The main commencement ceremony represents the culmination of a student's academic achievement. Unlike the individual ceremonies, it is an opportunity for the president to congratulate the graduates as a group. A member of the class, as well as a student-selected main speaker, shares his or her thoughts, as well.

 

It is in this ceremony that the degrees are officially conferred. Graduates do not walk across the stage, though as a group they turn their tassels from the right to the left side of their mortarboards, signifying the transition from student to alumnus.

 

The university encourages graduates, their family and friends to attend this approximately 90-minute evening event as part of the two-day commencement celebration. No tickets are required for the main ceremony.