shoes and other visible items of clothing should be dark colors that harmonize with the gown. It is advised that graduates wear comfortable shoes as there is a significant amount of walking, steps and standing.

Eligible candidates should dress in business attire (e.g. no jeans, shorts, athletic shoes, or flip-flops). Attire shall be both moderate and appropriate for the event.

F. Ordering Class Rings and Announcements Class rings and announcements can be ordered from Jostens. Deadline to order personalized announcements is March 13.

IV

Academic Honors

A. Academic Honors Eligible bachelor’s degree candidates with a GPA of 3.9 or higher and have completed at least 36 units at Vanguard University by the end of the fall term will receive Summa Cum Laude honor cords to wear at Commencement.

For honors to be listed on the diploma and transcript, eligible candidates in the undergraduate program must complete a minimum of 45 units at Vanguard by the end of their final semester and have a final 3.5 GPA. Students receiving Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude academic honors will be recognized in the commencement program.

Summa Cum Laude: 3.90-4.0 Magna Cum Laude: 3.70-3.899 Cum Laude: 3.50-3.699 Summa Cum Laude academic honor cords are available during student check-in at the Commencement Ceremony one-hour prior to the ceremony start.

B. Academic Societies Academic cords are available for undergraduate eligible candidates whom are members of the following academic honor societies.

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Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology) Lambda Alpha (Anthropology) Lambda Pi Eta (Communication) Phi Alpha Theta (History)

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science) Pi Lambda Theta (Liberal Studies) Psi Chi Pi (Psychology) Sigma Beta Delta (Business) Sigma Tau Delta (English) Phi Epsilon Kappa (Kinesiology) Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing) United States Military Service

C. Cords & Stoles Academic Honor Society, Military Service and Summa Cum Laude are the approved cords to be worn at Commencement. The Vanguard branded stole is the only approved stole to be worn. For more info please review Commencement Adorment Policy.

V

Commencement Processional Instructions

A. Check in Candidates approved to participate in commencement will check in with the Registrar’s Office one hour prior to the ceremony. Candidates will be given their name card to be used in the ceremony.

B. Line up Row number on card will indicate where to line up. Eligible candidates will be lined up by division and major according to the printed program.

C. Marching Order Ceremony marching orders is as follows: Flag Bearers and Marshal; President, Dignitaries, Platform Participants, Faculty, Board Members, Administration and students. Students will follow the Registrar into the designated graduate seating area.

D. Hooding Hoods should be folded over the right arm during processional. When going to the platform to receive the diploma graduate is to carry the hood on the right arm with felt lining facing wrist. Hood will be placed over head with velvet side up and small tapered end in front.

Following hooding presentation attach the hood neck cord over shirt button before closing gown to prevent hood from riding against neck.

Secure cord across back to keep the hood flat.

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VI

Commencement Events

A. Affinity Events Affinity events are receptions and celebrations to honor eligible students’ academic success prior to the official commencement ceremonies.

Vanguard University branded stoles can be worn during these events, but cap and gown are excluded attire.

1. Cultural Graduation Celebrations Vanguard University Cultural Graduation Celebrations are held in addition to the official Vanguard University Commencement Ceremony. Cultural Graduation Celebrations are hosted by Office of Student Engagement by The PIER (Pursuing Inclusive Excellence & Reconciliation).

These events recognize the academic accomplishments of students of color, while celebrating cultural heritage. Eligible candidates are welcomed to invite an unlimited number of family, friends, church and community supporters who assisted them in reaching this academic milestone. i) Hispanic Graduation Celebration The Hispanic Graduation Celebration is conducted in English and Spanish to honor Hispanic and Latinx students.

This celebration includes faculty, staff, and student speakers, expressions of gratitude, and cultural pinning presentation with a reception following the celebration. This celebration will take place Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 11:00 am in Newport Mesa Church. ii) Asian Pacific Islander Graduation Celebration (APIC) APIC Graduation Celebration highlights and honors the many cultures represented in the Asian Pacific Islander heritage. The celebration includes faculty, staff, and student speakers, expressions of gratitude, and cultural pin presentation with a reception to follow. This event will take place Friday, April 17, 2020 at 7:00pm at Needham Chapel. iii) Black Graduation Celebration The Black Graduation Celebration honors our African American and Black students, and is representative of African, African-American and Black culture and heritage.

Black Graduation Celebration includes faculty, staff and student speakers, expressions of gratitude, and cultural pin and presentations with a reception following the celebration This event will take place Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 2:00pm at Needham Chapel.

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2. Bridge Graduation Celebration Bridge is a college transition program that aims to prepare and engage first generation students for the rigor of a liberal arts education. Cohorts include a variety of majors such as biology, liberal studies, accounting, business administration, and religion. Bridge eligible candidates are welcomed to invite their family members, colleagues, faculty, staff, and mentors. This celebration will take place Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 8:30am in Smith 101.

