Ceremony Layout Commencement Information
Date: December 12, 2020
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Registrar.Office@enmu.edu or 575.562.2175
Live Stream
We are proud to bring you coverage of the Spring Commencement Ceremonies. Live coverage of the ceremonies allow our students to share this important event with loved ones who normally would not be able to attend.
Guests
The doors to the Arena will open for seating at 9:00 a.m for the morning ceremony and 2:00 PM for the afternoon ceremony. Family and friends may enter through the main entrances, where they will receive directions to the seating area. No tickets are required; there is plenty of seating for everyone. Please note there is no reserved seating or holding seats for other guests.
During the ceremony, only official University and media photographers will be allowed access to the stage and the graduates' seating area for taking photographs. Family and friends must not enter the floor area to take personal pictures.
After the ceremony, guest access to the lower level of Greyhound Arena will be restricted for 5 full minutes to reduce congestion in the stairwells and hallways. After the 5 minute period, guests will be able to access the lower and upper levels freely via the stairwells or elevator.
Graduates with Disabilities
Graduates with disabilities should contact Registrar.Office@enmu.edu or 575.562.2175 as soon as possible.
Wearing Your Academic Regalia
Academic regalia is required in order to participate in the commencement ceremony. Regalia can be purchased at the Bookstore. Commencement is a special occasion that has procedures that emphasize dignity and formality. The following shall be observed:
Caps - The cap should be worn square on the top of the head, with the front point about the middle of the forehead.
Tassel on Cap
Honor cords and pins -University honor cords and pins will be given out at the Honors Convocation; eligible students will receive an invitation. Bachelor's candidates will receive honor cords for cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude.
Hood – Master's degree candidates should carry their hoods draped across their left arm through the processional and stage, where they will be hooded.
Assembling
Students will assemble in the Green (north) Gym on the lower level of Greyhound Arena (GA) at 9:15 am. Please check in at the Graduate Check-in table in the Max Pac weight room to receive your name card. A staff member will assist you in lining up. A map is attached for your reference.
Procession
Faculty and candidates will proceed to their seats as directed by the marshals. Following the presentation of colors, national anthem, and alma mater, Dr. Elwell will step to the microphone and request a moment of silence. It is appropriate for men to remove their caps during the national anthem and the moment of silence, then replace them when Dr. Elwell invites the assemblage to be seated.
Conferring Degrees
Following remarks, Dr. Elwell will introduce the vice president for Academic Affairs, who will introduce the deans of each college. The deans will then present degree candidates for their college.
The deans will instruct students in their college to stand. Once all students from one college are standing, the president will confer the degrees and the students will be instructed to sit. We will move through all colleges and degrees in this manner.
Presentation of Diplomas
Dr. Elwell will then call for students to come to the stage to receive diplomas. The entire first row will stand together, as directed by the marshal on the extreme right hand side of the row. As soon as there is room for the next row to move out into the aisle at the extreme right, the marshal will have the row stand and follow the previous row to the stage.
* This year we will have a team of photographers to take three different photos of you as you walk across the stage. The first photo will be a close-up taken at the bottom of the ramp. The second photo will be your handshake with the stage party member. The third photo will be taken in front of a backdrop after you step off the ramp. The photographers will be taking these photos very quickly, so please be aware.
* If you prefer not to shake hands with the members on the stage, hold the diploma cover with both hands as you walk across the stage.
* Diplomas will not be included in the diploma cover at the time of graduation. They will be mailed to you in about six weeks after the grades have been reported to the Office of the Registrar.
Recessional
Following closing remarks by Dr. Elwell, all will stand. The recessional is in the order of the processional. Administration, faculty and then students will exit the arena area. There will be a reception in the Silver (south) Gym for graduates and their families following commencement.
After the ceremony, students and faculty members who are not planning to attend the reception may exit the Arena through the large doors on the east end of the corridors. Immediate entry to the upper level will be available at the top of the ramps. Use of the stairwells or elevator just outside the Arena will be restricted for 5 full minutes to reduce congestion in the stairwells and hallways. After the 5 minute period, guests, faculty, and students will be able to access the lower and upper levels freely via the stairwells or elevator.
Commencement is a significant experience for most graduates, as well as their family and friends, so misconduct at this function cannot be tolerated. Eastern New Mexico University is a state institution and the possession or use of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited on University premises. If you are found with alcohol, or a controlled substance, or if you are acting in an intoxicated or disorderly manner, you will be escorted from the building and not allowed to return. Please help us make this a cherished and memorable event.
Other Important Information
Graduation Announcements – can be ordered online at Balfour
Graduation Photos - Photography will be provided by GradImages. Proofs will be sent to the email address and mobile number provided on your graduation application within one week after the ceremony.
Diploma Frame – can be ordered online at Framing Success
Alumni Activities – We hope you will continue your relationship with ENMU by becoming active alumni. Please keep us informed of your mailing address changes or life updates:
Alumni Affairs
ENMU Station 48
1500 S Ave K
Portales, NM
Phone: 575.562.2125
Release of Diplomas and Transcripts – Diplomas and transcripts will not be mailed for any student that has a financial obligation to the University. Contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions, 575.562.2615. Diplomas will be mailed 4-6 weeks after commencement. If you need to change your diploma mailing address, please email a request to registrar.office@enmu.edu. Please note that a Change of Address request form does not automatically update your diploma mailing address, unless you explicitly state this within the request.
Transcripts – Online transcript requests can be made from the portal, my.enmu.edu (the transcripts links are in the "Student Records" menu). If you need assistance, contact the Office of the Registrar, 575.562.2175.
Greyhound Arena Upper Level Accessibility
Greyhound Arena Lower Level Accessibility