WHO: More than 1,300 students are expected to graduate in December; an estimated 800 potential graduates will participate in the ceremony; West Virginia University Senior Associate Dean of Students Tom Sloane will address graduates; West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin is planning to deliver brief remarks.

WHAT: WVU’s December Convocation

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. All entrances will open at noon.

WHERE: WVU Coliseum

GUESTS: Special seating is available for guests with physical limitations, as well as guests requiring the services of the interpreters on the platform. Call the Office of Disability Services at 304-293-6700 to reserve special seating by noon Dec. 11.
Students and their families can find lodging information, directions and important links that will help them as they are making their plans at http://decemberconvocation.wvu.edu.
PARKING: Most University parking and the Mountainlair garage downtown will be free and open to visitors after 5 p.m. Dec. 11 (no permits will be necessary). Parking is available at the WVU Coliseum, and the Personal Rapid Transit, or PRT, will run Saturday between 9:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.

MEDIA:
p(. • A row of reserved seats will be available near the Coliseums Blue Gate for working media attending Sunday’s convocation. Broadcast reporters requiring a mult box can go to the Coliseum floor near the Red Gate/tunnel entrance.
• Media outlets planning to send a photographer are encouraged to contact Colleen DeHart, News and Information Services, at 304-293-5507 or colleen.wright@mail.wvu.edu for further information.
• A copy of Sloane’s speech will be available to reporters that day.
• The ceremony is expected to last 90 minutes to two hours.

WEBCAST: A live webcast of the convocation will be available on the event Web site (http://decemberconvocation.wvu.edu). The link will be made available 15 minutes prior to the convocation start time. Users must have Quicktime to view the event.

-WVU-

cd/12/08/09

CONTACT: News and Information Services
304-293-6997