Taylor University Commencement 

May 18, 2013
10:00 a.m.
Kesler Student Activities Center

Watch the 2013 Commencement Webcast LIVE

Webcast begins 15 minutes (9:45AM) before the start of the commencement ceremony

Please check the entire schedule of events (including the Senior Program and Baccalaureate).

Please check out our maps and directions page for area information.

The Commencement Ceremony

Seating: NO TICKETS REQUIRED. Ample seating is available in the Kesler Student Activities Center arena.

Hearing Impaired Assistance: Sign language interpreters are available by pre-arrangement. Please contact dnboatwright@taylor.edu if you will need a Sign Language Interpreter. Please make requests by March 29, 2013.

Entry: Doors will open at 9:00 a.m.

Photographs: A professional photograph will be taken of each graduate as he/she receives their diploma from the President, and will be provided digitally by the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations to the graduate’s Taylor University e-mail address at no charge. During the ceremony there will be a designated photo area; however families and friends should alleviate crowding by photographing their graduate quickly and immediately exiting the photo area. For guest safety, no tripods may be set up in aisles, doorways or walkways.

Other Events

Rehearsal: Friday, May 17, 1:30 p.m., Kesler Student Activities Center. Graduates will be given instruction regarding their seating, order of march, and other important information.

Senior Dinner: May, 17, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Hodson Dining Commons. Taylor University Dining Services will host a dinner buffet for graduates and their guests, Friday, May 17, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Hodson Dining Commons. Advance buffet tickets will go on sale Monday, April 1, 2013 and may be purchased until Friday, May 10th. The cost for advance tickets are $12.00 per adult, $6.00 children 11 through 3 and children 2 and under are free.  Tickets purchased after May 10^th will be $15 per adult and $9 per child and non-refundable.  Non-graduating Taylor University students with a valid meal plan may use his or her meal plan if the meal ticket number is provided to Dining Services by May 10th.

Ticket purchases can be made by contacting Penny Mitchener at pnmitchener@taylor.edu or 765-998-5296. Each graduate will receive his or her own complimentary ticket. Do not include your Taylor student(s) in your reservations. Tickets may be picked up in the lobby of Hodson Dining Commons on Friday, May 17, after 2 p.m. If you prefer to have your tickets mailed to your home, please add $1 for postage. All ticket purchases are non-refundable after May 10^th, 2013.

Senior Program: Friday, May 17, 8:15 p.m., Rediger Chapel/Auditorium. Members of the senior class plan this event that will include remarks by members of the senior class, praise and worship, a senior slideshow and a challenge to the class by a selected faculty member. All are invited; no charge.

Dining Commons Meal Service: Saturday, May 18. Breakfast (8:00-9:00 a.m.) and lunch (12:30-1:30 p.m.) will be served and meal cards of graduating seniors will be honored. Guest meals may be purchased for breakfast for $5.25 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 11-3; children 2 and under are free with paying adult. Lunch is $6.75 for adults and $3.25 for children ages 11-3; children 2 and under are free with paying adult. Both meals are cash only and no reservations are required.

Miscellaneous

Caps and Gowns for Graduates: All candidates for graduation have received information by e-mail from Herff-Jones concerning their required regalia for Commencement. Students must reserve their regalia online at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation before March 30.

Announcements and Memorabilia: Announcements engraved with the University seal and personalized with the student’s name, degree, major, etc. and other memorabilia are also available at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation through March 30.

Campus Store: For the convenience of graduates and guests, the Campus Store will operate a satellite in The Well in the Kesler Student Activities Center from 9:00-10:00 a.m. and 12:00-1:00 p.m. The Campus Store in the Student Union will be open 9:00-10:00 a.m. and 12:30-3:00 p.m. for sale of University items, diploma frames, and other items.

DVD’s: Copies of the Commencement ceremony on DVD may be ordered by contacting Susan Shanks at 765-998-5255 or ssshanks@taylor.edu for $30 each.

Handicapped Parking: Parking for those with special needs will be available in the north parking lot adjacent to the Kesler Student Activities Center until 9:30 a.m. The vehicle must display either a license plate or hang tag indicating disability.

Shuttle Service: Vans will shuttle graduates and others from outlying lots to the KSAC and return them following the ceremony. Each lot will be color-coded, along with the van servicing that lot.