We are looking forward to welcoming ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ families and friends to campus in May to celebrate the Class of 2023. We will update the website as more details are confirmed.

If you have any questions, email Jenny Graves at jgraves2@bates.edu.

• What, where, when
• The Commencement livestream
• Visitor Policy

What, where, when

When is ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Commencement 2023?

The 157th Commencement of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College will take place on Sunday, May 28, 2023, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending shortly after noon on the Coram Library Terrace on the Historic Quad.

Are tickets required? Is there a limit on how many guests graduating seniors may invite to the Commencement ceremony?

Tickets are not required, and there is no limit on the number of guests graduating seniors may invite to Commencement.

Where do families and guests sit? What time should they arrive?

Families and friends may sit in any areas not marked as reserved. Please ask an usher if you are unsure. Family members can arrive as early as 7 a.m. to begin selecting seats.

If you wish to hold seats with jackets, etc., a person from your party must remain with your held seats. Unattended seats are not considered held, even if you leave items on the chairs.

We ask that all guests arrive and take their seats by 9:15 a.m. to view the Commencement procession.

Where do graduating seniors sit during the ceremony?

Seniors are seated in front of the stage in reserved seating alphabetically according to their last name. Seniors with the last name A-K will sit on the right side, and seniors with the last name L-Z will sit on the left as you are facing the stage.

Will Commencement Weekend be accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ strives to make Commencement accessible. There is accessible parking behind the Bonney Science Center, and there is a small accessible drop-off zone on Campus Avenue next to Carnegie Hall.

At Baccalaureate and at Commencement, there will be accessible seating on the Historic Quad. Families who need this seating should look for chairs with blue covers. On Sunday, staff ushers can also help you find accessible seating.

Will there be a professional photographer taking pictures during the ceremony?

Professional photographers from GradImages will photograph each senior as they receive their diploma and while leaving the stags. Approximately two weeks after Commencement, notification with details on how to access their proofs will be sent directly to each graduate who has provided the college with their post-ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ email address.

When do graduating seniors need to move out of their dorms?

Graduating seniors should plan to move out of their dorms by 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. Please contact the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Housing Office at reslife@bates.edu for any questions or concerns regarding the move-out process.

If graduates have a sibling on campus can they stay through Commencement?

Siblings of graduating seniors who wish to remain in their campus housing through Commencement should reach out to reslife@bates.edu to request approval. All siblings should note that attendance at senior week events is limited to seniors.

Will families be allowed in campus buildings during Commencement weekend?

Families will be allowed to enter the following buildings in order to access bathroom facilities:

• Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building
• Commons
• Dana
• Gomes Chapel
• Hathorn
• Ladd Library
• Merrill Gym

Families will be able to access specific student residences as permitted by the Office of Residence Life during specific hours of student move-out.

What dining options will be available for students and their families?

Friday May 26 

• 8-10am: Breakfast (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)
• 12–2±è³¾: Lunch (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)
• 4:30–8±è³¾: Dinner (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)

Saturday May 27

• 12:30–2±è³¾: Lunch (Commons, open to seniors with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID and their families. Families use one of their senior’s guest passes or pay with a credit card. The cost for guests is $12 per person.)
• 5:30–7:30±è³¾: Dinner (Commons, open to seniors with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID and their families. Families use one of their senior’s guest passes or pay with a credit card. The dinner cost for guests is $14 per person.)
• 12:30-1:30am: Senior Breakfast (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)

Sunday May 28

• 7–8:30²¹³¾: Breakfast (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)
• 7-8:30am: Coffee service for families (Library Arcade)
• ±·´Ç´Ç²Ô–2±è³¾: Traditional Commencement Lunch (in front of Commons and under the Bardwell field tent, open to seniors and their families)

Please note that the Den will be closed due to the ongoing renovation of Chase Hall. 

Will there be water available on campus?

Water will be available during all events. Look for the canoes under the garnet feather flags along Alumni Walk, on the Historic Quad, and in other high-visit areas.

What will the weather be like? How should I dress?

May weather in Maine is quite variable. You should plan to bring clothing that is appropriate for rain and cool temperatures, as well as for warm weather. Please remember the ceremony is outside, so we recommend wearing shoes suitable for walking on wet grass.

What happens in the case of inclement weather?

