Friday, May 10, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
First Evangelical Free Church | 1375 Carman Road | Ballwin, Missouri 63021
Guests may start arriving at 3:15 p.m.. Be sure to bring your cap, gown, tassel, AND hood, unless you have arranged to pick up your regalia just before the ceremony. You will need to check in at the table at the north entrance of First Free Church. Your guests will not need to check in. There will be a water station available as well as light snacks at First Free only for faculty and graduates, if needed.
Remember: Graduation is a formal occasion. Your attire should be business casual and cool. Please do not wear jeans or casual footwear. We advise against wearing a suit coat.
No additional regalia attire should be added to the cap, tassel, gown and hood provided for you.
Wrinkles may be removed from the graduation gowns by using a steamer, hanging the gowns near the shower, or by spraying lightly with water and letting the wrinkles "hang out."
When you drop off your regalia, be sure to bring your cap, gown received at the ceremony. The tassel is yours to keep! Also, you are the only person who can pick up your diploma unless we have written (not email) documentation that allows us to give your diploma to a delegate of your choosing. Please bring the diploma cover you received at the ceremony so your actual diploma may be inserted and thus protected.
The most important thing is to ENJOY this event! This is the culmination of years of hard work, and it is a great time to thank the Lord for his faithfulness during your seminary journey.
.1When you arrive, please follow the instructions of the parking attendants.
.2You may arrive with your regalia in hand to avoid it becoming wrinkled. Before the ceremony starts, be sure to put your cap on (tassels on the left) and have your robe on. Be sure to bring your hood with you as you go up to the stage.
- Men: take caps off for prayer and put caps back on when the President puts his cap on for the awarding of prizes and degrees.
- Women: traditionally leave caps on.
.3When you arrive, check in to get your name card at the table inside the north entrance. Your name card will be your "ticket" to the stage during the ceremony. Those who are graduating with dual degrees will have two name cards. If you don't have your name card during the ceremony, your name will not be read in the service.
.4Once you have received your name card, find your place in the processional line. There will be staff to direct you.
.5Your degree will be called and you will be asked to stand, your degree will be conferred, and then you will be asked to come forward to the stage. At that point, you will line up starting at the side of the stage where Jay Sklar and Betsy Gasoske are standing. As you make your way to the stage and back to your seat after you walk across the stage, please try to avoid walking in front of the camera. There will be staff present to direct you.