Inclement Weather Plan

The Howard University Commencement Convocation is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., on the main campus Upper Quadrangle. To ensure a festive occasion, rain or shine, the University has developed inclement weather plans. If the forecast is for threatening weather, we recommend that beginning on Friday morning, the day before Commencement, you either listen to Howard University’s WHUR Radio, 96.3 FM, or watch Howard’s WHUT-TV, Channel 32, for updated information regarding the inclement weather plan. You may also call our Commencement hotline at 202-806-2166 (for local calls) or 1-877-482-6699 (for toll-free long distance calls). Up-to-date advisements will also be available on the Howard website at www.howard.edu/commencement.

Each graduating senior will receive four (4) tickets for special guests seating on the Upper Quadrangle. If the weather permits, the ceremony will be held outdoors on the Upper Quadrangle as planned. If there is only a threat of inclement weather or overcast conditions, prospective graduates should proceed to the Greene Stadium and follow the instructions of the faculty marshals on the field. In the event of inclement weather, the following conditions will govern our proceedings.

The University is making every effort to accommodate as many guests and visitors as possible in the event of inclement weather. If we are forced to implement our Inclement Weather Plan for the 139th Commencement exercise, we ask for your cooperation, consideration, patience, and understanding.

Thank you for your continued support of the University’s efforts to make this a most successful and enjoyable Commencement Convocation.

Sincerely,
H. Patrick Swygert
President

Inclement Weather

Under our Inclement Weather Plan, the Convocation will be held in the John H. Burr Gymnasium, 6th and Girard Streets, NW, and seating will be restricted. ¹If there is inclement weather (continuous rain showers or thunderstorms) the morning of the event; all prospective graduates should report immediately to Burr Gymnasium and be seated by 7:30 a.m . In the unlikely event that we must implement the Inclement Weather Plan, the University has limited indoor seating to accommodate all guests , and there will be restricted seating in Burr Gymnasium.

If weather conditions are such that the Commencement Convocation must be held indoors, announcements will be made by Howard University’s radio and television stations. Also, status updates will be available at information booths and from hosts/hostesses who will be stationed around the Convocation Arena. The tickets entitle the graduates’ special guests to view the simulcast of the Commencement ceremony at the following locations on campus:

• Cramton Auditorium
• Blackburn – Auditorium, Ballroom, Forum, and Reading Room
• Ira Aldridge Theater
• School of Business Auditorium
• College of Medicine (Lecture Hall)
• College of Dentistry (Smart Class Room)
• Social Work Auditorium

Intermittent Showers

If the weather forecast calls for the possibility of intermittent showers, the University will proceed with an “accelerated” Commencement Convocation on the Upper Quadrangle (on-time start or weather delayed), unless heavy rain, thunder and lightning make that plan unfeasible.

Weather Delay

If it is necessary to postpone Convocation exercises beyond 10 a.m. due to the weather, University officials will determine a new start time based on when it is feasible to hold Convocation on the Upper Quadrangle of the campus. All students and guests should refer to the Jumbotron on the main yard, the screens at all satellite locations and/or tune in to WHUT-TV Channel 32, WHUR 96.3FM  or visit the University’s Web site (www.howard.edu) to receive information regarding the new start time.

¹ Inclement weather seating on the Burr Gymnasium main floor will be restricted to the graduates, the faculty, the choir and orchestra, and the guests of the Convocation Orator and the honorary degree recipients.