Saint Martin's University

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Student handbook

(Table of contents)
Chpt 1: Introduction
Chpt 2: Why a personal therapy requirement
Chpt 3: How personal therapy works
Chpt 4: Early evaluation
Chpt 5: Professionalism
Chpt 6: Common style errors to avoid
Chpt 7: Empowering your writing
Chpt 8: Grades and GPA
Chpt 9: Avoiding burnout
Chpt 10: Various policies
Chpt 11: Student complaint process
Chpt 12: Faculty complaint process
Chpt 13: Degree candidate status
Chpt 14: Looking ahead: post graduation
Chpt 15: Applying for graduation
Chpt 16: Friday night baccalaureate
Chpt 17: The formal graduation

(On-line forms)
Common style errors
Intent to receive therapy
Verification of therapy
Degree candidate status

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology ("MAC")

The MAC student handbook:
Chapter 17: The formal graduation

The MAC brunch ceremony

The Saturday morning of graduation, the MAC faculty have traditionally thrown a food and fun "brunch" ceremony for graduating students and their families.

The brunch generally takes place at lunch time and people bring pot-luck snacks or larger dishes. Students bring their families to meet the other students and the faculty and it is a happy time of congratulations. Many photos are taken and impromptu speeches are made by students and faculty. It's a fun but important time of closure.

The graduation convocation

The formal graduation, or "convocation," begins with an academic processional. Although you may not feel comfortable with the formal structure of marching single file into the Worthington Center, this is an important part of the ancient tradition of pomp and circumstance as are the various speeches by the valedictorian, the salutatorian, and so on. Students don't always understand the symbolism of the graduation, however, if students can put themselves into the ceremony, they find they enjoy it very much.

Students and faculty first assemble in cap and gown at the northeast corner of the SMU Pavilion (near the Grand Staircase). Family, friends, and other visitors will assemble in the Pavilion. At an appropriate time, the faculty march in single-file into the main hall and take their places in the audience. The graduating seniors and master's students will then march into the hall to the applause of the crowd and the strains of the traditional song, "Pomp and Circumstance." After everyone has taken their seats, the assembled body listens to short speeches by SMU administrators, the selected valedictorian, and any invited keynote speakers. At the conclusion of the speeches, the graduating students file, one by one, up to the stage where the Registrar will hand out their diplomas (actually, just the diploma cases; the diplomas are mailed later).

The SMU administration has allowed some enjoyable breaks with tradition including allowing friends and family members to clap and cheer for their graduates. It usually ends up being a high-spirited, joyful experience — often with various supporters good-naturedly competing to see who can be the loudest cheerleaders when their favorite graduate walks up to receive the diploma!

Following the formal graduation, students and their guests are invited to the Student Union for a small reception. Students, guests, and family are able to mingle in mutual congratulations. Look for a sign that reads, "Social Sciences & MAC" so that you can find the other graduates and the MAC faculty for a last hug and word of congratulations.

You're now a graduate!

As one of the MAC alumni, you are of great value. Hopefully, you've made some friends among the students and faculty in the Program. Remember, you will be an important ambassador for the MAC Program and your recommendations are our best advertising and recruiting tool. We wish you well and encourage you to keep in touch...!

Are you now a MAC Alum? If so, try out the MAC alumni page.

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Email contact: (MAC@stmartin.edu)