Commencement is outside — rain or shine — but, in the case of thunder or lightning, the ceremony will be paused. Guests will be directed to the Gray Cage and Alumni Gym, students to Commons and Faculty to the Perry Atrium until the ceremony can be resumed.

Where can I purchase Commencement gifts?

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Bookstore .

Can I fly a drone over the event?

No. Unmanned Aerial Systems, i.e., drones, are prohibited at all times.

Can I bring my pet to campus?

Pets are prohibited inside all campus buildings and at all dining events. Service animals are welcome.

The Commencement livestream

How can I watch the livestream?

The livestream will be public so friends and family members will be able to watch.

• ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Website: bates.edu/commencement/live 
• Facebook:

The two locations will afford the same viewer experience. With a four-camera setup, the livestream will show everything that takes place!

Will I be able to view the video afterward?

Yes. After the livestream concludes, the video will be available on demand on Facebook, , and bates.edu/commencement/live.

What time will the livestream begin?

The livestream will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. with the procession starting at 9:30 a.m. and the Commencement ceremony starting at 10:00 a.m.

How can families and loved ones participate in the Commencement livestream?

Our goal is to use all elements of social media to help a wide range of families and loved ones join this event in the virtual space. The event will be available on the , allowing audience members to share in real-time their congratulations and shout-outs.

Leading up to Commencement, family members and loved ones can contribute a sentiment to the seniors, and it will appear on the #ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½2023 aggregation page within the hour. 

Will the ceremony livestream be accessible to viewers with disabilities? 

As with all ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ programming, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive commencement experience for students and their loved ones. While access considerations have been an important part of the planning process, we know that we may not be able to anticipate every potential barrier or need ahead.

If you anticipate barriers or would like to request an accommodation related to any of the planned programs, activities, or materials, please reach out to Brenda Pelletier, Associate Director of Conferences and Campus Events at bpelleti@bates.edu or 207-786-6400.

Will I experience connectivity issues, as I do with video conferencing?

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has successfully streamed past Commencements through the Facebook platform and it has proven reliable and accessible. There still could be hiccups based on internet speed and signal strength.

Visitor Policy 

What are the public health guidelines for participants and guests at Commencement 2023?

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is a mask-optional campus. If visitors have concerns about their own health risk factors related to attending mask-optional college events, they should seek guidance from their primary care physician.

Members of our community may choose to wear a mask at any time for any reason, including and not limited to their own level of comfort, personal medical status, family medical status, or personal risk. We encourage you to be courteous and respectful with regard to the needs and choices of others about masking. Someone you interact with on campus may request that you wear a face mask when indoors with them, and we hope that you will honor this request.

Monday May 22, 2023

• 5:30p-7:00p (Gray Cage)
  • Farewell Celebration for Seniors and Faculty 

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

• 12:00p-2:00p (Gray Cage)
  • Senior Athletes Recognition Luncheon

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

• Short Term Ends
• 2:00p-4:00p (Perry Atrium)
  • Short Term Showcase

Thursday, May 25, 2023

• By 5:00p
  • Underclass students depart
• 7:30p-9:30p (Commons)
  • Dinner Senior Favorites (Students only)

Friday, May 26, 2023

• 8:00a-10:00a (Commons)
  • Breakfast (Students Only)
• 9:30a (Garcelon Field)
  • Senior Class Photo
• 10:00a-12:00n (Historic Quad)
  • Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal – Caps and Gowns will be handed out at rehearsal. Senior Survey must be completed to receive Cap and Gown.
• 12:00n-2:00p (Commons)
  • Lunch (Students Only)
• 12:00n – 12:30p (Historic Quad)
  • Platform Party Rehearsal
• 12:30p-3:00p (Historic Quad)
  • Baccalaureate Rehearsal 

• 5:00p-7:00p (Olin Arts Center)
  • Induction Ceremonies
    • 5:00p-6:00p College Key
    • 6:15-7:00p Phi Beta Kappa
• 5:00p-7:00p (Commons)
  • Dinner (Students Only)
• 7:30p-8:30p (Bonney Living Room)
  • OIE Reception
• 8:00p-8:45p (Dana Hall)
  • Families of 2023 Living Room Opening Celebration
• 8:30p- 10:00p (Perry Atrium)
  • Senior/Parent Wine and Cheese Tasting 

