April 19, 2019

Spring Commencement Volunteers Needed

The Spring Commencement on Friday, May 17, 2019, offers an opportunity for you to show your support for our students and their families by volunteering to assist guests attending the ceremony. Welcoming families and celebrating our students is the singular most important task for all of us on this day. Because of the large number of guests expected to arrive on the campus, the university will be closed for all other activities except for commencement.

I applaud the dedication of our staff who regularly work commencement, and I encourage other staff to participate in this momentous occasion. If you wish to volunteer, make note of the information below to determine which group applies to you and the required training:

Group 1: Working employees (those normally required to work during the commencement)

• Exempt - Employees who work the event will be entitled to another day off from work as approved by your supervisor.
• Nonexempt - Employees must be paid overtime (time and a half). They will receive 8 hours pay (administrative leave) for the day, plus paid overtime for the hours worked. Supervisors are responsible for keeping track of the number of hours worked for employees who are scheduled to work.

Group 2: Volunteering employees

• Exempt - Employees volunteering to work the event will be entitled to another day off from work as approved by your supervisor.
• Nonexempt - Employees volunteering to work will be entitled to another day off from work as approved by your supervisor. All volunteers will be required to sign in and out with the appropriate event lead(s).

The groups above apply to both Regular and Contingent II employees.

Contingent I employees are not entitled to administrative leave. Those who wish to work the commencement will be paid for the hours worked at their regular rate of pay.

Volunteering at Commencement

Individuals who wish to volunteer should contact Ms. Tonita Douglas at 301-860-3603 or tdouglas@bowiestate.edu by Friday, April 26, 2019. Volunteers must make the following commitment:

• Participate in a brief training session on Wednesday, May 15 at 2 p.m. in the Thurgood Marshall Library, Dr. Esther Euraleen Simmons Special Collections Room, 2^nd
• Exhibit BSU team spirit and exceptional customer service.

Thank you to those who will contribute their time and energy for the commencement ceremony. I know that you will help make this an extraordinary event for our graduates and guests.