Graduation Details

Fellow 6 years,

First of all, I want to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year and I hope this year will be a prosperous year for all of you! J

Our final paper is estimated to be on the 16^th/17^th June 2011.

I want to confirm that out Graduation Date will be on the 25^th of June 2011. Venue: AktoviZal. Time: Estimated 2 pm

During the period of 17^th – 25^th I do not encourage anyone to travel, because that time is when we will pack our stuff and make arrangements for cargo and also to CHECK & RECHECK our documents/diploms before the graduation.

There will be a rehearsal for the graduation day on the 24^th June and attendance is COMPULSORY. We want to make sure our ceremony runs as perfectly as it can.

In order for the ceremony to run smoothly, there are certain rules enforced by the university:-

(1)    The capacity of the hall is about 500, so each student most likely will be given limited coupons for people they can invite into the hall (the amount has not been decided yet. Normally 2 per head)

(2)    Everyone will have to dress smart and wear the graduation robe( we have made sure that there is enough for all Malaysians- refer to UMNO or MCSC for yours)

(3)    There will ONLY be 1 designated photographer from our side. No one else is allowed to walk up and down to take photographs during the course of the ceremony. There will be ushers that will stop any other photographers from walking .We will take the photographs from the designated person after the ceremony. There will also be the Uni’s pro photographer present. So we will need to elect one. He/she doesn’t have to be from out batch( preferably not: so we can enjoy the ceremony fully)

(4)    We will need 1 video guy who will not only make a short clip of Malaysia, but also standby to run the Media during the graduation ceremony. I reckon he/she will be allowed to record a video of the whole graduation if required.

(5)    After the ceremony when the Rector, Mr.Petrov comes to take a photo together, please take other personal photos ONLY AFTER the Group Photo with our Rector. We WILL NOT keep our Rector waiting.

(6)    The university is producing some kind of badges with our university emblem and also a Russian “symbol” which they say is given to all those who complete higher education studies. They can be ordered from the university at a price of around 100 rubbles each( not confirmed)

(7)    The university is also producing an album ( Yearbook) for 6^th year students. It’s about 900 rubbles if I am not mistaken. You can order it from the university.

For all the KrasniDiplom holders, there will be a separate ceremony for you all at 9am on the 25^th June at the NaberejnayaKonserniZal with our Rector MrPetrov. You are required to dress in our national attire. After that you will also join the main ceremony at around 2pm.

I have GOOD NEWS! After speaking with Dimitri and Spasov today, they have agreed to allow us to claim our diploms and document on our graduation day itself (25^th June). However we must complete all our Obhodnoi List beforehand asap if not they will not issue the Diplom. Tatyana (the documents lady) will be working overtime to make sure we will get our documents on that day itself.

However we will still need at least 1 person who will gather all the diploms and go to the embassy in Moscow to get it stamped. If there is no one, I am willing to do it, but only after the tour with our parents. I will bring it back to KL by the first week of July.

For those who want to get apostal- the process can be done in Volgograd but it will take 45 days to process. So you are required to stay back for 45days after the 25^th of June.

For those whose parents and relatives are coming, I can help you to acquire an invitation letter from a local tourist agent here for 1200 rubbles. It is very much cheaper than getting it in Malaysia. This invitation letter will be needed when your parents go to the Russian Embassy in Malaysia to apply for their visa.

I am also organizing a tour which will cover St. Petersburg & Moscow. A rough travel plan will be on the 26^th June we leave for St Petersburg and we will spend about 4 days 3 nights before taking a train down to Moscow. We will be in Moscow till the 1^st or 2^nd July. The tour will cover full accommodations in proper hotels, transportation in the cities, insurance, full English guide and airport transfers. The price has not been finalized but I am renegotiating to get the best price we can so we all can enjoy our trip. The more tourists, the cheaper it will be. Do contact me if you have any enquiries. I will keep you all up to date.

Well, I hope this information with be a help to you all. All the best!

Best regards,

Kelvin Yii