Commencement Information

January 29, 2007

Update:
Cap and Gown Pick-Up Schedule

Trane stop will be open until 6:00 pm Friday May,4th 2007 to pick up caps and gowns You may also pick up your regalia the day of Commencement in the Cannon Memorial Library from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

2007 University Campus Commencement Schedule

2007 University Campus Commencement FAQs


When is the Graduate and Center for Online Learning students Ceremony?

The ceremony for Graduate and the Center for Online Learning students will be held on Saturday, May 5th in the Bowman Activity Center at 5:00pm and should last approximately 2 1/2 hours.   The doors open for guest seating at 3:30 pm.

When is the University Campus and Weekend and Evening Undergraduate Ceremony?

The ceremony for University Campus and Weekend and Evening Students will be held on Saturday, May 5th in the Bowman Activity Center at 11:30am and should last approximately 2 1/2 hours.   The doors open for guest seating at approximately 10:15 am.

How do graduates get their Caps and Gowns?

You can either go to the Herff Jones website at: http://www1.herffjones.com/college/graduation/index.cfm or contact the Bookstore at bkstore@saintleo.edu or phone: (352) 588-8341.  You will need to provide the type of degree, i.e. BA, BS, BSW, MA, MS and your height, weight and cap size.  If you do not know your cap size, take a soft tape measure and measure 1' above your ear.    The Herff Jones website will require that you enter a Credit Card so your order can be processed in case you should order other items from Herff Jones.  However, your Credit Card will not be charged for the regalia.  The Herff-Jones representative will be on campus at the Bookstore on March 14 & 15 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  You will receive information in the next mailing to let you know when you will get your cap and gown.   Check back later for information on picking up the regalia.

What should graduates wear?

Men are asked to wear dark trousers and dark shoes.  Women are asked to wear dark skirts, dark dresses or dress slacks, and dark shoes with low heels for safety reasons.


How do students qualify for Academic Honors?

Each year Academic honors are awarded upon graduation to students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, measured by their cumulative grade point averages.  The three levels of honors are:

Cum laude for those with a grade point average of at least 3.65 earned on all work attempted at the University.

Magna cum laude for those with a grade point average of at least 3.85 and above earned on all work attempted at the University.

Summa cum laude for those with a grade point average of at least 3.95 and above earned on all work attempted at the University.

While honors designations in the commencement program are based on the cumulative grade point average earned at the end of the fall semester, final honor calculations recorded on your transcript and diploma are based on all graded Saint Leo University courses taken to fulfill bachelor’s degree requirements.  Honors are not awarded for graduate degrees.

Can announcements be purchased?

Announcements are available on the Herff Jones website or personalized graduation announcements can be purchased directly from the university.  These announcements will be available in packages of 25 and will include your name, degree, and major in the body of the announcement.  You will receive an order form around the end of February in the mail.

Are tickets required for Commencement?

Tickets are required for all commencement ceremonies.  Seating will be on a first-come, first serve basis. Most seating will be bleacher style.  Due to space constraints each person must have a ticket to enter the Bowman Activity Center.  Children 2 and older must have their own seat and therefore must have a ticket.  Baby carriages and strollers are not permitted.

Friends and family may view the Commencement Ceremony via streaming video and audio at http://iteach.saintleo.edu. Click on the Graduation Commencement Ceremony link on the main page.  A broadband service such as DSL or Cable Modem connection, Internet Explorer browser, and Windows Media Player are required to view the live event.

When do Graduates receive their Diplomas?

At the commencement ceremony each graduate receives a diploma cover from Dr. Kirk.  The diploma is mailed to the student’s permanent home address once all degree requirements have been met, audited and all financial obligations to Saint Leo University have been satisfied.  Students should keep their diploma cover and place their diploma in the cover when it arrives.

Will there be a Baccalaureate Mass?

Yes, there will be a Baccalaureate Mass for all students and their families at 8:30 am on Saturday, May 5, 2007 in the Bowman Activity Center. All are encouraged to attend.

Will there be food available?

A continental breakfast will be available Saturday, May 5 from 9:45 am until 11:30am.

Will photographs be taken at Commencement?

The University has arranged for Bob Knight Photo to photograph each graduate as they receive their degree.  Each graduate will receive a proof of the photograph some time after commencement and may purchase additional photographs.  For more information, contact Bob Knight Photo at (800) 261-2576, or custserv@bobkbightphoto.com.

Whom should I call if I have further questions?

If you need additional information please email      

Christina.smith02@saintleo.edu or call 352-588-8460.  We will be happy to answer questions and provide answers whenever possible.

Information for guests with disabilities.

A small section is reserved for guests in wheelchairs.  Please contact  Christina.smith02@saintleo.edu  or call 352-588-8460 if you will need a space in this area.

Where can I stay in the area?

Listed below are hotels in the area

Courtyard by Marriott
13575 Cypress Glen Lane
Tampa, FL 33637
(800)-321-2211
*Saint Leo Rate
Approx. 30 minutes from campus

Saddlebrook Golf and Tennis Resort
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Interstate 75, Exit 279 on SR 54
(800) 729-8383
*discount for Saint Leo University guests
Approx. 15 minutes from campus
Ask about availability of shuttle service from Tampa International Airport

Comfort Inn
5642 Oakley Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 991-4600
Interstate 75, Exit 279 on SR 54
*Saint Leo Rate

Approx. 15 minutes to campus

Wingate Inn
17301 Dona Michelle Drive
Tampa, FL 33637
(813) 971-7676
*Saint Leo Rate
Approx. 15 minutes to campus

Holiday Inn Express
8310 Galbraith
Tampa, FL 33647
(813) 910-7171
*Saint Leo Rate

5642 Oakley Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 991-4600
*Saint Leo Rate
Approx. 10 minutes from campus.

Residence Inn by Marriot (Tampa/North)
13420 North Telecom Parkway
Temple Terrace, FL 33637
(800) 331-3131
*Saint Leo Rate

Townplace Suites by Marriot (Tampa/North)
6800 Woodstork Road
Tampa, FL 33637
(800) 257-3000
*Saint Leo Rate

The St. Charles Inn
12503 Curley Road
San Antonio, FL 33576
(352) 588-4130
Approx. 5 minutes from campus.

Driving directions.

If you are driving from the North or South take 1-75 to exit #285. Head east on Highway 52 for about 4 miles.  Saint Leo University will be on your left across the street from the Abbey Golf course.

If you are traveling from Tampa International airport, drive north on Interstate 275 through Tampa.  I-275 North will merge with I-75 North.  Once on I-75 North, follow the directions above to Saint Leo University.  Average drive time from Tampa International Airport is 40 minutes.

Click here for a Google Map.