Commencement 2008
Sunday, May 25
2:00 p.m.
Commencement exercises for the Class of 2008 will be held on Manitou Field, weather permitting. St. Olaf tries to hold commencement outdoors if at all possible, so please dress for the weather. There is very little shade near the field and you may want to wear a hat or bring an umbrella for your comfort; if it's drizzling, you may want to bring light rain gear.
In the case of inclement weather forcing us indoors, commencement exercises will be held in Skoglund Auditorium.
The location of commencement will be announced Sunday morning by 10:00 a.m. at the Baccalaureate service and will be available:
- on the St. Olaf home page
- on signs posted in Buntrock Commons
- through the main switchboard
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need tickets?
If commencement is outdoors, no tickets are needed for general seating.
If commencement is indoors, all seating in Skoglund Auditorium will require tickets. Each student receives a total of 3 tickets which they may pick up the week prior to commencement in the Buntrock Commons main office. (Students are sent reminders about this.)
Is there accessible seating available?
When students pick up their tickets they may exchange them for main floor seating for guests needing accessible seating. Tickets for seating in this area are required whether the ceremony is indoors or out. If someone in your party needs accessible seating, please have your student get the tickets when they stop in to pick up their tickets - seating is very limited if we are indoors.
If we are indoors and you will not be needing the special tickets you may use them for entrance to Skoglund Auditorium and sit wherever you wish in the bleachers.
If the ceremony is indoors, is there any other seating?
Science Center 280 and 282 along with Viking Theater will carry a simulcast of commencement on large screens. No tickets are required for these venues but you would be wise to arrive early for seating. The ceremony is also broadcast via the campus television network (available only on campus).
What time does seating open?
Seating opens at 1:00 p.m. at all locationss.
How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony will last between one and one-half to two hours. A reception in Stav Hall immediately follows commencement. Everyone is welcome.
Where should I park?
Parking is available in all campus lots and on most area streets. The campus map shows the location of the parking lots. There is handicapped parking available in the lot next to Manitou Field. Shuttle service will be available between the main entrance of Buntrock Commons and Manitou Field (or Skoglund Center) for guests who need transportation before and after the ceremony.
Where does my student get a cap and gown for commencement?
Students will pay for and pick up their caps and gowns at Grad Fest, a one-stop shop for all their graduation needs.
Where can I order graduation announcements?
Announcements can be ordered through the St. Olaf Bookstore.
Where can I make reservations for on-campus accommodations and special meals for Celebration Weekend?
The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations handles all reservations for campus accommodations and special meals this weekend.
Is there a professional photographer on site?
St. Olaf works with Chappell Graduation Images to take a photograph of each student as they receive their diploma and as they leave the platform. Chappell will contact each graduate about purchasing photos or you can preregister with Chappell on line and they will contact you as soon as your photos are ready for viewing. Photos are also available for viewing on the Chappell site. For more information on this service, visit the Chappell web site at www.chappell.com or to preregister go to http://www.gradimages.com/Register.cfm.
St. Olaf also works with TLT Video Productions to record a video of the entire commencement ceremony. TLT Video Productions will contact graduates and their families directly with information on purchasing a DVD of commencement. You may contact them at 507-332-7787 or at www.tltvideoproductions.com .
