The actual setup begins approximately a week prior to Commencement, Langham said. Last year, we did it in record time - we finished it in about four hours. On the day of the ceremony, Langham said the staff arrives between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. to ensure that everything runs smoothly. We ensure that the trash cans and podiums are all in place, too. Assistant University Secretary Jari Grimm said those not involved in the physical setup, such as the security guards and the ushers for the Commencement ceremony, arrive early as well.
People get up early to make it all work.
Grimm said a tremendous amount of work goes into the publication of the Commencement magazine, which is sent to all students and the parents of graduates in the fall and details the specifics of the ceremony. It is distributed in November to all students and the parents of candidates for graduation. Grimm said the ceremony always takes place on a Monday in order to accommodate religious days of worship. Langham said although all the work is over in a few short hours, she feels that it is worth the year-long effort. A lot of planning goes into it, and it's very organized and well-planned out.