Etiquette | Reminders
Given the solemn yet celebratory nature of commencement and in consideration of others, guests and participants are asked to follow some basic rules of etiquette for such occasions.
Graduate Etiquette
- Please follow instructions provided by the Registrar for parking and arrival information.
- Plan to be at the ceremony at least one hour before your ceremony start time.
- Inform your guests that Vanguard University has provided instructions for them via the web. Print them a copy if they do not have internet access.
- All graduate candidates are requested to wear approved academic regalia – cap and gown. Students not in compliance with approved academic regalia will not be permitted to participate in the Commencement ceremonies.
- Candidates for bachelor’s degrees, please note that your mortarboard should be worn so that it sits parallel with the ground, with the tassel hanging to the right. During the ceremony, your officiant will ask you to move your tassel from the right front side of your mortarboard to the left as a mark of the official awarding of your degree. Master’s candidates should wear your caps with the attached tassel hanging to the left.
- During the ceremony, it is customary for men to remove their mortarboard. Please watch the Provost for instructions on when to wear the mortarboard and when to remove it.
- Celebrate your accomplishment in a way that is in keeping with the solemnity of this occasion. Keep in mind that your colleagues have worked long and hard to enjoy this day — do not allow your celebrations to disrupt the ceremony.
- Please stay in your seat for the duration of the ceremony and be courteous to your fellow graduates.
Guest Etiquette
- Please follow instructions provided online for parking and arrival.
- Plan to be at the ceremony 30 minutes before the posted ceremony start time.
- The entrance of the American, California, and Christian flag will mark the start of the Processional. Men should remove their caps and guests who are able to stand should do so at that time.
- Professional photographs will be taken of each graduate as they walk the stage to shake the officiant’s hand and receive their diploma cover. Please do not attempt to take photographs during the ceremony.
- Please remain in your seats for the duration of the ceremony. Please do not block the aisles or passageways by attempting to greet or take photos with graduates.
