Arrival, Assembly & Procession

The day of graduation is an exciting time as you celebrate your accomplishments with family, friends, faculty & staff.

In order to have the memorable and exciting experience you deserve, we ask that you follow these instructions for graduation day.

Guests may enter the venue two hours prior to the start of the ceremony.

Undergraduate Ceremonies

You should assemble in the covered area under the audience seating at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater no later than 8 a.m. If possible, allow extra time for security screening.
Students should be in academic attire – cap, hood and gown.
If you need assistance with your cap and gown, there will be a sign directing you to staff who will assist you.
Candidates will not be allowed into the amphitheater audience area prior to the ceremony.
Make sure you have your marching card. If you do not have it, see staff at the table marked “Marching Card.”
Signs will be posted to direct you for line-up. The signs will be posted by Degree, College and Major.
Sacred Heart staff will be assisting you in lining up.
Keep yourself in alphabetical order within your major. Remember to stay in line by Degree, College, Major and alpha order.
It is important that you maintain order and do not leave the line. You will be given a signal when the procession is about to begin.

You will be told a few minutes before the procession begins – keep in line and maintain order to ensure proper seating
You will process from the covered area to the amphitheater floor at 9:45 a.m.
Marshals will lead you from the covered area into the arena and to your seat.
When it is time to confer your degree, your Dean will ask you to rise as a group.
When you are called to the stage, the Marshals will lead you to the proper side.
Give your marching card to the person standing on the stage and walk to receive your diploma tube from Dr. Petillo.
If someone is assisting with the presentation of your diploma, you were also given a blue card with the person’s name and your name. You should give the blue card to the person assisting. Upon entering the arena, that person should show the blue card to an usher who will seat them. They should meet you by the side stairs to the stage when it is your turn to receive your diploma and walk with you.
You will exit the stage from the center stairs and be directed to return to your seat.
It is important that you return to your seat in a quick and orderly fashion to allow the ceremony to proceed.

You should assemble in the covered area under the audience seating at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater no later than 1 p.m. If possible, allow extra time for security screening.
Students should be in academic attire – cap, hood and gown.
If you need assistance with your cap and gown there will be a sign directing you to staff who will assist you.
Candidates will not be allowed into the amphitheater audience area prior to the ceremony.
Make sure you have your marching card. If you do not have it, see staff at the table marked “Marching Card.”
Signs will be posted to direct you for line-up. The signs will be posted by Degree, College and Major.
Sacred Heart staff will be assisting you in lining up.
Keep yourself in alphabetical order within your major. Remember to stay in line by Degree, College, Major and alpha order.
It is important that you maintain order and do not leave the line. You will be given a signal when the procession is about to begin.

You will be told a few minutes before the procession begins – keep in line and maintain order to ensure proper seating
You will process from the covered area to the amphitheater floor at 2:45 p.m.
Marshals will lead you from the covered area into the arena and to your seat.
When it is time to confer your degree, your Dean will ask you to rise as a group.
When you are called to the stage, the Marshals will lead you to the proper side.
Give your marching card to the person standing on the stage and walk to receive your diploma tube from Dr. Petillo.
If someone is assisting with the presentation of your diploma, you were also given a blue card with the person’s name and your name. You should give the blue card to the person assisting. Upon entering the arena, that person should show the blue card to an usher who will seat them. They should meet you by the side stairs to the stage when it is your turn to receive your diploma and walk with you.
You will exit the stage from the center stairs and be directed to return to your seat.
It is important that you return to your seat in a quick and orderly fashion to allow the ceremony to proceed.

You should assemble in the covered area under the audience seating at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater at 8 a.m.
Students should be in academic attire – cap, hood and gown.
If you need assistance with your cap and gown, there will be a sign directing you to staff who will assist you.
Candidates will not be allowed into the amphitheater audience area prior to the ceremony.
Marching cards will be distributed to you during line-up. Look for the table marked "Marching Card" to get your card before you line up.
Signs will be posted to direct you for line-up. The signs will be posted by Degree, College and Program.
Sacred Heart staff will be assisting you in lining up.
Keep yourself in alphabetical order within your program. Remember to stay in line by Degree, College, Program and alpha order.
It is important that you maintain order and do not leave the line. You will be given a signal when the procession is about to begin.

You will be told a few minutes before the procession begins – keep in line and maintain order to ensure proper seating
You will process from the covered area to the amphitheater floor at 9:45 a.m.
Marshals will lead you to your seat.
When it is time to confer your degree, your Dean will ask you to rise as a group.
When you are called to the stage, the Marshals will lead you to the proper side.
Give your marching card to the person standing on the stage and walk to receive your diploma tube from Dr. Petillo.
If someone is assisting with the presentation of your diploma, you were also given a blue card with the person’s name and your name. You should give the blue card to the person assisting. Upon entering the arena, that person should show the blue card to an usher who will seat them. They should meet you by the side stairs to the stage when it is your turn to receive your diploma and walk with you.
You will exit the stage from the center stairs and be directed to return to your seat.
It is important that you return to your seat in a quick and orderly fashion to allow the ceremony to proceed.