Saturday, May 27, 2023

• 8:30a-10:00a (Benjamin Mays Center)
  • Psychology Continental Breakfast
• 9:00a-10:00a (Pettengill 260)
  • Sociology Continental Breakfast
• 8:30a-9:30a (Commons)
  • Continental Breakfast (Students Only)
• 8:30a-11:00a (Library Arcade)
  • Coffee Services for Families
• 10:30a (Alumni Walk)
  • Seniors line-up for Baccalaureate – Wear Cap and Gown
• 11:00a- 12:30p ( Historic Quad Rain or Shine)
  • Baccalaureate Service
• 12:30p-2:30p (Commons)
  • Lunch in Commons – Open to Student & Families (Families use one of their senior’s remaining guest passes or pay with a credit card. The lunch cost for guests is $12 per person.)
• 5:30p-7:30p (Commons)
  • Dinner in Commons – Open to Student & Families (Families use one of their senior’s remaining guest passes or pay with a credit card. The dinner cost for guests is $14 per person.)

Sunday, May 28, 2023

• 12:30a- 1:30a (Commons)
  • Senior Breakfast (Students Only)
• 7:00a-8:30a (Commons)
  • Breakfast (Students Only)
• 7:00a-8:30a (Library Arcade)
  • Coffee Service for Families 
• 8:30a (Alumni Walk)
  • Line-Up for Commencement – Wear Cap and Gown
• 10a-12:00n (Historic Quad – Rain or Shine)
  • Commencement 
• 12n-2:00p
  • Picnic lunch for graduates and their families (Bardwell Field Tent in front of Commons)

Last updated: May 27, 2022

The locations listed here may be found on our Commencement 2022 Map as well.

 

Monday May 23, 2022

• 5:30p-7:00p 
  • Farewell Celebration for Seniors and Faculty  ( Gray Cage)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

•  12:00p-2:00p
  • Senior Athletes Recognition Lunch ( Gray Cage)
• 5:30p-8:00p
  • Phi Beta Kappa Dinner Dinner/ Reception ( Mays Center)

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

• Short Term Ends
• 2:00p-4:00p ( Perry Atrium)
  • Short Term Showcase
• 9:30p-Midnight
  • Senior Events

Thursday, May 26, 2022

• By 5:00p
  • Underclass students depart
• 5:00p-Midnight
  • Senior Events

Friday, May 27, 2022

•  9:30a – 12:00n
  • Class of 2022 Photo/ Commencement Rehearsal ( Garcelon Field, Historic Quad)
• 1:00p-3:30p
  • Baccalaureate Rehearsal ( Historic Quad)

• 4:00p-5:00p
  • Sigma Xi Induction Ceremony ( Bardwell Field Tent)
• 5:15p-6:15p
  • College Key Induction Ceremony ( Bardwell Field Tent)
• 6:30p-7:30p
  • Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony ( Bardwell Field Tent)
• 7:30p-8:30p
  • OIE Reception ( Commons Tent)
• 8:30p- 10:00p
  • Senior/Parent Wine and Cheese Tasting (Library Quad Tent)

Saturday, May 28, 2022

• 11:00a- 1:00p ( Outside Rain, or Shine)
  • Baccalaureate Service ( Historic Quad)
• 5:30p-7:30p ( Commons Tent)
  • Seniors and Family BBQ

Sunday, May 29, 2022

• 12:00a- 1:30a (Seniors Only)
  • Senior Breakfast (Commons)
•  7:00a-8:30a ( Seniors Only)
  • Breakfast (Commons)
• 7:00a-8:30a
  • Coffee and Tea Service for Parents and Families ( Library Arcade)
• 7:30a
  • Seating for Guests Opens ( Historic Quad)
•  10a-12:00n (Outside Rain, or Shine)
  • Commencement ( Historic Quad)
• 12n-2:00p
  • Lunch for graduates and their families ( Commons Tent, Bardwell Field Tent)

We are looking forward to welcoming ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ families and friends to campus in May to celebrate the Class of 2022 graduates. Please note that we will continue to monitor COVID-19 and our plans, as outlined below, may need to change as the pandemic evolves. We will be updating the website as more details become available.

If you have any questions, email cschwart@bates.edu.

• What, where, when
• The Commencement livestream
• Public health guidelines

What, where, when

When is ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Commencement 2022?

