Instructions for PhD Candidates and Escorts

Processional

• Gather by department
• Form two columns
• Order alphabetically by candidate’s name (If an escort has more than one candidate, order all candidates alphabetically. The escort should line up with the final candidate of their group.)
• Escorts should be on the Candidate’s left
• Escort carries Candidate’s hood (Do not wear or button hood before ceremony)
• Marshals will assist and will lead you to the first few rows on the left side of the arena.
• Please be seated

Ceremony

1. Doctoral Candidates will be asked to rise for conferring their degree.
2. Candidate and Escort approach the stage from their left (stage right) with the Escort on the Candidate’s left
3. Escort hands the name reader at the podium the Candidate’s name card to be read
4. Candidate and Escort move to the center of the stage
5. Candidate will turn and face the audience
6. Escort w/assist from Marshall will hood the Candidate
7. Provost presents the diploma
8. Chancellor shakes hands with the degree recipient
9. Candidate and Escort* leave the stage using the center stairway, return to their seats and sit down
10. The name of the next Candidate and Escort are read- and so on for all Candidates

*Escorts with more than one candidate will repeat ceremony for each – then leave stage with their final candidate.