Student Instructions

The 2024 RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony will be held in-person on Saturday, May 11th at 10:00AM EST at the Gas South Convention Center | 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097 

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 

Parking for the Gas South Convention Center is located in Decks 1 and 2. Parking will be free of charge to all graduates and guests.

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

Doors Open for Graduates on Saturday, May 11 at 8:45AM at the Gas South Convention Center. Graduates will be directed to the Graduate Line-Up Area.  

• All graduates must line up at 8:45AM and no later than 9:30AM to ensure participation. Latecomers will not be permitted to participate.
• When you arrive at the venue, you will be directed to the Graduate Check-In Location.
• GradPasses are required for entry into the venue.
  • Be sure to have your GradPass ready to check-in and note your seat number.
  • If you do not have a seat number on your GradPass, please see an RSPH staff member for assistance.
  • If you do not have your GradPass, you will not be permitted into the venue. No exceptions.
• You will be required to complete a bag check and security screening. Please note that ID may be requested at check-in.
• Graduates will be directed to the Graduate Line-Up Area, where they will meet RSPH staff who will assist with line-up.

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: 

• Guests will be directed to seating areas in Exhibit Halls C and D. 
• 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.
• Guests should plan to bring their own mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs or walkers, to the ceremony.
• Accessibility seating will be guaranteed to guests whose graduates provided additional guest accessibility information when they submitted their RSVP for the ceremony.

4. Ceremony Dismissal 

After the RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony concludes, the stage party and faculty will leave first, followed by the graduates. Guests will then be dismissed once all graduates have exited the exhibition hall.

All graduates and guests are invited to participate in a 30-minute reception after the ceremony at the Gas South Convention Center. Snacks and beverages will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

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!