Information for seniors

Dear seniors,

To those of you preparing to graduate, we send deep and sincere congratulations. We recognize this isn’t how you imagined things to be in the final weeks of your senior year, but please know we’re doing what we can to honor your accomplishments. And we are so proud of you!

Here is information to help prepare for this month’s recognition ceremony and October’s in-person commencement ceremony, as well as other important topics. 

Ceremonies

Commencement is a special milestone for you and the capstone to the academic year. Please make sure three important ceremonies are on your calendar.

First, there will be a short online ceremony at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, the date and time originally scheduled. We anticipate this ceremony will last between 30-45 minutes. 

Then a traditional commencement, with all the trimmings, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the TaxSlayer Center in Moline. No tickets needed.  

Baccalaureate service also will be held on Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. in Centennial Hall. 

Your keepsake A

As is tradition, the president of the Alumni Association will be on hand at the TaxSlayer Center to present an Augustana A keepsake to each graduate after they cross the stage. We will mail your A to you if you can't be present.

Honors convocation

We will not hold the traditional Honors Convocation on campus this year, but those seniors who have earned special recognition should keep an eye on the mailbox. Something special will be on the way to you later this month! Also, those who have received an academic award this year will be listed on our website before May 23.

Graduation honors

Students qualify for honors on the basis of their grade-point averages. GPA is not rounded up to meet honors standards. Graduation honors are recorded on the student's permanent academic record after graduation processing. The minimum grade point average standards are:

3.9000 summa cum laude
3.7500 magna cum laude
3.5000 cum laude

Cap and gowns

Augustana's graduation robes are custom-made for our graduates. The set will include a cap, tassel, gown and a stole.

Caps and gowns for graduating seniors have arrived in the bookstore

-- If you are in the Quad Cities area, you may pick up your cap and gown outside the Brunner Theater Center from noon-4 p.m. May 21-11; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 23 in the Gerber Center; or from 8 a.m.-noon May 26-29 outside Brunner.

Sign up for a pickup time. You must be signed up to be included. Use social distancing during your visit.

-- If you requested that your cap and gown be shipped to your home address, then it is on its way. We are hoping they will be delivered to your home (if you requested this) in time for Saturday's virtual graduation ceremony. (Caps and gowns were shipped via Fedex 2-day for Saturday delivery.)

-- If you did not request shipping but would still like to do so, order delivery through the Augustana Bookstore. The cost is $8. Please do not add any other items to your order when requesting delivery.

New orders for cap and gown shipping must be received by noon May 21 to qualify for Saturday delivery. Orders received after noon will not be delivered until Tuesday (as Monday is a holiday).

-- If you did not order a cap and gown but would still like to do so, email the bookstore. Another order will be placed that will arrive in October. A very few caps and gowns that were ordered but not claimed may be available. Again, contact the bookstore about this.

Please send questions about caps and gowns to Wendy Wood, bookstore manager.

Graduation cords

Augustana does not present honor cords for high academic achievement. However, certain departments and clubs/organizations have, in the past, given honor cords. Graduates should contact their department chair or club/organization president to find out if cords will be distributed this year.

Greek group and organizational stoles

As is the case with the honor cords, these items are not presented by the college, but rather by the organizations or groups themselves. Please contact those groups to see if they will be giving stoles this year.

Diplomas

At the commencement ceremony on Oct. 11, you will receive a diploma cover. Your diploma will be mailed to you once the registrar's office has confirmed and certified all graduation requirements have been completed. Students should confirm or make changes to their mailing addresses for the diploma by checking the Graduation Application in Arches.

Athletic Blanket Awards

The Athletic Blanket Award celebration for this spring has been postponed. Although details have not been confirmed, the Athletic Department and teams hope to hold an award ceremony in October, on Friday or Saturday prior to the commencement on Sunday, Oct. 11. Watch your email for more information.

Memorabilia

The Augustana Bookstore will sell special yard signs and T-shirts to celebrate the Class of 2020. As usual, the store has alumni apparel and diploma frames.

Senior Send-off

On Oct. 11, Senior Send-Off Brunch will be held prior to commencement. Graduates receive up to five free tickets (one for the graduate and four for guests). Additional tickets can be purchased through the Augustana Ticket Office or at the door. The menu has not yet been selected for this meal.

Social media

Tag and share your photos and videos. Share photos of you celebrating at home, virtually with friends, or your favorite photos to commemorate your time at Augustana. Tag the college directly on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Use the hashtag #augiegrad2020 or #augustanacollege.

We look forward to celebrating you and your accomplishments!

Take care, Vikings,

Rita Gustafson, Commencement co-planner
309-794-7322