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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Grad prep underway on campus

With graduation just three months away, many behind-the-scenes groundwork for commencement are already underway at Saint Mary's and Notre Dame. Seniors busy with résumés and job searches now have added senior week preparation and graduation anticipation to their schedules.Members of this year's graduating class at both schools have numerous requirements to complete in order to make their May commencement ceremonies a success. Each senior, among other tasks, must order and mail invitations, reserve ceremony tickets and have caps and gowns fitted. Traditionally, students at Saint Mary's begin graduation preparations in February by ordering their caps and gowns."This year, however, the schedule was pushed up because of the inauguration of Dr. Mooney," said Bob DeZenzo, Saint Mary's bookstore manager. "We ordered in October and the students and faculty had their regalia by December 1."Saint Mary's students must still order their invitations. Each graduating woman receives generic announcements at no charge, or she can choose a personalized announcement for a fee with her name and degree.The commencement proceedings at Saint Mary's are a community effort, with each campus group - such as security or food services - assuming specific tasks. The Office of Special Events commencement committee oversees each group to make sure that work between them is running smoothly. This committee, chaired by the Assistant to the President, includes members from campus groups as well as a student representative. While Saint Mary's women are well on their way in planning their May ceremony, members of Notre Dame's graduating class have yet to receive details regarding their commencement. "I've received no information on graduation preparation or when we're supposed to have anything done," Keenan fifth-year Tim Gibeau said. "I think a lot of the seniors feel in the dark. All we know is that we graduate on May 15." Although some seniors might be feeling nervous about the lack of concrete details, the Office of the Registrar says information is on its way. According to the registrar, Notre Dame students can access a detailed schedule of commencement events through the office's Web site by the end of this week. Each senior will receive a packet with important information regarding the fitting of caps and gowns, invitations and ticket requests before spring break.