Marshall University’s semi-annual Countdown to Commencement will occur 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center.

The event benefits students graduating in December by providing a central location for graduates to communicate with administrative offices and retailers. The Registrar’s Office has conducted this event since 2005, when a Jostens representative prompted Marshall to have a graduation fair.

The 2014 winter commencement is set for 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in downtown Huntington. It is for July, August and tentative December 2014 graduates.

Previous winter commencement ceremonies took place in the Henderson Center on the Huntington campus, but the continued growth in the number of graduates forced the university to switch to the Big Sandy Superstore Arena this year for the first time, according to a press release.

Registrar Roberta Ferguson said each time they have had the event, it has been a huge success.

“The students came in large numbers and seemed to enjoy it,” Ferguson said. “It helps graduates a lot because it consolidates the activities and offices in one location. So instead of having to run around different places, you just go to the commencement and get everything done.”

Ferguson also explained the importance of the event for graduating students.

“Folks who are graduating really need to be at this event,” Ferguson said. “Even if you don’t plan to walk at commencement, you can still check your graduation status, name on your diploma and address the diploma will be sent to. It’s surprising how many mistakes this event weeds out.”

Many departments will be available at Countdown to Commencement, including the registrar’s office, Marshall University Bookstore, Jostens, GradImages Photography, Framing Success, Graduate College, Career Services, Office of the Bursar, the financial aid office, the campus ID office, the Alumni Relations Association, the Center for African American Students and Military and Veterans’ Affairs.

The event will occur Tuesday and Wednesday to accommodate the schedules of all students. Participants should feel free to bring anyone else to the event, and refreshments will be provided.

Kelly Pate can be contacted at [email protected].