Graduation
Loyola's MSW Program at Carthage
Graduation
Loyola MSW at Carthage has one graduation each year in Kenosha on the Carthage campus. Our program is set up to complete classes in August. The ceremony is held for the two cohorts at the Carthage campus only. The Dean and faculty who have taught from Loyola are invited to participate in the graduation ceremony. It takes place in the Siebert Chapel on the Carthage campus usually on a Sunday date determined by the availability of the spaces at Carthage. Next year it will be Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 1 pm in the Siebert Chapel.
Graduation Ceremony
Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work has one graduation ceremony each year in May for the students who have attended at the Water Tower Campus. Degrees are only awarded by Loyola University in May, August, and December. Carthage students have occasionally attended if they have completed all requirements by the May graduation date. The MSW at Carthage is set up that students usually complete it in August.
Graduation Fee
A graduation fee of $75 is charged to all students who will graduate from Loyola University. This fee covers the costs of processing diplomas and graduation audits, and is charged to everyone who is graduating from the University. It will be due along with an application for graduation in the fall before your graduation year usually by December 1(Chicago date). The Carthage date is a little earlier (Nov. 6) so that all of our applications can be brought to Chicago together. You must apply for graduation and have an academic audit to confirm that you have fulfilled all the requirements for your program. The audit will be done in 2010. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLETE.
Caps and Gowns
Caps and gowns are worn at the graduation ceremony. In June, we will mail to your home an order form from the company who sells the caps and gowns. It is not necessary to attend the bookstore graduation sales in Chicago. You will order the cap and gown yourself and have it mailed to your home. You should always get a citrine (light golden yellow) tassel with your cap for a masters’ level graduate in social work. Ordering the caps and gowns is the responsibility of the student.
Graduation Luncheon
Carthage has a graduation luncheon on the last day of Saturday class for the graduates. It is organized by the student organization. They will invite faculty who have taught your classes to attend the luncheon; and participate in the graduation ceremony, if they desire. The student organization from Carthage will use monies raised during the year to create decorations and/or give small gifts to the graduates at the luncheon. Graduates are allowed to bring one guest. There is no charge for the graduation luncheon and one guest. The student organization will do a presentation or fun program at the luncheon. Students are able to pick a theme each year for the luncheon. This year the luncheon is scheduled for Sat., August 14, 2010 at 1 pm. Please mark your calendars so that you can enjoy this celebration.
Graduation Ceremony Practice
Normally, after the graduation luncheon on the Saturday in August in the last half hour, everyone would proceed to the Siebert Chapel to practice for the graduation ceremony. This year we are not able to use the Siebert chapel on any Saturday in August because of weddings in the chapel. So the graduation practice will be at 5 pm on Tuesday, August 10. Since our students have never been in the chapel, it is vital that you plan to attend the graduation rehearsal. We will have the lineup and information in a printed form, but it will not be clear what you need to do at graduation unless you attend the rehearsal and are in the Chapel. Please be sure to mark your calendars for this date.
Graduation Ceremony
Students will arrive about an hour to 45 minutes before the graduation ceremony. The ceremony begins promptly at 1 pm. Students should bring their own cap, tassel and gown with them. The ceremony lasts about an hour. Many Loyola University and Carthage College administration, faculty and staff participate in the ceremony. During the commencement ceremony there is a commencement address, a student speaker, presentation of awards and awarding of diplomas. Before the ceremony, students will line up in the hallway near the north entrance to the Chapel. Each student will walk across the stage and be congratulated by the Dean of the school and other faculty and staff, and will be presented with a diploma cover. Students will be able to write a 3x5 card with a very brief message that will be read out loud to thank whomever you desire as you are walking across the stage.
Speakers
The Loyola MSW at Carthage staff is open to suggestions about a commencement speaker. Please attend a planning meeting in November and bring forward any suggestions that you have for an inspirational speaker for the ceremony. Craig will make the final determination if the speaker is appropriate. And of course the speaker will need to be invited and check their availability for the graduation date.
Plan to submit some names for the student speaker at your November student organization meeting. You are able to have a student speaker or two for the graduation luncheon. You are also able to have one student speaker for the graduation ceremony – a different person if you desire. Again, Craig will make the final decision. Please discuss suggestions and make sure the person you nominate is interested in speaking.
Pictures
A professional photographer will be at the chapel to take pictures. A group photo of all graduates will be taken at 12:30. Students can also pose for pictures alone or with your family between 12 and 12:30 with the professional photographer. Be aware that the photographer will be in a separate space from other guests so that he has control over the pictures he will make available to you to purchase.
Graduation Reception
The Loyola MSW at Carthage will have an appetizer reception in the Todd Wehr Center at Carthage following the graduation ceremony. Your family is invited to attend this reception with you. It is your last chance to visit with the other members of your cohort and their families before everyone goes their separate ways. Students will also receive a gift from the Loyola MSW at Carthage. This is on August 29 at about 2 pm.
Diplomas
Your actual diploma will be mailed to you at your home later in the fall. The school will process your diploma in September. The diploma process will take approximately two months after your date of completion of classes in the end of August. Be sure that the Carthage and Loyola offices have your correct and most current mailing address, if you have moved at any time during the program. Otherwise, this will delay the receipt of your diploma.
Loyola University Graduation Letter
If you need confirmation of your graduation earlier, for purposes of applying for jobs or getting a company promotion, the Carthage program will provide a letter to you stating that you have met the requirements for graduation and are waiting for the final diploma. You should let Joanne know if you need this, but all of your work must be completed before it will be available.
Resume Book
The program always publishes a book of resumes of all the graduates who choose to be listed. This is made available to current field agencies if they are looking for potential employees, and is a lasting record of your cohort. In July, we will collect updated resumes to be put together in the Class of 2010 resume book.
Graduation Events Summary – 2010
November 6, 2009 – Last day to turn in graduation fee and two forms
June 2010 – Order caps, gowns and hoods - Forms will be mailed to your home
July 2010 – Update and submit resume for the resume book of 2010 graduates
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Graduation Rehearsal in Siebert chapel at 5 pm
Saturday, August 14, 2010 - Graduation Luncheon from 1-3 pm in Todd Wehr Center at Carthage.
Sunday, August 29, 2010 - 12:00 -12:30 pm - Gather for graduation in Siebert Chapel, individual or family photo
Sunday, August 29, 2010 - 12:30 pm - Professional photographer group photo of graduates
Sunday, August 29, 2010 - 1 pm - Graduation Ceremony - Siebert Chapel - Carthage
Sunday, August 29, 2010 - 2 pm - Graduation Reception - Todd Wehr Center - Carthage