Commencement FAQs

Commencement will be held outside on the quad, rain or shine. If bad weather is forecast the College will consider shifting the event start time accordingly, as early as 9 a.m. or as late as 1 p.m. In the unlikely case of extreme weather (i.e., hurricane, lightning, tornado, flooding), Commencement will take place inside the Bennett Athletic Center Gymnasium. Any changes to the time or location will be communicated on the Commencement webpage.  and four (4) Commencement ceremony tickets in case of moving inside.

Approximately 2 hours.

Approximately 90 minutes.

Seating for Baccalaureate in the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel is limited. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All graduating seniors will receive two (2) guest tickets for Baccalaureate and tickets are required for entry.

Seating for the outdoor Commencement ceremony on the Quad is unlimited. In the case of extreme weather, Commencement will take place inside and tickets will be required each graduate will receive four (4) guest tickets to use if the extreme weather plan is required. 

Online streaming of both Baccalaureate and Commencement will be available for those unable to attend in person. On-campus viewing of the livestream will be available in MacDonald Auditorium in the Ken Olsen Science Center. 

For Undergraduate Students: To be announced.
For Graduate Students: All graduate students will pick up regalia on Saturday morning in Lane Student Center, prior to the mandatory rehearsal. If you live in the area or are arriving on Friday before Commencement and would like to pick up regalia earlier, please email [email protected] to make arrangements.

If you wish to purchase personalized Commencement announcements or other commencement gifts, please visit the Josten’s website.  

Dogs are not allowed inside the roped-off seating area of the quad. If a dog is on a leash, you are welcome to have a dog outside of the roped-off area.

No. For the safety and privacy of all graduates, guests, and event participants, drones and other aerial devices are strictly prohibited at all Baccalaureate and Commencement events. Unauthorized drone use may result in removal from the event.