General Information
Disability Accommodations and Accessible Seating for Candidates and Guests
Because commencement draws a large audience, the facilities we use are large, and our guests may have to walk long distances to get to their seats. Wheelchairs are available to assist people to their seats, and space is available in the auditorium/arena for people who use wheelchairs. Guests using wheelchairs in these designated seating areas may have one other person sit with them. We suggest that guests who wish to sit in specific locations arrive early. An American Sign Language interpreter is present at all ceremonies. To request the program in alternate format or other accommodations, contact the Office of Ceremonies and Special Events at (701) 777-6393 at least two weeks prior to the ceremony.
Parking for Graduates and Guests
Ample parking will be available at all commencement locations.
Spring commencement parking at the Alerus Center is free to guests and students. Students should use door #6 for easy access to the ballroom line-up area. Guests may use the main entrances to the Alerus Center on the southeast corner of the building and can park in any open lot.
Summer and winter graduates and their guests may park in the lot south of the Chester Fritz Auditorium. See the maps for parking and access to these facilities.
Guest Seating
Outside doors to commencement facilities open early. Doors to the guest seating areas will be opened 90 minutes before the start of the spring ceremony and 60 minutes before the start of the summer and winter ceremonies.
Commencement Etiquette
University commencement ceremonies are special events for all involved. If you choose to participate, graduates are expected to remain for the entire ceremony. Leaving the ceremony early will not be allowed.
Transcripts and Restricted Directory
It will take approximately six weeks to receive verification of your degree from your college, record this information on your permanent record, and prepare your diploma for mailing. If you are in need of a transcript reflecting your degree, you may request that a transcript be sent once at any time and indicate "hold for degree" on your request. If you have requested "Restricted Directory," please be aware that your name will not appear in the commencement program nor will it be released to newspapers. Also, we will not be able to confirm your degree to employers or others without your specific request in writing. If you have questions or concerns regarding this policy, please call the Office of the Registrar at (701) 777-3761.
Televising of Commencement Ceremonies & DVDs of the Ceremony
UND Commencement ceremonies will be shown live on Grand Forks Cable Channel 3.
For your convenience, DVD copies of the ceremony can be purchased for $15.50 plus tax and shipping through the University Bookstore. To purchase a copy, contact the Bookstore at (701) 777-2746.
Photographs
The University has contracted the services of a professional photographer for all commencement ceremonies. This service is provided to ensure quality photographs and to avoid the confusion of many individuals attempting to position themselves for picture taking. All graduates are encouraged to have an optional posed photograph taken prior to the ceremony near the line-up area. Taking a posed photo will ensure that you receive a professional photograph. The photographer also will take a picture of each candidate as he or she receives the diploma scroll from the President. A few weeks after the ceremony, a proof of these photos e-mailed to each graduate at their official UND e-mail address. At that time, you may order pictures as desired.
Tweten's Photography, 524 Hill Ave., Grafton, ND 58237
(701) 352-1513 or 1-800-525-0625
rock@twetensphotography.com
www.twetensphotography.com
Electronic Devices
As a courtesy to those around you and to our graduating students, please turn off pagers and cellular phones during the ceremony. We also ask that you refrain from using extreme noisemakers.