Every college within the University of Tennessee sends its graduating seniors off each year with plenty of pomp and circumstance, but this year a few of the colleges are planning special ceremonies and activities in addition to the graduation ceremony.

The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology has a tradition that they will continue: a smaller ceremony allowing for each graduate's name to be called, after which they receive their diploma and go on to shake the hand of the dean and their faculty advisor.

Professional photographers will be on hand to cover the event. This intimate graduation scenario allows "a moment of real pride for parents when they hear their son or daughter's name called," said faculty member Patricia Visser.

The College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Architecture and Design are following a similar route with their ceremonies, which will involve calling the name of each individual to receive their diploma, and an additional "hooding" of each graduate. 

The College of Communication and Information plans to include individual student recognition within their graduation ceremony.

While there will not be a university-wide commencement ceremony this year (a "KickOff to Commencement" is planned for May 9), every graduate will have a ceremony to attend. For a full list of college ceremonies, times and locations on the Office of the University Registrar's web site, click here.