Line of March Instructions

Processional
Proceeding to Stage
Presentations
Recessional

The format of the hooding ceremony is quite simple. The most important thing for you to remember is that faculty and graduates are divided into two groups: North Line of March, headed by Dr. Ramsey, and South Line of March, headed by Dr. Norris.

Line of March and Seating Chart to be posted here in May, 2009.

PROCESSIONAL
At 10:00 a.m. the processional music will begin and the two lines of march (North and South), will proceed into the Arena. The faculty will proceed onto the stage and the graduates will follow and proceed to their designated row in the main floor seating area.

Each marshal (designated on the line of march to be posted later this year) is responsible for turning into the appropriate row and advancing to the end of the row. (Please note that the graduate line of march will follow alternating rows of seats: the South line will be seated in the odd-numbered rows, and the North line will be seated in the even-numbered rows). Advance to the furthest available seat in your row, so that all graduates are at their seats and not hanging out into the aisle when Dr. Ramsey opens the program. THE GRADUATES WILL REMAIN STANDING UNTIL THE FACULTY ARE SEATED ON THE STAGE.

PROCEEDING TO THE STAGE
After the key-note address, Dr. Norris will say, "WILL THE GRADUATES PLEASE COME FORWARD." Staff will direct the graduates to proceed to the stage row by row, as only one row of graduates will proceed to the stage at a time. Graduates are to remain seated until a staff member signals for the row to come forward. Please follow your row's marshal to the line of graduates waiting to be called on to the stage for hooding. On the stage, you will receive your doctoral hood first, then your graduation envelope, then shake hands with Dean Ramsey, and, finally, exit the stage down the stairs to your left and return to your seat. Please read carefully the instructions that follow:

1. When the name of the graduate immediately ahead of you in line is called and that person begins his/her walk across stage, that is your signal to walk up the steps to the stage (south side) and wait at the top of the stairs. Staff will be there to provide assistance.
2. When you hear your name called by Dr. Norris, proceed to the hooding table and stop on the "markers" on the floor so that you can be hooded and have your picture taken. BE SURE THAT YOU FACE THE AUDIENCE AND SMILE AS YOU RECEIVE YOUR HOOD.
3. Proceed to the graduation envelope table in the center of the stage, stop on the "markers," and receive your envelope.
4. Proceed to the Lectern area stopping on the "markers" on the floor where Dr. Ramsey will shake hands and another picture will be taken .
5. Exit the stage down the stairs (in front of the lectern) and proceed to the last photo "marker" near the flag for your last photograph.
6. Return to your original row and advance to the furthest available seat, and be seated.

PRESENTATIONS BY GRADUATES
Members of your class will present the class awards to the honored recipients and the class gift to Dr. Ramsey.

RECITAL OF THE PHYSICIAN'S OATH AND RECESSIONAL
Dr. Ramsey will say, "WILL THE GRADUATES PLEASE RISE AND JOIN ME IN RECITING THE OATH PRINTED AT THE BACK OF YOUR PROGRAM." Please stand and recite the Physician's Oath line by line with Dr. Ramsey. After the recital of the oath:

1. Dr. Ramsey will step forward and invite members of the audience to the reception following the ceremony in the North Court of the Arena.
2. The recessional music will come on.
3. The faculty will proceed off the stage.
4. The graduates will file out behind the faculty. You will join the same line of march you entered with. Graduates in even numbered rows exit left by row and join the North line of march led by Dr. Ramsey. Graduates in odd numbered rows exit right by row and join the South line of march led by Dr. Norris.