News archives 2010-2021

Faculty commencement RSVP and faculty gauntlet videos

April 12, 2021

Carla Browning

Graphic image of graduate with banner that says Congratulations Class of 2021Note: The deadline to submit your video has been extended to Tuesday, April 13.

Faculty will have a number of ways to celebrate this year's graduates during this year's commencement activities May 1.

Options include:

  • participating in the virtual ceremony faculty gauntlet by submitting a short (10-15 seconds) congratulatory video or applause.

  • joining the online ceremony to congratulate students as their names are announced

  • cheering graduates along the parade route during the graduate car parade


Be sure to RSVP and submit your 10- to 15-second faculty gauntlet video no later than April 13. The timeline for production is tight. These are short (10-15 seconds) congratulatory remarks or applause. Departments may wish to combine them into one departmental greeting as well. Guidelines for video submissions are below.

  • The camera should be at eye level. A sticker with a smiley face near the lens may help you remember to smile.

  • Record video at a high resolution best at (1080p HD) but no lower than 720.

  • Shoot video horizontally in a well-lit location and be mindful of the background and light; avoid bright sunlight.

  • The main light should be in front of the person and avoid back lighting so you won't appear in silhouette.-Shoot video in a relatively quiet location and avoid windy locations (if possible)

  • Avoid hand-held video. Instead use a tripod or brace the camera to limit shaking.

  • If possible use a microphone (wireless or wired).

  • Clean lens using a clean microfiber cloth before shooting

  • Leave a little padding at the beginning and at the end to help with editing.


The drive-in celebration for graduates will take place in the Patty Center parking area the morning of May 1, followed by the parade around noon.

Graduates should have received an email from MarchingOrder prompting them to RSVP by April 5 and record their name so the announcer will pronounce it correctly. They also have the option to customize their slide by submitting a photo, a short video and personal message via the StageClip platform when they receive the email prompt.

Questions should be emailed to uaf-commencement-team@alaska.edu. For more information about commencement, including a graduate checklist and FAQ, visit the commencement website.