The Commencement Ceremony is a special dignified event for graduating seniors and their families and guests. Appropriate behavior is expected of every person participating in and attending the ceremony. The playing of the National Anthem and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance require that accepted standards of behavior be demonstrated. Please observe these guidelines.

AUDIENCE:

▪Silence cell phones and other electronic devices.

▪Remain seated during the graduate processional.

▪When the Color Guard enters the room, stand at attention and face the flag with the right hand over the heart. As the flag passes, men should remove their hats, hold them in the right hand, and place the hat over the heart. Everyone should remain standing with their hands over their hearts for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.

▪If taking pictures or filming, please stand in the designated areas.

▪Please refrain from conversation during platform guests’ speeches.

▪Remain seated until all graduates have received their diplomas.

▪Remain seated during the graduate recessional.

GRADUATES:

▪ Please refrain from conversation during platform guests’ speeches.

▪ Remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem

The rules and customs presented herein are in accordance with the July 7, 1976 amendment to the Flag Code (Public Law 94-344.94th Congress. S.J. Res 49).

The Pledge of Allegiance should be rendered by all those present in the room standing at attention facing the flag, with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform, men should remove their hats with their right hands and hold them at the left shoulder with the hand over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

During the rendition of the National Anthem when the flag is displayed, all present, except those in uniform, should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their hats with their hands and hold them at the left shoulder with the hand over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute as the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention. If the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.