The 156th Commencement of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College will take place on Sunday, May 29, 2022, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending shortly after 12:00 p.m., on the Coram Library Terrace on the Historic Quad.

Will Commencement be in-person?

Yes, seniors will be able to participate in person.

Are tickets required? Is there a limit on how many guests graduating seniors may invite to the Commencement ceremony?

At this time tickets are not required and  there is no limit on the number of guests graduating seniors may invite to Commencement.

Where do families and guests sit? What time should they arrive?

Families and friends may sit in any areas not marked as reserved. Please ask an usher if you are unsure. Family members can arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. to begin selecting seats and we ask that all guests arrive and take their seats by 9:15 a.m. to view the Commencement procession.

Where do graduating seniors sit during the ceremony?

Seniors are seated in front of the stage in reserved seating alphabetically according to their last name. Seniors with the last name A-K will sit on the right side and seniors with the last name L-Z will sit on the left as you are facing the stage.

What will the Commencement look like?

It will be a traditional Commencement which will include a processional; various welcomes, remarks, and addresses; and the presentation of seniors. Each senior will be announced and invited to cross across the Coram Library Terrace and be congratulated by President Clayton Spencer. There will be a Senior Speaker as well as Honorands at the ceremony.

Will Commencement Weekend be accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, all of our events are accessible. We will have a limited number of wheelchairs available to reserve. Please call Brenda Pelletier in the Conferences and Campus Events Office at 207-786-6400 to rent a wheelchair.

Will there be a professional photographer taking pictures during the ceremony?

Professional photographers from GradImages will photograph each senior as they step off the stage after receiving their diploma. A notification will be sent to each graduate approximately two weeks after Commencement to access their proofs.

When do graduating seniors need to move out of their dorms?

Graduating seniors should plan to move out of their dorms by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 29. Please contact the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Housing Office at reslife@bates.edu for any questions or concerns regarding the move-out process.

If graduates have a sibling on campus can they stay through Commencement?

Siblings of graduating seniors who wish to remain in their campus housing through Commencement should reach out to reslife@bates.edu to request approval. All siblings should note that attendance at senior week events is limited to seniors.

Will parents and families be allowed in campus buildings during Commencement weekend?

No, campus buildings remain closed to guests, and parents and families may not access campus facilities during the event for any reason. Portable restrooms will be available throughout campus.

The only exceptions to building entry will be those permitted by the Office of Residence Life during specific hours of student move-out.

What dining options will be open for parents and families?

We look forward to hosting families for the following meals: 

• Saturday, May 28 from 5:30-7:30pm: BBQ outside Commons with seating under the Bardwell Field Tent
• Sunday, May 29 from 7-8:30am: Coffee and continental breakfast under the Library Arcade 
• Sunday, May 29 from 12-2pm: Traditional Commencement lunch in front of Commons and under the tent on Bardwell Field

Please note that the Den will be closed in preparation for the renovation of Chase Hall. Additionally, Commons will be open to students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only.

If you have not already made arrangements for other meals during the weekend, this list may be helpful.

Will there be water available on campus?

Water will be available during all events. Look for the canoes under the garnet feather flags along Alumni Walk, on the Historic Quad, and in other high-visit areas.

What dining options will be available for students during Commencement Weekend?

Members of the Class of 2022 and any other students who have been approved to stay on campus will have access to the following meals in Commons over the weekend. Commons is not open to families; ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student ID is required to enter Commons.

jgraves@bates.edu

Friday May 27 

• 8-10am: Breakfast (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)
• 12-2pm: Lunch (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)
• 4:30-8pm: Dinner (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)

Saturday May 28

• 10am-12:30pm: Brunch (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)
• 5:30-7:30pm: BBQ Dinner with families (In-front of Commons, seating in the Bardwell Field Tent)
• 12:30-1:30am: Senior Breakfast (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)

Sunday May 29

• 7-8:30am: Breakfast (Commons, students with a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ID only)
• 7-8:30am: Coffee and Continental breakfast with families (Library Arcade)

Where do I find local lodging accommodations for Commencement Weekend?

Rooms and hotels book very quickly over Commencement Weekend so we recommend planning for overnight accommodations as early as possible. For information on local accommodations, please visit /about/location/area-dining-and-accommodations/.

What will the weather be like? How should I dress?

