Home > Current Students > Commencement > Commencement Faq

• Q: What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
• A: Commencement is a public ceremony to celebrate graduation, whereas graduation is the completion of earning an academic degree.
• Q: Why do we wear caps and gowns?
• A: The origins of academic dress date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when universities were taking form. The ordinary dress of a scholar whether student or teacher, was the dress of a cleric. Long gowns were worn and may have been necessary for warmth in unheated buildings. (American Council on Education)
  
  Students at UNH Manchester are required to wear a UNH cap & gown if they are walking in the commencement ceremony.
• Q: May I approach the stage to take a picture?
• A: No. For traffic flow and safety purposes, the walkways need to stay clear. However, families may wish to sit towards the front of the arena for best picture taking opportunities or use the photo friendly area to the right side of the stage.
• Q: What should I wear?
• A: Students should wear something comfortable. The gown is lightweight and will cover your torso leaving your legs and shoes visible. The Center of New Hampshire is climate-controlled so you needn't worry about extreme temperatures.
• Q: What if I or one of my guests has special needs?
• A: The student commencement participation form contains a space where you can provide us with information regarding accommodations for you or your guests. Please contact us at least two weeks before the ceremony so we can best assist you.

  Kim Wall
  UNH Manchester Commencement Chair
  Marketing and Community Relations Office
  Tel. 603-641-4306
  kim.wall@unh.edu

  Sue Prindiville
  Academic Student Services Assistant
  Registration Office
  Tel. 603-641-4136
  susan.prindiville@unh.edu

  UNH Security Officers and ushers will be available during the ceremony to offer additional assistance. Contact the Registration Office, 603- 641-4136 or susan.prindiville@unh.edu.

• Q: It's over, now what do I do?

• A: Congratulations! You're just beginning what is next as a University of New Hampshire alumnus! Consider taking advantages of the resources around you. The UNH Alumni Association offers many benefits to members including job search links.

  The UNH Manchester Chapter of the UNH Alumni Chapter is your local connection to classmates and activities at the UNH Manchester campus. We encourage you to keep in touch and to get involved.

  Career Services through UNH Manchester are always available to you. Contact Colleen Bolton in Career Services at 603-641-4331, colleen.bolton@unh.edu or visit Career Services.

  Schedule a meeting with Kate Ferreira, Director of the Center for Graduate & Professional Studies to learn about part-time UNH graduate degree programs offered at UNH Manchester, www.unhmgrad.unh.edu. There are also graduate degree programs offered in Durham through the UNH Graduate School.

  Stay in touch with the UNH Manchester Office of Marketing & Community Relations, or Kim.Wall@unh.edu. Alumni updates are posted in Mill Works, the University's newsletter.