About the event

• The departmental event is a smaller, more personal ceremony for our graduates and their families. You will be able to celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow classmates and the English department's faculty. Around 375 English and American Literature & Culture majors participated last year.
• The event is approximately 1 1/2 hours long.
• Each student has his/her name called. Second majors, minors, specializations, honors, and awards are also announced as the student walks across the stage.
• Bob Knight Photo will provide professional photography services, allowing students to purchase individual photographs of their special moment. More information can be found at the Bob Knight Photo website http://www.bobknightphoto.com.
• We have one faculty and one English alumni speaker. Our faculty speaker this year is Distinguished Professor Michael J. Allen, Ph.D. Our alumni speaker is Sean Astin:
  
  Sean Astin graduated from UCLA with a double major in American Literature and Culture and History in 1997. He has performed in over 70 films and television shows, from "The Goonies" to the more recent "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Additionally, Astin works in film and television as a writer, director, and producer while also dedicating time to several charities, including the National Center for Family Literacy.
  
  
• Most students wear their caps and gowns, but it is not mandatory.
• The Letters and Science Commencement officially confers degrees with all the formalities of a university commencement event. This event does not.

• Participants must arrive to LATC by 5:30 PM to check in. There will be check-in tables located on courts 4, 5, & 6 just south of the LATC Stadium Courts. You will pick up your name card that has all the information that will be announced when you walk on to the stage during the Celebration.

If you or one of your invited guests requires special assistance to attend the Departmental Celebration, please contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for accommodations at the event and parking information. Call Ed McCloskey at (310) 267-2004.