Frequently Asked Graduation Questions

• How do I Petition to Graduate?
  Students planning on Petitioning to Graduate for the 2010 Commencement Ceremony must do so by November 1, 2009.  Students eligible to Petition to Graduate must meet all graduation requirements set by the Registrar’s Office.  Forms are available at the Registrar’s Office or on their web page at http://www.snhu.edu/2168.asp.  More details can be obtained by calling the Registrar at 603-668-2211.
  
• How do I Petition to Walk?
  Students planning on Petitioning to Walk during the 2010 Commencement Ceremony must do so between March 1, 2010 and March 15, 2010.  Students eligible to Petition to Walk must meet all requirements set by the Registrar’s Office.  Forms are available at the Registrar’s Office or on their web page at http://www.snhu.edu/2168.asp.  More details can be obtained by calling the Registrar at 603-668-2211.
  
• How do I get my Gold Key or Honors Chord?
  Gold Keys as well as Honors Chords will be distributed at the Academic Honors Program that is being held on Friday, May 14, 2010.  Details will be mailed to participants in April.  Additional details can be found under the Academic Honors sections of the Undergraduate Catalogue.
  
• How do I get a Gold Tassel?
  Undergraduate students with a 3.0 Cumulative GPA can exchange their black tassel for a gold tassel the morning of Commencement as long as they meet the residency requirements outlined under the Graduation Requirements and Academic Honors sections of the Undergraduate Catalogue.
  
• When will I get my diploma?
  Diplomas are not distributed at the Commencement Ceremony.  As long as you have completed all of your classes, are in good standing academically, you have settled your bill, and have completed Financial Aid exit counseling, your diploma will be mailed 2-3 weeks after the ceremony to the address provided on your Petition to Graduate.

Prior to Commencement:

• How do I get my cap and gown for Graduation?
  Caps and Gowns will be distributed in the SNHU Bookstore at the middle of March for students who Petitioned to Graduate, and the beginning of April for students that Petitioned to Walk through May 12th. Stop in during normal business hours with the following information: Student ID, Degree, Height and Weight and the Bookstore will be glad to provide you with your regalia. NOT able to make into the bookstore, you can email all the information to 0568mgr@fheg.follett.com or call us @ 603-645-9618 and the Bookstore staff will be glad to ship your commencement package to you! If you have any questions about Caps & Gowns please do not hesitate to contact us!
  
• Do I really need a cap and gown to participate in Graduation?
  Yes.  To participate in the ceremony all ceremony participants are required to wear a cap and gown.
  
• Are children required to have a ticket to attend the ceremony?
  Generally, children under 3 years old are not required to have a ticket, unless they are going to use a seat.
  
• How do I get tickets?
  Tickets will be available for pick-up online at SNHU Tickets.  You will need to use your SNHU single sign-on username and password to pick-up your tickets.  More details can be found at the Graduation Ticket page.
  
• Is there special seating for those with disabilities?
  Yes. Please contact Hyla Jaffe, Director, Office of Disability Services, at 603.668.2211, ext.2386 for assistance.
  
• What accomodations are provided for my family with accessibility needs?
  Follow this link, which will proide you with information regarding accessibility services: http://www.snhu.edu/187.asp.
  
• Where can my family stay while in town for the ceremony?
  On the SNHU website we have a list of local accommodations, which can be found at this link: http://www.snhu.edu/205.asp.  
  
• Is there a graduation practice before the ceremony?
  There is no practice prior to the ceremony.  Once you arrive to line up you will be given details on what you will be asked to do as part of the ceremony.  
  
• Do I need to pre-register for graduation pictures?  
  We recommend that you pre-register your permanent email address with our photographer by vising visit http://www.gradimages.com/ and click on Pre-Event Registration.  This way you will know who to contact after the ceremony.  Our contracted photographer is Chappell Studio who uses the Grad Images service.  You may add contact information for up to 6 additional relatives and/or friends. 

The Day of Commencement:

• Where can I park?
  Information regarding parking and directions can be located at the Verizon Wireless Arena website at http://www.verizonwirelessarena.com/arena_info/directions.asp.
  
• Where should graduating students go and when should they get there?
  Students should enter by the side doors (Cedar/Auburn Street). If they happen to enter by the front doors, they should make their way to the backstage part of the arena to prepare for the ceremony. They should plan on arriving 60 minutes before the start of the commencement ceremony.
  
• How are the students lined up?
  There is no special order that graduating students will be lined up for the procession.  They may choose to sit with their friends regardless of their last name.
  
• What time do the doors open for general admission/guests?
  Doors will open no later than 10 a.m. on the morning of commencement.  It is open seating.
  
• Are there any elevators?
  Yes. Elevators are located to the right of the front lobby.
  
• How long is the ceremony?
  Typically, the ceremony will last approximately 2 ˝ to 3 hours. Concession stands are open with refreshments.
  
• Can I leave the ceremony early?
  All participants are expected to be at the ceremony for its duration.
  
• Is there a professional photographer?
  Yes. The photographer will take two photos of each student (as they approach and cross the stage). Each student will be given order information as they return to their seat. A photographer from GradImages™ will be at your ceremony to take a candid photograph of you at your special moment of recognition.  Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony.
  
• May I approach the stage to take a picture?
  No. For traffic flow and safety purposes, the walkways need to stay clear.  However, families may wish to sit towards the front of the arena for best picture taking opportunities.

After Commencement:

• Is there a reception after the ceremony?
  Yes. The reception immediately following the ceremony will be held at Veteran's Park, a half a block from the Arena. In case of inclement weather, it will be held on campus in the Dining Center on campus at SNHU. SNHU welcomes everyone to stop by for light refreshments.
  
• Can I stay in the arena to take pictures after the ceremony?
  Yes. However, the Verizon Arena staff may need to clear the arena for another event, so please do so quickly. There will be ample opportunity to take pictures at the reception.
  
• What should I do if I get separated from my graduation party?
  Attendees may wish to decide, in advance, where their group will meet after commencement.
  
• Can I purchase a DVD of today’s ceremony?
  Yes. The SNHU Audio Visual studio is pleased to offer a professional quality DVD of today’s ceremony. Order forms are available at the Follett Bookstore table in the front lobby. The price is $20 plus $2.50 for shipping and handling.
  
• How do I get my pictures that were taken during the ceremony?
  You will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo on an order card within 5-7 days following the ceremony.  Questions may be emailed to service@gradimages.com.  After the ceremony you may order online at http://www.gradimages.com/ or call 800-261-2576.