The Ceremony
Pharmed Arena
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 2:00PM

Speakers
President Emeritus Talbot (Sandy) D’Alemberte will be our guest speaker.

Tickets and Guests
Commencement is a ticketed event. All guests must present a ticket to enter the Pharmed Arena. The center will open one hour (1:00 p.m.) before the start of the ceremony and seating that day will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Starting Monday, May 5, 2008, tickets can be picked up at the Student Lounge from 12 to 2 PM or 5 to 7 PM or from Maria Madriz in RDB Hall Room 2015. You may contact Maria at 305-348-2444 or email maria.madriz@fiu.edu

Special Assistance
Should you or any of your guests need special assistance for attending this event, please contact Zory Hernandez (hernandz@fiu.edu) or Maria Madriz (mmadr001@fiu.edu) at 305-348-2444. Please note that a request must be made in order to reserve and accommodate special assistance on Commencement Day. It is recommended that persons requiring special assistance be dropped off in the circular driveway in front of the Pharmed Arena where they will have access to ramps and walkways. Upon entering the Pharmed Arena, persons requested special assistance must identify themselves to an usher. An escort will take you to reserved seating.

NOTE: Requests for special assistance seating have to be made by Monday, May 12, 2008

Deaf and Hard of Hearing
A sign language interpreter will be available at Commencement. If you wish to sit close to the interpreter at the ceremony please contact Zory Hernandez (hernandz@fiu.edu) or Maria Madriz (mmadr001@fiu.edu) at 305-348-2444 to make arrangements for special seating.

NOTE: Request for special seating has to be made by Thursday, May 12, 2005

Public Safety
Public Safety will provide overall security and traffic direction on Commencement Day. In the event of an emergency please contact a FIU Public Safety at 305-348-2626.

Regalia
Regalia will be available for pickup at the Student Lounge starting Monday, May 5, 2008 from 12 to 2 PM or from 5 to 7 PM. Please see Maria Madriz , RDB Hall 2015, 305-348-2444 (maria.madriz@fiu.edu) should you miss the date.

Announcements
Graduation announcements can be ordered through the Herff-Jones website at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation

Post Commencement Reception
Graduates and their guests are invited to a celebratory reception in the Rafael Diaz Balart Hall Atrium immediately following the commencement.

Parking
Students and their guests are asked to park in the Panther Garage. The Pharmed Arena is to the West of the garage.

Driving Directions

• Once you exit 8th Street East continue down to 112th Avenue and make a Right.
• At the Stop sign make a Right and continue until you come upon the Parking garage on the right. (ivory and pink building).
• You may park in any white unmarked spot in a metered spot.
• The commencement ceremony will take place in the Pharmed Arena (large blue building directly across the street).
• Please use the Southeast and Northeast entrances of the Pharmed Arena.
• If you need further instructions, please call 305-348-2444.

Photographs
Guests are welcome to take photographs during the processional and ceremony as long as they do not block the aisles. Each graduating student will have his or her photo taken by Bob Knight Studio (www.bobknightphoto.com) three times during the ceremony. On the day of the ceremony each student will receive their previously completed name card. Graduates carry this name card to the ceremony and during the ceremony hand it to the announcer. After the ceremony, the cards are given to Bob Knight Studio photographers. Bob Knight Studios will mail proofs within 4 days of ceremony.

Flowers
Afrodita’s Garden (www.afroditasgarden.com)will offer bouquets, flowers and other graduation items for guests to purchase at the Pharmed Arena. Prices range from $10.00-$30.00.

Diplomas
At the graduation ceremony, graduates will receive a ceremonial certificate in lieu of an actual diploma. Approximately 3 months after your graduation date, you may obtain your diploma in person at the College of Law Registrar’s Office, RDB Hall 2018, or you may stop by College of Law Registrar’s Office to fill out an address card if you would like your diploma mailed.