Student Instructions

The 2024 RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony will be held in-person on Saturday, May 11th at 10:00AM EST at the Woodruff Physical Education Center, located on Emory’s Atlanta Campus.  

The RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony is a school-specific ceremony designed for RSPH Graduates, and the event will follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal public health agencies. A livestream option will also be available. Please note that participation in the RSPH Diploma Ceremony is  optional.    

Participants must meet the following requirements to participate in the ceremony:    

• Students who have completed all degree requirements in Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 are eligible to participate.    
• Students who have completed all required coursework, but are enrolled in a graduate-in-residence semester to complete outstanding requirements for thesis and/or Applied Practice Experience are also eligible to participate. These students will have an IP (In Progress) grade posted for APE and/or thesis.  
  

For more information about Emory University Commencement Activities and Events, please visit the  Emory University Commencement Website .     

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Graduate Checklist - Before the Ceremony

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1. Pick Up Your Regalia 

All graduates may pick up and purchase regalia at the Emory University Barnes and Noble Bookstore on Oxford Rd. If you still need to purchase regalia, the Barnes and Noble Bookstore will have regalia in stock available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have any questions about regalia, please contact Heather La Fleur at hlafleu@emory.edu of call 404-727-2731.

3. Manage Your Guest Tickets by Friday, May 10, 2024

All graduates may access MarchingOrder to Print/E-mail all their guest tickets until the day of the ceremony. To complete this:

• Login to MarchingOrder
• Click Print/E-mail Tickets
• E-mail Tickets to Your Guest for them to print or have on their phone.

4. Access / Print Your GradPass by Friday, May 10, 2024

All students will receive a GradPass to participate in the in-person ceremony, and must have this printed or on your phone as it is required for entry when you line-up. When you login to MarchingOrder, click “Print GradPass.” Your GradPass will also include your line-up number.

5. Plan Accordingly and Get a Good Night’s Sleep 

Be sure to get a good night’s sleep and hydrate before graduation day. It is recommended that graduates wear flat and/or comfortable shoes for the ceremony.

 

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Logistics –  Day of the Ceremony

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1. Parking Information 

All decks at Emory University will be free for all visitors, faculty, and students. Your recommended parking deck is the Peavine Parking Deck, located across the street from the event venue (29 Eagle Row, Atlanta, 30322).  

2. Arrival, Check-In, and Line-Up

Doors Open for Graduates on Saturday, May 11 at 8:45AM at the Woodruff Physical Education Center. Graduates will be directed to the Graduate Line-Up Area from the Woodruff Physical Education Center Entrance.  

• Graduates must have their GradPass ready to scan at check-in. After checking in, graduates will proceed directly to their line-up area. Light snacks and beverages will be available. Graduates must arrive and line up by 9:45AM.  If you do not line up on time, you will not be able to participate.
  
  
• Guests will be permitted to enter the main entrance of the Woodruff Physical Education Center (facing the Peavine Parking Deck) starting at 9:00AM. All guests must have their electronic ticket ready to scan at check-in. After checking in, guests will proceed directly to Guest Seating Areas. 

3. Details About the Ceremony

The RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony will last approximately 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

Individual recognition for graduates will take place as follows:

• When a graduate’s name is called, they will walk across the stage with their diploma cover in-hand. Diploma covers will be on your seat, so please take it with you when it is your turn to cross the stage. Names may be called in quick succession to accommodate all graduates. 
• As a graduate walks across the stage, a slide (with their name, photo, degree, and program) and live footage of the graduate crossing the stage will be displayed on multiple screens.

Guest seating information: 

• Since this ceremony will be taking place in a gymnasium, most guests will be seated on bleachers. Guests are welcome to bring stadium seats.  
• Seats on the floor will be reserved and prioritized for guests with accessibility needs.  
• No guests will be permitted near the stage to take photos. A photographer will capture your moment as you cross the stage, as well as after you cross the stage.

4. Ceremony Dismissal 

When the RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony ends, the stage party and faculty will be dismissed, followed by the graduates. After all graduates have exited the venue, all guests will be dismissed.

5. Donate Regalia for Future Graduates

Interested in donating your RSPH Regalia? The Rollins Environmental Health Action Coalition (REHAC) will be accepting donations of used Regalia on May 11, 2024, after the ceremony has concluded. Look for the REHAC tables by the procession exit.

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Venue Location, Parking, & Guest Information 

For more information about Venue Location, Parking, Guest Ticketing, and Guest Check-In, please visit the Family and Friends Page.

 

RSPH Graduate Outcomes Survey Information 

The Office of Career Development would like to remind you as you transition from student to alumni that services are offered for a lifetime. As part of our efforts to continue to support students and alumni, we need you to help us by completing the Graduate Outcomes Survey. Please log into RSPH Career Connection to provide a Post-Graduate status and also update your email under Account Settings to your alumni email to continue using the platform as you continue your Public Health journey. 

 

Blue Tassel Initiative 

Calling all members of the Class of 2023: there’s still time to earn your blue tassel! Show your commitment to service and leadership by making a gift of $5 or more to any fund at Rollins, and you will earn a special commemorative blue tassel. Make your gift by Friday, May 6th to receive your tassel in time for Commencement. Give here. Thank you for supporting the future of public health!