May weather in Maine is very variable. You should plan to bring clothing that is appropriate for rain and cool temperatures, as well as for warm weather. Please remember the ceremony is outside, so we recommend wearing shoes suitable for walking on wet grass.

What happens in the case of inclement weather?

Commencement is outside – rain or shine – but, in the case of thunder or lightening, the ceremony will be paused. Guests will be directed to the Gray Cage and Alumni Gym, students to Commons and Faculty to the Perry Atrium until the ceremony can be resumed.

Where can I purchase Commencement gifts?

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Bookstore sells ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Commencement items. Items can be purchased online at .

Can I bring my pet to campus?

Pets are prohibited inside all campus buildings and at all dining events. Service animals are welcome.

The Commencement livestream

How can I watch the livestream?

The livestream will be public so friends and family members will be able to watch.

• ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Website: bates.edu/commencement/live 
• Facebook:

The two locations will afford the same viewer experience, With a four-camera setup, the livestream will show everything that takes place!

Will I be able to download the video file?

Yes. After the livestream is done, the video will be available on demand on Facebook and on , and available on demand and for download at /commencement/live/

What time will the livestream begin?

The livestream will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. with the procession starting at 9:30 a.m. and the Commencement ceremony starting at 10:00 a.m.

How can families and loved ones participate in the Commencement livestream?

Our goal is to use all elements of social media to help a wide range of families and loved ones join this event in the virtual space. The event will be available on the , allowing audience members to share in real-time their congratulations and shout-outs.

Leading up to Commencement, family members and loved ones can contribute a sentiment to the seniors, and it will appear on the #ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½2022 aggregation page within the hour. 

Will the ceremony livestream be accessible to viewers with disabilities? 

As with all ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ programming, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive commencement experience for students and their loved ones. While access considerations have been an important part of the planning process, we know that we may not be able to anticipate every potential barrier or need ahead.

If you anticipate barriers or would like to request an accommodation related to any of the planned programs, activities, or materials, please reach out to Brenda Pelletier, Associate Director of Conferences and Campus Events at bpelleti@bates.edu or 207-786-6400.

Will I experience connectivity issues, as I do with video conferencing?

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has successfully streamed past Commencements through the Facebook platform and it has proven reliable and accessible. There still could be hiccups based on internet speed and signal strength.

Public health guidelines

What are the guidelines for participants and guests at Commencement 2022?

• All guests who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine must be fully vaccinated and boosted, or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arriving on campus.
• As Commencement events are outdoors (rain or shine), the programs will be mask-optional. 
• Campus buildings are closed to guests, and parents and families may not access campus facilities for any reason except as permitted by the Office of Residence Life during specific hours of student move-out. Portable restrooms will be available throughout campus.

As the college continues to monitor COVID-19, additional guidelines will be updated on this site.  

Where can I find information about COVID-19 rules and restrictions in Maine?

Information about COVID-19 restrictions in Maine can be found on the

Where can I learn about the regulations affecting international air travel into the United States?

The Federal CDC offers informing travel into the United States from other countries. For specific information about preparing to travel and next steps to take, please visit the page on the Federal CDC website.

Dear Seniors,

I write to provide you with information on two Commencement 2021 topics:

• Ticket Distribution
• Public Health Guidelines and Guest Testing and Vaccination Policy

Ticket Distribution

• On Monday, May 3, seniors who will be participating in the on-site ceremony will receive an email from Dining, Conferences and Campus Events with subject line You’re Invited to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 155th Commencement.
• When you open the email, click on Attend Event, and you will be able to register your two guests. 
• The site will be open on May 3 and close on May 14. 
• Once you have completed the ticketing information, your guest(s) will receive a confirmation email with information on accessing ticket(s) as well as the public health guidelines they are expected to follow while visiting ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
• If you have any questions, email commencement2021@groups.bates.edu

Public Health Guidelines and Testing and Vaccination Policy

All participants and guests at Commencement 2021 will observe the public-health guidelines and follow the Guest and Returning Senior Testing and Vaccination Policy.

Best,

Christine Schwartz
Assistant Vice President for Dining, Conferences and Campus Events

Dear Seniors,

I write to provide you with several important updates about Commencement 2021. Below you will find information on these Commencement topics:

• Commencement Location
• Commencement Day Schedule
• Guests and Ticket Update
• Weather, What to Bring, and What Not to Bring
• Watching the Ceremony
• Restrooms and Facilities
• Keeping You and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Safe
• Senior To-Dos

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email Commencement2021@groups.bates.edu. 

