Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What time does Commencement start?
A. Spring Commencement will start at 9:30 a.m., on the south lawn of Evans Hall. Fall Commencement will start at 2:30 p.m. in the Steven J. Cage Athletic Center.
Q. How long will the Commencement ceremony take?
A. Typically, the ceremony may take up to two hours to complete.
Q. What happens if it rains (Spring only)?
A. The ceremony will be held in the new Cage Center in the event of rain. Tickets will be required. Tickets are to be picked up by the graduate in the Provost Office, Hermann Hall 242. Please bring your Berry ID card and you will have to sign for your tickets.
Q. Will there be a photographer taking pictures?
A. A photographer from SureShot Photography will be taking a candid photograph of you at your special moment of recognition. The photographer also will take a group photograph. You will receive a graduation information sheet providing you with details about where and when the photographer will take pictures for graduation. You will receive information from the photographer in the mail regarding purchase.
Q. What is the appropriate dress for the ceremony?
A. Appropriate dress for graduation includes dark shoes (black) for men and women. Men should wear dark pants (black). Women typically wear dresses, but dress pants are acceptable.
Guests
Q. Do guests need tickets to attend Commencement?
A. For the fall commencement, no tickets are needed, but for spring commencement only, in the event of rain, the graduate will be required to pick up tickets as mentioned in the information above.
Q. Are graduates limited to a certain number of guests?
A. For the Spring Commencement as long as the event is outside on the lawn, there is no limit to the number of guests attending the outside ceremony, however, if it rains tickets will be distributed for the Cage Center and there will be a limited number of tickets per graduate. There will be overflow sites on campus for satellite viewing of the ceremony in the event of rain.
Q. Can you recommend hotels/motels near Berry College for out of town guests?
A.
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Local Accommodations |
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Toll-Free Phone |
Local Phone |
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Best Western |
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800-528-1234 |
706-234-3161 |
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Comfort Inn |
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800-228-5150 |
706-802-1223 |
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Country Inn & Suites |
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800-456-4000 |
706-232-3380 |
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Days Inn |
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800-325-2525 |
706-295-0400 |
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Hampton Inn |
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800-426-7866 |
706-232-9551 |
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Hawthorn Suites |
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800-527-1133 |
706-378-4837 |
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Holiday Inn |
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800-465-4329 |
706-295-1100 |
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Jameson Inn |
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800-526-3766 |
706-291-7797 |
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Q. Are there handicap seating areas for individuals with wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers?
A. Yes, special seating is available. Please see an usher for location.
Q. Will there be a sign language interpreter?
A. A sign language interpreter will be provided upon special request to Noreen Salmon, Office of the Provost at nsalmon@berry.edu or by calling 706.236.2216.
Students
Q. I have finished all the requirements for graduation. How do I make sure I am on the list for graduation?
A. You should have filled out forms from the Registrar during your Application for Graduation meeting. If you are not sure you are on the list, you need to contact the Registrar’s Office by calling 706-236-2282.
Q. Can I still participate in commencement if I haven’t completed my required Cultural Events?
A. No. Students must complete all cultural events requirements in order to graduate.
Q. How do I order my cap and gown and can I keep it?
A. Caps and gowns are ordered through the Berry College Bookstore or herffjones.com. And yes, your academic regalia is yours to keep.
Q. Where can I order personalized commencement announcements, diploma frames, and commencement commemorative items?
A. All commencement related memorabilia will be available through herffjones.com.
Q. When will I get my diploma and what information is printed on the diploma?
A. Diplomas are awarded to graduates on the day of commencement. The Berry College diploma that you will receive at graduation will be 8 ½” x 11” and will show the degree that you received. Berry College does not print majors on diplomas.
Q. How do I join the Berry College Alumni Association?
A. Contact Alumni Relations at 706.236.2256.
Q. Can I participate in Commencement if I have outstanding financial obligations?
A. Yes but your diploma will be held until all obligations have been met. If you received a Federal Stafford Loan while at Berry College, federal guidelines require that you complete an exit interview. Failure to participate could result in the holding of your diploma. You may complete this requirement by going to http://mappingyourfuture.org/services/counselingmaterials.htm and follow the instructions for completing your exit interview.
Q. Will honors cords, ribbons or pins be provided with my academic regalia?
A. No. You must contact your honor society regarding any special honors regalia.
General
Q. I have other questions - who do I call?
A. You may call the Office of the Provost at 706.236.2216 or e-mail Noreen Salmon at nsalmon@berry.edu.