General Information
Date: Sunday, October 10, 2010
Location: Zuhrah Shrine Center Auditorium, 2540 Park Avenue, Minneapolis
Time: To be announced after August 20, 2010 (Grad application deadline)
Graduates: You will receive a letter confirming which ceremony you will participate in after the graduation application form deadline, Friday, August 20, 2010.
Eligibility: Generally, any student who will complete all degree requirements by September 24, 2010 is eligible to participate in the October commencement ceremony. Students intending to commence in October were required to submit their completed Application for Graduation and Commencement form to the Student Services Office no later than Friday, August 20, 2010. Please direct questions regarding academic eligibility requirements to your program.
Download the October 2010 Application for Graduation and Commencement form.
Download the January 2011 Application for Graduation and Commencement form.
Back to top
Parking Information
Parking is available on the streets surrounding the campus, in the Shrine Center lot, or any Saint Mary’s University parking lot. All lots are located on Oakland Ave. A drive up on the north side of the Shrine Center can be used for guests needing assistance. Security guards will be in the area should you have parking questions.
Campus Map • Directions • Printable map and directions
Back to top
The Ceremony
The ceremony is less than an hour and a half. Degree candidates will be hooded as they proceed toward the stage. With the exception of the doctoral students, hoods will not be included in the mailed cap/gown packages that you will receive two weeks before the ceremony. Hoods will be received at the ceremony (with the exception of the undergraduate certificate candidates). Candidates will proceed across the stage as their names are called and receive a diploma envelope. The auditorium should accommodate all guests, and tickets are not required. We do ask that graduates limit their guests to 6 or under.
If you are inviting guests from another country and need a letter to the Embassy for them to attend, please fill out the Graduation Embassy Letter form and send it to the following address:
Saint Mary's University
Attn: Mary Thole
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Back to top
Reception
All are invited to a reception serving bars and beverages held on the 2nd floor or outside on the front lawn of the Shrine Center immediately following the ceremony. Elevators and stairs are located on both sides of the auditorium.
Back to top
Academic Costume
Academic costume is traditional. By completing the Application for Graduation and Commencement form, certificate, bachelors or masters regalia will be mailed to you before two weeks ahead of the ceremony. Candidates for the undergraduate degrees wear the black bachelor's gown that has a block sleeve with no trimming. Candidates for master's degrees wear the master's gown, which is black with a sleeve opening near the wrist called a "bat wing" sleeve. The hood's velvet side depicts the degree color and satin side depicts the school colors. Caps are worn with black tassels and a gold year plate.
The gown size is based on the measurements you provide on your Application for Graduation and Commencement form. Bring the cap and gown for the ceremony (doctoral students will also bring their hoods to give to staff at check-in). You will receive your academic hood from your program director or representative during the ceremony. For questions related to the undergraduate and graduate regalia contact Mary Thole at (612) 728-5118.
Doctorate candidates wear the navy Saint Mary's University official academic regalia with the bell shaped sleeve, and black velvet panels and chevron. Questions regarding doctoral academic regalia (which takes 8 weeks from order to delivery) should be referred to Mary Thole at (612) 728-5118.
Back to top
Diplomas
Diploma envelopes will be presented at the ceremony. Diplomas are not guaranteed at commencement. If your graduation application form has been processed through the university and ordered (Jostens requires 3-4 weeks to process diploma orders), and financial obligations cleared, you will receive your diploma at commencement. You may still march in the ceremony if financial obligations are not met. If you do not receive your diploma, it will be mailed to you as soon as it is received on campus if you have a zero balance on your account. Questions related to processing your Application for Graduation and Commencement should be directed to your program.
For questions on your financial status call Student Services at (612) 728-5100.
Back to top
Disability Accommodations
Handicapped parking is available on campus. There is also a drive-up area at the door on the north side of the Shrine Center. Elevators are available. Anyone needing special accommodations for the first floor seating in the Shrine Center auditorium should call Mary Thole at (612) 728-5118 to make arrangements. The first two rows of guest seating are reserved for this purpose. Limited family members are welcome to sit with the individual requesting special needs seating. A sign language interpreter can also be prearranged.
Back to top
Announcements
The university does not provide graduation announcements or invitations; however, these items can be purchased online or at the Saint Mary's University bookstore on campus in LaSalle Hall, 2nd floor at 2500 Park Ave. If you have questions regarding bookstore announcements or invitations call (612) 728-5170.
