Graduation

 
 

Light University’s fourth Commencement Exercises will start at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Opryland Hotel’s Presidential Ballroom D in Nashville, Tennessee.

Gary Oliver Commencement Speaker	Michael O’Brien Special Music

Graduation FAQ’s

Q. Who is eligible to participate in Commencement Exercises?
A. To be eligible, you must have successfully completed ALL course requirements for at least one of Light University’s certificate programs: “Caring for People God’s Way,” “Caring for People God’s Way II” (or “Breaking Free“), “Marriage Works,” “Extraordinary Women,” “Healthy Sexuality,” “Caring for Kids God’s Way”, “Caring for Teens God’s Way” or “Life Coaching 101 and 201” by the July 24, 2009 deadline.

Q. Do I have to attend the World Conference to be able to participate in Commencement Exercises?
A. No. We hope you will attend our 2009 World Conference, but if you are interested in attending only the Commencement Exercises, you may do so.

Q. Do graduates, family members or guests need a ticket to attend Commencement Exercises?
A. No. The ceremony is free of charge, so tickets are not required.

Q. What time and where do graduates need to show up for Commencement Exercises?
A. Eligible students WHO HAVE REGISTERED for the ceremony MUST show up at 5:45 p.m. sharp (already dressed in cap and gown) on Saturday, September 19th in Presidential Ballroom C to get their name cards, marching instructions and line up for the ceremony.

[NOTE: GUESTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF GRADUATES SHOULD NOT COME WITH GRADUATES AT 5:45 P.M. – THIS TIME IS FOR GRADUATES ONLY. GUESTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS SHOULD BEGIN ARRIVING AT 6:30 P.M. TO BE SEATED IN PRESIDENTIAL BALLROOM D FOR THE CEREMONY.]

Q. Do graduates need to check in at the AACC World Conference Registration Booth?
A. No. If graduates are only attending Commencement Exercises and not the AACC World Conference, they DO NOT need to check in at the AACC Registration Booth.

Q. Do graduates need to RSVP, or can they just show up for Commencement Exercises?
A. Yes, graduates DO HAVE TO RSVP in order to participate in Commencement Exercises. ONLY participants who have successfully completed AND mailed ALL five unit tests from one of Light University’s certificate programs (“Caring for People God’s Way,” “Caring for People God’s Way II” (or “Breaking Free“), “Marriage Works,” “Extraordinary Women,” “Healthy Sexuality,” or “Caring for Kids God’s Way”) to AACC with a postmark on or before July 24, 2009 AND sent an RSVP by the same deadline are eligible to participate.

Q. What if I’m not sure if I’ve sent in my RSVP?
A. If you are receiving this mailing, we have received your RSVP and have you registered for the graduation ceremony. Names of graduates who have successfully completed all five unit tests from one of our certificate programs but have not RSVP’d WILL NOT appear in the graduation program as programs have to be printed well before the AACC staff leaves for the World Conference in Nashville. Adding names to the graduation program will not be possible while the Conference is in session.

Q. Do I have to purchase my cap and gown from Josten’s? How much do they cost?
A. Yes. All graduates MUST purchase a cap and gown from Josten’s. We want everyone to have a unified look for the graduation ceremony. The cost is $38 for your cap, gown, and tassel (all caps are “one size fits all”). This cost includes UPS Ground shipping to your home (no P.O. Boxes). The deadline for placing your order with Jostens was August 20, 2009, but they may still be able to ship at an extra cost—call 1-800-854-7464 to inquire (mention AACC as the name of your school or use Customer Number 1285983).

Q. Can I choose the color for my cap and gown?
A. No. The cap, gown, and tassel color for Light University is BLACK.

Q. How much does it cost to participate in Commencement Exercises?
A. Besides the cap and gown fee of $38 that Josten’s charges, there is no AACC graduation fee to participate (however, you are responsible for your own travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and conference registration if you decide to attend the World Conference).

Q. Do I receive a diploma at the Commencement Exercises?
A. No. If you have already successfully completed your studies, you should have received your “Certificate of Completion” in the mail. If you successfully complete your studies just prior to the conference/graduation, you will receive your “Certificate of Completion” via U.S. mail within 3-4 weeks of the time your final passing grade is entered. A “symbolic” certificate will be handed out at the actual Commencement ceremony.

Q. Who is the Commencement speaker?
A. Dr. Gary Oliver will deliver our Commencement address. He is the Executive Director of the Center for Relationship Enrichment and Professor of Psychology and Practical Theology at John Brown University. He is also a member of the AACC Executive Board.

Q. Who will lead praise and worship at the ceremony?
A. Michael O’Brien will be our praise and worship leader. He is probably most known from his 7 year tenure as lead singer for the world renowned Christian band NEWSONG. An incredibly gifted singer/ songwriter/ musician with a heart for ministering to married couples he sensed that God was placing a strong call on his life to step out and minister as a solo artist. Michael resigned his position with Newsong in March of 2006 to pursue a solo ministry and to be obedient to what the Lord was doing in his life. Being a husband and father of four children Michael wanted more control of his calendar so he could make time for his family and be the husband and father God had called him to be.

Q. Will Commencement Exercises be video taped and sold?
A. Yes. The ceremony will be video taped by an outside company. Order forms will be available AFTER the Commencement ceremony with instructions for ordering. DVDs of the ceremony will be shipped to you at a later date (allow 4-6 weeks for delivery). Cost is $19.95 per DVD plus 5% sales tax and $5.00 S&H.

Q. Will there be a professional photographer on site and will photos be available for purchase?
A. No. You are permitted to bring your own camera; however, flash photography during the Commencement ceremony is limited to individual photos taken after graduates receive their “symbolic” certificate and have exited the stage.

Q. Will refreshments/food be served before or after Commencement Exercises?
A. No. The Opryland Hotel has a variety of restaurants to choose from in the Delta Island area.