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Graduate and Family Commencement 2024 Info

The 77th Commencement Ceremony of Bethel University is scheduled!

Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2024, for the ceremony at 2 p.m. in the Wiekamp Athletic Center. There will be one combined ceremony this year. All events will be live-streamed from our main page (BethelUniversity.edu).

commencement

Before the Day of Commencement

Please make sure that you’ve completed the following before the day of commencement on May 4, 2024.

Tickets

The Saturday, April 29, 2023, commencement ceremony is a ticketed event. Tickets will be required to attend the ceremony. Each graduate will be given 6 guest tickets. No additional tickets will be available due to venue capacity.

Where to Get Tickets

Tickets for the Commencement Ceremony are available for students to pick up in the Campus Store. The Campus Store will be open at 9 a.m. on graduation morning, April 29, in case you are unable to pick up your tickets in advance.

If you wish to have someone pick up your tickets for you, you must email Madison Hess in the Campus Store (Bookstore@BethelUniversity.edu) with the name of the individual who will be picking up your tickets.

Cap & Gown

You can pick up your cap and gown in the Campus Store during normal business hours. There is no cost to you for your cap and gown.

Name Pronounciation

If you are concerned that your name might be mispronounced at commencement, please send Kelly Amstutz (Kelly.Amstutz@BethelUniversity.edu) a phonetic spelling or other notes regarding any part of your name. Here is an example:

Davidhizar — (David > hi > zer)

If still concerned, please leave Kelly a voicemail with the pronounciation at 574.807.7190.

Special Arrangements

Please contact Kelly Amstutz at Kelly.Amstutz@BethelUniversity.edu if there is an injury or disability that will require special accomodations for you or your guests at the event.

University Offices and Graduation Requirements

Please make sure that you’ve reviewed the following to make sure you qualify for graduation.

From the Office of the Registrar

Before you may receive your diploma at graduation, please take note of the following:

  • Diplomas will not be presented if all grades or credit are not received by noon, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, or if there is an outstanding balance on the student account.
  • Transfer Credit: All transfer credit must be received by the Registrar’s Office by Friday, March 29, 2024.
  • CLEP Credit: Credit by examination scores must be received by Friday, March 29, 2024.
  • Proficiency Requirements: Make sure all proficiency requirements have been satisfied.
  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): If you are earing credit through PLA, you must ensure that your petitions have been approved and submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The grade must be entered prior to the student’s final semester.

Questions?

Feel free to contact the Registrar’s Office at 574.807.7410 or simply stop by the office on the second floor of the Huffman Administration Building.

From the Office of Student Financial Services

Diploma and transcripts will not be provided while there is a balance due on the student account. Contact Student Financial Services at 574.807.7006 if you are not sure of your balance.

Education Loan Exit Interviews

If you obtained any type of education loan while attending Bethel University, it is imperative that you complete an exit interview prior to graduation. You will receive information by April 15 from the Financial Aid Office regarding your total indebtedness, along with instructions for completing your interview. You may contact the Financial Aid office at 574.807.7415 with any questions.

Day of Commencement Details

The following are details for the day of commencement on May 4, 2024.

Tickets

The Saturday, May 4, 2024, commencement ceremony is a ticketed event. Tickets will be required to attend the ceremony. Each graduate will be given 6 guest tickets. No additional tickets will be available due to venue capacity.

On-Campus Livestream

The ceremony will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Guests without tickets may also view the ceremony from Sufficient Grounds and the Campus Store.

Seating

We suggest guests arrive about 1 hour prior to the ceremony start time when doors open. Ushers can assist with moving chairs for wheelchairs, walkers, etc.

Special arrangements needed?

Please contact Kelly Amstutz at Kelly.Amstutz@BethelUniversity.edu if there is an injury or disability that will require special accomodations at the event.

On-Campus Streaming

Seating is also available in Sufficient Grounds Coffee House and Campus Store, where the ceremony will be shown via livestream.

Seating Questions

Please contact Kelly Amstutz with specific questions via email at Kelly.Amstutz@BethelUniversity.edu, or by calling 574.807.7190.

Rehearsal

Rehearsal will begin one hour before the ceremony (BE ON TIME!) the day of commencement in the Everest-Rohrer Auditorium. Please be there promptly so that we are able to prepare well for the ceremony. It is critical that you arrive on time. This year there is only one ceremony for all Traditional, Adult and Graduate Studies graduates.

  • May 4 Nurse Pinning:
    Rehearsal begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Ceremony at 9 a.m.
    Those with speaking or singing parts are asked to arrive by 8 a.m. for a sound check.
  • May 4 Commencement:
    Rehearsal begins at 1 p.m. with the Ceremony at 2 p.m.

In the event of bad weather, commencement rehearsal will be in Goodman Gymnasium. Signs will be posted directing graduates to Goodman, if necessary.

Commencement Line-up

We will prepare for the processional during rehearsal and will begin to march from the auditorium. Do not be late for rehearsal. Rehearsal begins at 1 p.m. Students who are not in the auditorium prior to the commencement line-up will not be allowed in the commencement ceremony.

Nurse Pinning

Event Details

The Nurse Pinning service will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 9 a.m., in the Everest-Rohrer Auditorium.

Nurse Pinning Rehearsal

There will be a mandatory rehearsal for pinning at 8:30 a.m., in the Everest-Rohrer Auditorium. You must be present to help the service go smoothly. Those with speaking or singing parts are asked to arrive by 8 a.m. for a sound check.

Guests

There is no limit to the number of guests that may attend for each graduate. The Pinning program will be livestreamed.

Dress for the Pinning Ceremony

Professional dress is required for all graduates. Dress as if you were dressing for a job interview. Suits or dress pants and dress shirts are appropriate. Professional pantsuits are also acceptable. For ladies, high heels should be avoided since you must walk across the stage. Tops that are sleeveless, have spaghetti straps, or are low cut are not professional and are not to be worn.

If You Cannot Attend

Since graduates are individually recognized in this ceremony, if you cannot attend, please contact Deborah Gillum at 574.807.7015.

Questions about Nursing Pinning

If you have questions, feel free to contact Jill Lyon (Jill.Lyon@BethelUniversity.edu) or Tina Kendall (Tina.Kendall@BethelUniversity.edu).

Campus Store Hours

The Campus Store will be open starting at 9 a.m. on the day of Commencement. The store will have an extensive inventory of Bethel apparel as well as very attractive diploma frames with mat.

General Questions

If you have questions about commencement or other graduation events, please contact Kelly Amstutz at Kelly.Amstutz@BethelUniversity.edu.

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