Media Releases
Graduation 2007 Newsletter
A newsletter for the 2006-07 graduates of Dakota County Technical College
March 20, 2007 -
Over 700 Graduates Honored on May 11th
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) will hold this year's commencement ceremony in the Grand Ballroom in downtown St Paul's RiverCentre on Friday, May 11, 2007 beginning at 7:30 p.m. This event is held annually to honor those students who have completed their programs of study and are ready to begin their new careers. DCTC expects to celebrate the accomplishments of over 700 students who graduated within the 2006-07 academic year. The Grand Ballroom is part of St Paul's RiverCentre (175 West Kellogg Blvd), host of numerous conventions and shows, as well as the Minnesota Wild (Xcel Energy Center). The facility offers an intimate (but spacious) venue for our DCTC graduates and their friends and family. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Seventh Annual Graduation Fair:
A One-Stop Shop for All Your Graduation Needs
There is much to know and understand about this year's commencement ceremony. As a way of providing this needed information to the most students in the quickest amount of time, DCTC will hold its 7th annual Graduation Fair on Wednesday, March 21st and Thursday, March 22nd outside the DCTC Bookstore. Attendees of the fair will be able to pick up information on such things as: applications for graduation (if you haven't done so already), ceremony photography, invitations and envelopes, maps/directions to St Paul, PTK materials, graduation gifts and accessories, placement/job information and graduation follow-up. Your very own DCTC Student Senate will be paying for the cap/gown/tassel set (see the following article), so graduates (with attached coupon) can pick up their set in the DCTC Bookstore during fair hours as well.
Plan on attending anytime during one of these scheduled fairs:
| Wednesday, March 21 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Central Commons |
| Thursday, March 22 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Central Commons |
For graduates who cannot be on campus or attend any of these fairs, DON'T PANIC! All of the information and materials will continuously be available from now through early May either in Student Services or the BookStore or by calling the Graduation Hotline Number: 651-423-8399 or toll free 1.877.937.3282 ext.8399.
Apply for Graduation Now (if you have not done so already)
Most students who intend to graduate this academic year (2006-07) have already submitted an Application for Graduation form to their program advisor. The forms, available in Student Services or online at http://www.dctc.edu/OGA/index.cfm, are used to review if all academic requirements have been met and to determine how students want their names printed in the graduation program and on their diploma.
For those students who have not yet done so, Application for Graduation forms need to be turned in to Student Services or submitted no later than April 2nd to assure inclusion in the graduation program.
Friends and Family Are Invited!
It is safe to say many of this year's graduates could not have completed their education without the support and encouragement of family and friends. The May 11th ceremony is not only to honor the Class of 2007 but also to recognize the significant people who contributed to this accomplishment. Graduates are encouraged to invite as many of their family and friends as they wish to the ceremony at St Paul's RiverCentre. FREE invitations and envelopes can be picked up during the Graduation Fair or in Student Services. Guests coming to the ceremony do not need tickets to attend.
DCTC Student Senate To Provide Caps and Gowns
It would not be a graduation ceremony without the traditional mortarboard caps (with tassels) and long gowns. And here is the good news: YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE TO BUY THEM! Your DCTC Student Senate has decided they want to pay for everyone's cap/gown/tassel set- a $25 value!. Graduates can redeem the coupon (on the bottom of the next page) in the DCTC Bookstore now through May 4th.
Pick up your free cap and gown set now (limited sizes available). Graduates who are members of Phi Theta Kappa can purchase a stol, tassel and cord set for an additional $36 through Roni Nelson in the Student Life Center (651-423-8330). Faculty will also be wearing caps and gowns, although different in color. Don't stand out in the crowd without your "commencement attire".
Is There A Rehearsal? Where Do I Sit?
