Ceremony Details
OVERVIEW
Seniors who have successfully completed all of the following diploma requirements will be eligible to participate in the 2024 279Online Commencement:
All required and elective credits completed
All Advisory units completed
Parchment Transcript Release
Chromebook returned
All fees paid (including $20 commencement fee - this fee payment occurs in May)
Completion of Graduation clearance form
COMMENCEMENT ATTIRE
Graduates will be given a black cap & gown, a purple & grey tassel, and a 279Online medallion to wear at the Commencement Ceremony.
Students will not be allowed to wear items that compromise the dignity of the graduation ceremony. Graduation caps (mortarboards) and gowns cannot be modified in any way (with the sole exception of the display of American Indian ceremonial regalia by our American Indian students). A student may wear a stole that reflects their culture as long as the stole:
has no letters, words, acronyms or phrases (with the exception of the words: Class of 2024);
has no political messages/symbols;
has no messages/symbols that could reasonably offend others; and,
is not adorned with messages/symbols that reflect membership/affiliation with an organization.
HONORS ACCESSORIES
Seniors who qualify for honors will receive a notice in May indicating which accessories they are eligible to purchase. Honors accessories are optional and may be purchased through SmartSchoolK12. These will be given to scholars at Senior Checkout with their cap and gown.
Gold Honor Tassel: $6.00
Scholars with a 3.0 GPA & above (worn in place of 279Online tassel)
Gold High Honor Stoles: $15.00
Scholars with a 3.8 GPA & above
*Honors eligibility is based on a student's weighted and unweighted GPA through the second trimester of senior year; third trimester grades are not included in final GPA calculations for honors recognition.
Click here for information on how to link your scholar to your account: SmartSchool-K12 Help or call the SmartSchoolK-12 Help line at 1-800-934-2621.
TICKETS & RSVP
Tickets are not required for admission to the ceremony but please RSVP here to ensure seating for your guests. Each scholar may have a maximum of 10 guests. Please do not RSVP if you do not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Scholars should arrive by 10:30am to line up in alphabetical order.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
279Online will provide transportation by bus to McNamara Alumni Center for scholars who request transportation through the Commencement RSVP. The University Ave parking ramp is located right next to McNamara.
University of MN Parking Options
University Ave Ramp - $10/vehicle
Washington Ave Ramp - $8-13/vehicle
Metered street parking
McNamara Alumni Center is fully handicap accessible. More parking information.
DIPLOMAS
Graduates will be handed an empty diploma cover when they cross the stage and have their picture taken. As graduates exit McNamara Alumni Center, they will pick up their diploma from their Advisory teacher in the room they line up in prior to the ceremony. Diplomas that are not picked up will be mailed out at a later date.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT COMMENCEMENT
The ceremony will include a processional, recessional, student speakers, a short video and awarding of diplomas.
Students will be seated alphabetically by last name.
Commencement will be livestreamed! A link will be provided about a week before commencement.
Professional photographers will take photos of each graduate. More information to come.
Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a short reception at McNamara Alumni Center. There will also be a 279Online backdrop for photo opportunities.