Please note new venue: commencement ceremonies for the classes of 2009 will be held at the Masonic Auditorium, 1111 California Street.
Q. When and where is graduation? (Please note new venue.)
Commencement exercises for the Classes of 2009 will be held at the Masonic Auditorium on Sunday, June 14, 2009. The ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. A reception immediately follows the ceremony. Back to top
Q. Are tickets required to attend Commencement or the reception?
No. Tickets are not required for either event. Back to top
Q. How long does Commencement last?
The ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Back to top
Q. How long is the reception?
The reception is approximately one hour. Back to top
Q. What time should my guests arrive?
The auditorium at the Masonic opens for general seating at 12:45 p.m. The ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. Back to top
Q. What if my guests are late?
Latecomers can be accommodated on a space-available basis. Back to top
Q. Are children welcome at the Commencement Ceremony and reception?
Absolutely. Back to top
Q. Is flash photography allowed at graduation?
You are more than welcome to take photos and video during the ceremony, but please be considerate when using flash photography. Flash can sometimes distract speakers. Also, the school has arranged for a professional photographer to be on site to take pictures of graduates as they receive the diploma. Copies of the photos will be mailed to graduates in the fall. Back to top
Q. Can my family meet me on stage after I have received my diploma?
In order to keep the ceremony moving, small children can briefly join their newly-degreed parent at the foot of the stage. Back to top
Q. Can I leave the auditorium after I receive my diploma?
Please don't. We ask all graduates to return to their seats after receiving their diploma out of respect for their classmates and colleagues. Back to top
Q. Where can I meet my family and guests after the ceremony?
It is recommended to meet guests in the lobby area. Back to top
Q. What should I wear to Commencement?
Graduation from dental school is not only a significant achievement, it is a formal event steeped in tradition. We ask graduates to dress appropriately for the ceremony. Back to top
For men, recommended attire is shirt and tie, dark trousers, dark socks and dark shoes. For women, skirts or pants with a light blouse are appropriate. Back to top
Women should also pay attention to footwear: you want to be able to walk comfortably and confidently across the stage. High heels or platform shoes could be problematic. Back to top
Shorts, sandals, T-shirts, jeans and the like are not appropriate for Commencement. We also request that students do not broadcast messages on their mortarboards. Back to top
Q. Is there someplace for me to store my valuables during Commencement?
Unfortunately not. Graduates should leave their valuables and other belongings with family members or guests prior to the start of the ceremony. Back to top
Q. When and where do I get my cap and gown?
Academic regalia (cap/tassel, gown, and hood) will be distributed to students in the Executive Conference Room (room 104) on June 2, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on June 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Back to top
Q. What if my gown doesn't fit?
Gowns are intended to be loose fitting. The hem of the gown should fall between the knee and ankle. In the unlikely event that a gown is too short (above the knee) or too long (below the ankle), please bring it promptly to the Office of Academic Affairs. We will exchange it for a better-fitting gown. Back to top
Q. What if my gown does not have the three velvet bars on the sleeve?
If your gown does not have the three velvet bars on the sleeve indicating the doctoral degree, stop by the Office of Academic Affairs immediately. Back to top
Q. What if I forget my regalia on Commencement day?
Unfortunately, replacement regalia is not available on the day of Commencement. Fortunately, no student has ever forgotten their cap and gown. Back to top
Q. Can I keep the regalia?
Unfortunately not. The school rents regalia for each student from Herff-Jones. Graduates must return everything but the cap and tassel to the designated collection point in the reception area before 5:30 p.m. on the day of Commencement. Back to top
Graduates who fail to return regalia will be charged approximately $523 (purchase price of the complete regalia). Hygiene students who do not return the regalia will be charged approximately $256 (purchase price of complete regalia). Back to top
Q. Can I change how my name appears on the diploma?
Diplomas have already been ordered, so no name changes are allowable until after commencement. Back to top
Q. Why do I have to provide additional biographical information to Dr. Nadershahi?
The school has a nice tradition of reading a brief biography on each student as he or she receives the diploma and is hooded. Although the graduate may not hear the information as it is read, it is significant for family members and guests in the audience. The information solicited by Dr. Nadershahi is used for this purpose. The last chance to submit the biography is on the day of cap and gown pick up. Back to top
Q. Can I participate in Commencement if I don't complete the checkout process?
Yes. However, students who have not completed the checkout process do not receive their diploma at Commencement. The diploma will be released after checkout is completed. Back to top
Q. What is the student loan exit interview?
A student loan exit interview is an information session that informs students of their rights and responsibilities regarding student loans. The exit interview is required by federal regulation and university policy of all recipients of federal financial aid.
Students who do not complete the exit interview will have a hold placed on their academic records by the Stockton campus. A hold can have serious negative implications for dental students because the school is unable to release the transcript to licensing boards or other agencies until the hold has been lifted. Back to top
Q. Why do I need to do an exit interview?
Federal regulation mandates that all student loan borrowers attend an exit interview prior to leaving school. The exit interview provides information on loan repayment, the student's rights and responsibilities as a borrower, and the rights and responsibilities of the lender or servicer.
The student also receives information on repayment, deferment and consolidation of your loans. It is also important to complete the exit interview otherwise the Stockton campus will place a hold on your records, which could delay the mailing of your transcript to licensing boards or other agencies. Back to top
Q. When does the exit interview have to be completed?
Stafford loan borrowers must attend a group exit interview scheduled in winter quarter during the practice management course. HPSL and institutional loan borrowers must complete both the group exit interview and the online exit interview at www.pacific.edu/finance/loans/exits. Back to top
Q. What if I do not complete the exit interview?
Borrowers who do not complete the exit interview will have their transcripts held until the exit interview has been completed. Back to top
Q. What is an Authorization to Begin Clearing Process form?
It is a check list of items all graduating students must complete prior to beginning the final school checkout. The items included on the list must be verified and signed off by the Group Practice Administrator. Back to top
Q. Where do I get an Authorization to Begin Clearing Process form?
The Authorization to Begin Clearing Process form will be given to students during their exit interview with the Group Practice Administrator. Back to top
Q. What do I do after the Authorization to Begin Clearing Process form is completed?
Once the form is complete, the student should notify their GPA. At that time the GPA will tell them when they can turn the Authorization to Begin Clearing Process form in to Duke Dahlin in the Business Office and begin the closeout process. Back to top
Q. When do closeout forms need to be completed?
Closeout forms must be prior to graduation otherwise the diploma will be withheld. Back to top
Q. When will I get my diploma?
Students who complete the checkout process and meet all clinical and financial requirements for graduation receive their diploma at Commencement. Students who do not complete the checkout process, or who do not meet clinical or financial requirements for graduation receive the diploma upon documented completion of any outstanding requirement. Back to top
