I had the pleasure of being a marshal during commencement events last weekend. In addition to being congratulated at least 50 times on earning my Duke degree (an understandable mistake on the part of exuberant parents, seeing as the marshals wear black gowns like the graduates), I learned everything my mother will want to know to make sure my own graduation is to her liking next year. I even get to keep the gown, although mine-unlike anyone else's-has hideous black appendages on the arms that make me look like a bat.
In preparing to tell my mother what to, in turn, tell my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, pets and whomever else she invites to graduation next year, I've prepared a short list of tips for the general population. These will help everyone, I hope, have a hassle-free commencement weekend in 2007:
1. Get everywhere as early as is humanly possible. All of you.
This goes for every event-commencement proper, departmental graduations, meals, the bathroom and especially the baccalaureate ceremonies. It also goes for all involved parties-students, parents, family members, friends. Getting to anything late will result in an undue amount of stress and running to find your appropriate place. Don't just be "on time." Be early.
If you really want to get into the Chapel for the baccalaureate service, line up early. There are limited seats. Really limited. Moreover, the last bunch of seats are for the most part behind big gothic pillars-meaning you cannot see a damn thing.
Make sure everyone in your party is with you when you enter, because saving seats isn't as easy as it was in the elementary school cafeteria. You will get evil glares from those behind you in line.
And for graduation itself? If you are actually going to get that diploma, you, of all people, should be there early. And know where you are supposed to go-meaning which side of the stadium you are supposed to be on. It's really bad form to come running up, tugging your gown on as you go, when everyone is already sitting in the folding chairs.
2. Do not wear stiletto heels. Or carry Louis Vuitton purses.
Ladies, if you are going to be marching into that stadium, please, please don't wear four-inch heels. The steps in Wallace Wade are not made for such attire. You will find yourselves doing one of two things: stepping so carefully, staring at your feet the whole time, that you will back up the line of 1,600 graduates (not a good idea) or you will go flying headfirst down the aisle (not a pleasant experience).
Moreover, don't carry your purses with you, looking as though you are on your way to the mall as soon as the ceremony is over (even if that is actually what you are doing). Give your wallet, keys and other important accessories to a guy friend with pockets, or better yet, leave your purse with a parent in the car. The same goes for the baccalaureate. Keep your hands free, for the sake of balance and appropriate appearance.
3. Have your tickets.
If you are going to an event that requires a ticket to get in, the likelihood-it being a ticketed event and all-is that you will have to turn your little piece of paper over to some (very nice) marshal at the door. So have the tickets in hand. Don't start digging through pockets and bags, claiming, "No I have them. I do!"
Also, please, real tickets only-No counterfeits. The latter are just in bad taste, and you will get caught next year. I will make it my personal mission to make that happen.
4. Be prepared to weather... the weather.
Graduation is held outside in North Carolina, meaning weather is completely unpredictable. This year's temperature and humidity weren't too bad, but nonetheless I (being in charge of three handicapped seating tents at the top of the stadium) saw numerous people realize too late that they had not come prepared for the day's weather.
Wear layers. Be able to peel off or put on whatever you need to be comfortable. Bring an umbrella for possible rain and a visor or hat for uncomfortable sun. (I suppose the umbrella would work for that, too.) Have water with you or know where the University-provided water stations are. Sit on an aisle if you have small children or elderly family members who may need to move to get to a bathroom or if the weather becomes unbearable.
Bottom line: Make sure you are armed and ready for any and all weather scenarios.
I'm sure there are plenty of other pieces of advice more sagacious that experienced graduation attendees could offer, but I guarantee, without a doubt these four tidbits will help during an inevitably high-energy weekend. Best of luck.
Seyward Darby is a Trinity senior and editorial page managing editor for The Chronicle. Her column runs weekly during the summer.
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