3. Veterans Graduation Reception The Veterans Graduation Reception provides an opportunity to honor eligible candidates self-identified as a military veteran, active duty, or reservist, to thank them for their service as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces; and to acknowledge dependents of veterans and ROTC candidates receiving their commission in celebrating their academic success.

This ceremony will take place Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 3:00pm in Scott Judkins Upper Deck.

4. Veterans Graduation Reception The Vanguard Nursing Department hosts the Annual Nursing Pinning. This is a historic tradition which started in 1916 wherein a pin is presented to the Vanguard University eligible nursing candidates in a formal ceremony.

Faculty, staff and families are encouraged to attend. This ceremony will take place Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 10:00am in Newport Mesa Church.

5. Professional Studies Celebration The purpose of the event is to spotlight our SPS eligible candidates and celebrate the completion of a momentous milestone in the lives of our eligible candidates. The event consists of a reception and program with family, friends, staff, and faculty. The SPS Grad Celebration will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 5:30pm in the Veteran’s Courtyard.

B. Baccalaureate Each year, prior to Commencement ceremonies, the Vanguard community gathers to celebrate the faithfulness of God and to honor the bachelor’s degree graduating students with the Baccalaureate Service.

The baccalaureate tradition originated in medieval universities from which eligible candidates were bid farewell with a sermon. Vanguard University honors this rich tradition through music, Scripture readings and a message brought by a student-selected faculty speaker. The service culminates in the celebration of Holy Communion and the commissioning of the graduating class. Students participate in a processional wearing regalia.

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Baccalaureate is open to all bachelor’s degree eligible candidates from the Traditional Undergraduate College and School for Professional Studies.

This years Baccaluareate will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 9:30am in the Student Center.

VII

Commencement Ceremonies

Commencement ceremonies will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2019. The ceremony is hosted at Mariners Church in Irvine at 5001 Newport Coast Dr, Irvine, CA 92603.

Traditional Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m.

School of Professional Studies and Graduate Programs Commencement Ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m.

A. Arrival Eligible candidates are scheduled to arrive one hour prior to ceremony start time and will check-in at the Student Center Building off of Turtle Ridge Road. The duration of the ceremony is approximately two-hours.

B. Parking Student parking is available through Turtle Ridge entrance. Guest parking enter through Newport Coast Drive entrance.

C. Seating/Disability Needs There will be a 300-seat accessible seating section at Mariners Church for guests with a disability and their family members. The main entrance to the ceremony and the entrance to the auditorium is accessible. Please look for accessible seating signs or ask an usher to direct you upon entry. Guests requiring specific services such as sign language interpreter or assistive hearing devices, must e-mail disabilityservices@vanguard.edu or call 714619-6551 to ensure all accommodations needs are met. All arrangements must be made no later than April 15.

D. Travel Accomodations Vanguard University is proud to partner with area hotels. A list of hotels can be found on the Vanguard Commencement website (ask for Vanguard rate when making reservation). John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) is the local airport to campus and is approximately 5 miles from Mariners Church and Vanguard University.

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E. Flowers and Leis Flowers and leis will be sold on-site the day of Commencement with all proceeds going to support student participation on outreach and study abroad trips. Orchid leis, full and half-dozen rose bunches, and graduation bears will be available for purchase. Eligible candidates are allowed to wear their leis during the ceremony. Cash, check and credit/debit are accepted.

F. Commencement Photos Grad Images will be taking professional photographs, during the ceremony.

Photos will be taken of each eligible candidate as they walk the stage to shake the officiant’s hand and receive their diploma. Each graduate will have the option to order these photos after the Commencement ceremony.

G. Webcast Additionally, the event will be broadcast online at Vanguard Live for families and guests to view the ceremony.

H. Spanish Translation Spanish translation services will be available for the Commencement Ceremonies. For detailed information email commencement@vanguard.edu

VIII

Communication & Contact Info

A. Official Channels of Communication Commencement Student Portal www.vanguard.edu/student-portal/commencement

B. Contact Information Commencement Office: commencement@vanguard.edu 714-966-5485 Office of the Registrar: Graduation.Support@vanguard.edu 714-662-5201 Vanguard Bookstore: stephanie.bunt@vanguard.edu 714-966-6722

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IX

Alumni Assocation

Congratulations and welcome to the Vanguard University Alumni Association! We exist to connect our alumni community to one another and to the University. Through events, benefits, and relationships we seek to deepen your alumni experience and we encourage you to stay connected! Join the Vanguard Networker to follow and post on our VU Alumni Facebook page and join our LinkedIn page. Visit our website for information on events and benefits. Your story matters, and we are excited for what God has designed for you, be sure to share your ongoing story with our Vanguard community at on class notes.

References Harris, A. L. (2005). Academic Ceremonies: A Handbook of Traditions and Protocol.

CASE Books. New York, NY.

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