Commencement Location

As we announced in March, the 155th Commencement of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College will be held in-person on the Coram Library Terrace on the Historic Quad on Thursday, May 27, 2021. As exciting as an in-person Commencement is for us at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, we’re sure it’s doubly so for you and your family.

Commencement represents the largest on-campus gathering in almost two years. To celebrate safely — and for large gatherings and ticketed events — Commencement will comprise two ceremonies, at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., each accommodating half the senior class, grouped by alphabetical last name.

Commencement Day Schedule

Morning Commencement: 9am (Seniors with last names A–K)

• Guest seating opens: 7am
• Senior Lineup on Alumni Walk: 7:45am
• Guest seating closes: 8:15am — no guests seated after 8:15am
• Procession Begins: 8:30am
• Ceremony starts: 9am
• Recessional 10:30am
• Boxed meal distribution: 10:30am–1:30pm (Muskie Archives, Olin Arts Center, Frye Street, Lane Hall parking lot). Seniors meet your guest(s) at the boxed meal location closest to your residence. Seniors returning for Commencement and December graduates can pick up meals at the location that’s convenient.

Afternoon Commencement: 3pm (Seniors with last names L–Z)

• Guest seating opens: 1pm
• Senior Lineup on Alumni Walk: 1:45pm
• Guest seating closes: 2:15pm — no guests seated after 2:15pm
• Procession Begins: 2:30pm
• Ceremony starts: 3pm
• Recessional 4:30pm
• Boxed meal distribution: 4:30pm–6:30pm (Muskie Archives, Olin Arts Center, Frye Street, Lane Hall parking lot). Seniors meet your guest(s) at the boxed meal location closest to your residence. Seniors returning for Commencement and December graduates can pick up meals at the location that’s convenie

Seniors will only be allowed access to the ceremony for which they are scheduled. Seniors may not change their ceremony time.

After their ceremony, seniors have until 7 p.m. to move out of their campus rooms — but we encourage all seniors to move out as soon as your ceremony is over. 

Guests and Ticket Update

Each graduating senior who is on campus for Commencement and participating in-person may invite two guests to attend in person. Guests must have tickets in order to be admitted to the ceremony on May 27.

During the last week of April, seniors will be sent a communication with instructions on how to register their two in-person guests. 

Guests will be expected to stay in their seats during the ceremony. As in the past, a professional photographer will take pictures of each senior as they cross the Coram Terrace, and the seniors receive a link to access their photo.

Weather, What to Bring, and What Not to Bring

Commencement 2021 will be outdoors, rain or shine. Guests should be prepared for inclement â€” hot, cold, or wet â€” weather.

No water stations will be available, so guests should bring water.

While ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ cannot welcome pets to the ceremony this year, guests may be accompanied by their assistance, service, and/or emotional support animals.

Watching the Ceremony

We will broadcast both Commencement ceremonies on  and Facebook for families and friends to join the celebration remotely

Restrooms and Facilities

Guests may not enter campus buildings except for restroom access in six buildings: Carnegie Science Hall, Chase Hall, Gomes Chapel, the Mays Center, Merrill Gymnasium, and the Ronj.

Keeping You and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Safe

All participants and guests at Commencement 2021 will observe the public-health guidelines and follow the Guest and Returning Senior Testing and Vaccination Policy.

At time of ticketing, guests will attest that they will not attend Commencement if:

• They are experiencing any symptoms such as a fever (100 degrees or more), chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue , headache, vomiting or diarrhea.
• They have had close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not completed the required quarantine period.
• They are currently required to self-isolate or quarantine by their doctor or a public health official.

Senior To-Dos

At this time seniors should have completed their cap and gown order, and their updated contact survey.

• In mid-May, seniors will be sent a detailed communication that will include rehearsal times, COVID testing information, and Commencement day schedule as well as other important time-sensitive information.
• Seniors will have until 7 p.m. on May 27, 2021, to move out of their campus rooms — but we encourage you to move out as soon as your ceremony is over. 
• Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday, May 26, at which time seniors will be issued their cap, gown, and Class of 2021 face covering.

Best,

Christine Schwartz
Assistant Vice President for Dining, Conferences and Campus Events