Graduation Activity Schedule

Friday, April 26, 2013

Baccalaureate – Smith Chapel (map #35), 7 p.m. This is an open service for graduates, their families, and friends.  There will be no academic procession, and caps and gowns will not be worn.

Senior Reception Matthew Simpson Room – 2nd floor, College Hall (map #13) Following Baccalaureate there will be a reception for graduates, their families, and guests. (To avoid stairs, use the ramp on the north side of the building, proceed down the hall to the elevator.)

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Graduation Procession Line-Up, 9:00 a.m. Students should arrive at Smith Chapel attired in their caps and gowns. In front of Smith Chapel you will be given a card numbered to indicate your position in the procession. Go directly into the chapel and find the seat that matches the number on your card. Faculty will be in the chapel to help you find your place and to give final instructions. Valuables may be locked in the Small Chapel and must be picked up by 12:30 p.m.

RAIN SITE: Hubbell Hall, Kent Campus Center.  An announcement will be made by 9:00 a.m. if the rain site will be used.   Students should watch their e-mail, and the Simpson website for the announcement.

Commencement Ceremony – Cowles Gymnasium (map #15), 10 a.m. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. All seating is general seating, no tickets are required. Ushers on duty will be pleased to provide assistance. A reception with light refreshments will be held in the Atrium and East & West Plaza areas of the Kent Campus Center following the ceremony.

(Handicapped parking spaces are located on C and D Streets.)

Handicapped access:

  1. Access ramp from D Street on the west side of Cowles down to the gymnasium.
  2. Watch the ceremony through the windows above the gym from the “upper hallway” of Carse Fitness Center. To access this hallway, enter Cowles from the east, C Street side, then turn right into the hallway. This area will be equipped with a public address system and air conditioning. (The gym is not air conditioned.)
  3. Enter Cowles from the east, C Street side, and take the elevator from the main level of Cowles down to the lower level. The elevator is located to your left after you enter the building. When you reach the lower level, proceed down the hall to the gymnasium.

Besides designated spaces in each Simpson parking lot, a limited number of handicap parking spaces are available on C, D, and North Buxton Streets.

LODGING OPTIONS

Indianola
Apple Tree Inn 1215 North Jefferson 515-961-0551

Super 8 1701 North Jefferson 515-961-0058

Garden & Galley Bed and Breakfast 1321 South Jefferson Way 515-961-7749

Near Des Moines Airport

Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport 6800 Fleur Drive 515-285-7777

Holiday Inn Airport 6111 Fleur Drive 515-287-2400

Hampton Inn 5001 Fleur Drive 515-287-7300

West Des Moines

Sheraton West 1800 50th Street West Des Moines 515-223-1800

Drury Inn & Suites 5505 Mills Civic Parkway West Des Moines 515-457-9500

Chase Suite Hotel 11428 Forest Avenue Clive 515-223-7700 Ask for the graduation rate.