Back to top
Bookstore
The Saint Mary's University Bookstore, located in LaSalle Hall, 2nd floor at 2500 Park Ave., will be open on Sunday, October 10, 2010 during the event. They will have Graduation gifts, diploma frames, beverages, coffee, snacks, SMU logo items, and more on hand to purchase. Contact the bookstore at (612) 728-5170 for questions.
Back to top
Photographer
Herff Jones will take a full-color photograph of graduates as they receive their diploma envelopes. Proofs will be mailed to you after three weeks following the ceremony. Attached to the proof will be an order form and all necessary information to order pictures. Video taping is not provided. For questions about photographs, please contact Herff-Jones at (800) 683-8157 or visit the website. Please do not contact Saint Mary's, as we do not handle photographs.
Back to top
Financial Obligations
Student accounts must be paid in full in order to receive diplomas and transcripts. Graduates are still eligible to march in the ceremony if completed in your program, even though your account has not been paid. You can view your account at http://webtools.smumn.edu. If you have questions concerning your bill, contact Student Services at (612) 728-5100.
Back to top
Minneapolis Area Hotels and Restaurants
Hotels
Crowne Plaza Northstar Hotel
618 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis MN
This downtown hotel caters to business and pleasure travelers with ergonomic desk chairs and the convenience of Internet access. The Skygarden patio on the 8th floor is open during the spring and summer. During the rest of the year, dine at Café Northstar on the 7th floor, or have a frosty beer with lime at the Corona Lounge on the lobby level.
Embassy Suites Downtown
425 South 7th Street, Minneapolis MN
The Embassy Suites Downtown's finest feature is the Garden Atrium: a tropical fantasyland, stretching six floors high with palm trees and curvy paths befitting Willy Wonka himself. The all-suite hotel is skyway connected and has an indoor pool and two restaurants. Complimentary breakfast served daily. For questions or to make a reservation call toll free in the US: 1 (800) 839-6210
Radisson Metrodome
615 SE Washington Avenue, Minneapolis MN
Located on the University of Minnesota campus, guests of this Radisson can walk to the Metrodome and also to the college neighborhood called Dinkytown, which is as adorable as it sounds. It has all the amenities of a small town and also the Positively 4th Street vibe of Bob Dylan fame. Complimentary transportation within a five mile radius of the hotel is available by appointment. For questions or to make a reservation call toll free in the US: 1 (800) 839-6210
Dining
Minneapolis Downtown Area:
Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, 800 La Salle Plaza (612) 332-2739
Monte Carlo Bar & Grill, 219 3rd Ave. N. (612) 333-5900
Palomino Restaurant Rotisseria Bar, 825 Hennepin Ave. (612) 339-3800
Old Spaghetti Factory, 233 Park Ave. (612) 341-0949
Capital Grille, 801 Hennepin Ave. (612) 692-9000
Buca Di Beppo, 1204 Harmon Place (612) 288-0138
Minneapolis Uptown Area:
Il Gatto, 3001 Hennepin Ave. (612) 822-1688
Famous Dave's BBQ and Grill Club, 3001 Hennepin Ave. (612) 822-9900
Chino Latino, 2916 Hennepin Ave. (612) 824-7878
Dixies Calhoun, 2730 W. Lake St. (612) 920-5000
Green Mill, 2626 Hennepin Ave. (612) 374-2131
The Herkimer Pub and Brewery, 2922 Lyndale Ave. S. (612) 821-0101
Fuji-Ya Sushi, 600 W. Lake St. (612) 871-4055
Minneapolis Phillips Neighborhood:
Maria's Café, 1113 Franklin Ave. E. (612) 870-9842
Christo's Greek Restaurant, 2632 Nicollet Ave. (612) 871-2111
St. Paul Area Dining:
St. Paul Grill (Downtown area), 350 Market St. (651) 224-7455
Great Waters Brewing Company, 426 Saint Peter Street, (651) 224-2739
Pazzaluna, 360 St. Peter St. (651) 223-7000
W. A. Frost & Co., 374 Selby Ave. (651) 224-5715
Dixies On Grand, 695 Grand Ave. (651) 222-7345
Wild Onion, 788 Grand Ave. (651) 291-2525
Back to top