All very good questions graduates should ask. Here are the answers. DCTC has this ceremony down to an exact science, so much so that no rehearsal is needed. However, we ask that graduates arrive at RiverCentre's Grand Ballroom (allow time for travel, traffic and parking) by 6:15 p.m. on May 11th. Graduates will check in and receive names cards to verify pronunciation and receive instructions about the processional. Students will be lined up alphabetically within their program. The line-up has to be complete by 7 p.m. so that the ceremony can begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. PLEASE BE ON TIME or risk not being able to sit with your fellow students. Graduates will have reserved seats in the center section of the Grand Ballroom.
Special Seating Accommodations Available
Graduates and/or guests who need special accommodations during the ceremony (i.e. sign language interpreter, wheelchair access, stage lift, etc.) are encouraged to let us know so arrangements can be made. Persons needing special accommodations should contact Anne Swanberg, Disability Service Advisor at 651-423-8469 or TTY 651-423-8621 by May 1st.
How Long Is The Ceremony? Who Is Speaking?
The 2007 Commencement Ceremony begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2007. As in years past, it is expected that the ceremony, including the processional, speakers, presentation of the 2007 graduates, and recessional will take approximately one and a half hours. In addition to brief welcomes from DCTC President Dr. Ronald Thomas and representatives from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, there will also be student recognition awards and a special commencement speaker.
Say Cheese!
DCTC is pleased to have secured (for the 7th straight year) the services of Chappell Studios to take photographs of each graduate when receiving his or her diploma. Five to seven days after the ceremony, graduates will receive a free passport-size proof in the mail. There is no obligation to purchase pictures but graduates will have the option of ordering from a variety of enlargement packages at very reasonable prices - all through Chappell.
Because this service gives graduates the opportunity to have a professional graduation photograph, family and friends are encouraged to remain in their seats and enjoy the ceremony. Chappell Studio guarantees complete satisfaction with the photography packages or a full refund will be given - no questions asked.
Do I Get My Diploma On May 11th?
Whether you are completing a certificate, diploma or degree program, each graduate will receive a congratulatory scroll when their name is announced and they cross the stage. The actual awards and covers will be mailed to graduates within 10-12 weeks after the graduation ceremony. Those who graduated in December probably have already received their diploma covers.
Getting From Here To There
Maps and driving directions are available for those students, family and friends who are not quite sure how to get to downtown St. Paul and the RiverCentre complex. These maps are available during the Graduation Fair and in Student Services. One can also visit RiverCentre's web site at www.xcelenergycenter.com for directions as well. The maps will also indicate the possible places to park. The most convenient location is the RiverCentre Ramp (right across the street from RiverCentre on Kellogg Blvd). Event parking at this ramp is approximately $10 per car.
DCTC will once again be providing bus transportation from our Rosemount campus to St. Paul and back. Buses will leave the East Entrance of DCTC at 5:30 p.m. to allow time to arrive at RiverCentre by 6:15 p.m. The buses will begin the return trip back to Rosemount immediately after the ceremony (approximately 9:15 p.m.). Graduate, faculty, staff, friends and family who would like to ride the bus can purchase round trip tickets for $5.00 per person during the Graduation Fair or through Student Services. Bus tickets must be purchased by May 4th.
Important Dates & Times At A Glance
| Date: | Time: | Event/Location/Due Dates: |
| March 21 & 22 | 10:30 a.m. | Graduation Fair |
| April 2 | Application for Graduation Due | |
| May 1 | Requests for Special Seating Due | |
| May 4 | Deadline for Purchase of Bus Tickets | |
| May 4 | Deadline for Picking up Free Cap/Gown Set | |
| May 11 | 5:30 p.m. | Buses leave DCTC (optional) |
| May 11 | 6:15 p.m. | Graduate Line-up Begins |
| May 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Faculty Line-up Begins |
| May 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Processional/Ceremony Begins |
| May 11 | 9 p.m. | Approximate End of Ceremony |
| May 11 | 9:15 p.m. | Buses return to DCTC (optional) |
Questions?
Any graduation questions can be directed to Patrick Lair, Admissions Director/Graduation Coordinator at 651-423-8399 or toll free 1.877.937.3282 ext. 8399 or patrick.lair@dctc.edu