When will both ceremonies take place?
The Spring 2011 Commencement Ceremony will be on Friday, May 6 at 9:00 am in the Carol and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium, Boca Raton campus. The Medallion Ceremony for Spring 2011 will take place on Friday, May 6 at 3:00 pm in the Lifelong Learning Society Tamar and Milton Maltz Auditorium on the MacArthur Campus in Jupiter.

Who can participate?
Students who graduated in fall 2010 or who applied for spring 2011 graduation are eligible to participate in the Medallion Ceremony. Students who have within six credits of graduation (coursework, thesis, internship, etc.) and can complete these requirements by the end of summer 2011 are also eligible to participate, but they need clearance from David Flanigan (flanigan@fau.edu), Associate Director of Academic Services.

What is the difference between this ceremony and a graduation ceremony?
The Medallion Ceremony recognizes special achievements of students at the Honors College by awarding them with a special Honors Medallion and a certificate acknowledging their thesis work. The certificate is not an official graduation document. Degrees are symbolically conferred during the Commencement Ceremony only. There is no degree-granting component in the Medallion Ceremony.  It is important to understand that attending either ceremony does not guarantee that students will actually receive the degree. The official diploma is sent by mail at a later date, after all grades have been posted and academic requirements have been verified.

Why should I participate in the official graduation ceremony?
While the Medallion Ceremony is a more intimate gathering with all your friends, classmates, faculty, and family members, the Commencement Ceremony is an opportunity for the Honors College students to be recognized in front of the entire FAU community, a chance to shine by being acknowledged for special achievements and outstanding academic success. By participating in the Commencement Ceremony, students contribute to the increased visibility and positive image of the Honors College among the other academic colleges at FAU. Additionally, only students who participate will receive a stole, which you can then wear to the Medallion Ceremony in the afternoon. Bus transportation will be provided to students and their guests from Jupiter to Boca Raton.

Why do I have to wear the university cap and gown during the Medallion Ceremony? All faculty members are robed in their regalia during the Medallion Ceremony. Also, wearing the university cap and gown ensures that all students are observing the pomp and circumstance normally associated with graduation events. Borrowing a gown from another student is acceptable only if the style is identical to the one worn at FAU in the current year. Check with the University Bookstore regarding this year’s gown cost and appearance.

How can I fill out the Round-up Form if I do not yet know all the information that is requested? It is important to fill out the form to the best of your ability by the deadlines as this helps the HC staff to prepare for the Medallion Ceremony in a timely manner. Only students who submit their Round-up Form prior to the Senior Round-up Meeting (Monday, March 28, 2011, 9 pm, in the Dining Hall), will be able to receive their Medallion Ceremony tickets during the meeting. Friday, April 22, 2011 is the last day to submit Round-up Forms.

Why can I only get five tickets for the Medallion Ceremony? Why do I need tickets anyway? How can I get more?
Around 60 students are expected to participate in the Medallion Ceremony this year. The auditorium has to accommodate the students, faculty, staff and outside VIPs such as donors and benefactors, as well as family and friends of the graduating class. Tickets ensure that all students get a fair share of seats in the auditorium for their family and friends. If you need more than five tickets, talk to other graduating students as many of them may not need all of their tickets.

What are the important dates and times I need to know?