Attention Candidates for JD and LLM Degrees:

Commencement will soon be upon us, and I am writing to share important information.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Commencement activities will begin on Friday, May 9, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with a reception for graduates, their families and guests at the Advantica Building in Carlisle and at the Nittany Lion Inn in University Park. Details will follow in the coming weeks.

Commencement will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, on the campus of Dickinson College on the lawn in front of Old West (faces High Street between West and College Streets). The ceremony is outdoors, rain or shine, and the program will last about 90 minutes. You may have as many guests as you like; no tickets are required.

Following the ceremony, there will be a picnic for graduates and their guests across the street on the lawn on the corner of College and High Streets.

GOWNS, TAMS, AND HOODS
The deadline for turning in tam and gown measurement information is February 10, 2008.

You may order your tam and gown in person at the Bookstore in Advantica or via e-mail.  If you prefer e-mail, please provide your height and head or hat size to the Bookstore at jps22@psu.edu. Using a tape, you may determine your hat size by measuring the circumference of your head about an inch over your eyebrow. The size should be in the neighborhood of 22 to 23 1/2 inches. It should be snug but not too tight. Round size to nearest quarter inch. If you are between sizes, err to the larger quarter inch. Alternatively, you may provide the Bookstore with your hat size, which would be something like 6 7/8, 7 1/4, 7 3/8, etc.  If you are in UP and you need measurement assistance, please go to the Bookstore in the HUB and e-mail your size to jps22@psu.edu.

The cost for the tam (which you keep) and gown rental is $82.60.  Payment is due upon receipt.  The law school will provide your hood, which you also keep.

If you are receiving a dual degree, please inform the Bookstore if you would like a cord to indicate the joint degree.  The cost is $9.60.

HOTEL INFORMATION
If you are looking for lodging information for commencement weekend, we have arranged with the following area hotels to block off rooms at a special rate. In order to secure the law school's rate, rooms should be booked at least one month in advance.

There will be several more e-mails with important information regarding commencement over the coming months.  Please be cognizant of deadlines, and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Keith Elkin
Assistant Dean for Student Services
Penn State Dickinson School of Law
343 Beam (University Park)
201 Advantica (Carlisle)
Phone: (814) 865-9035             
Fax: (814) 865-9042 
E-mail: kelkin@psu.edu