Connecticut College 106th
Commencement May 19, 2024
When is Commencement?
Commencement will be held on Sunday, May 19, at 11 a.m.
Do family members and guests need invitations or tickets to attend Commencement?
The Connecticut College Commencement exercises are held outdoors on Tempel Green. No invitation or ticket is required for this outdoor ceremony. The College will do everything possible to maintain an outdoor ceremony, including possibly delaying the start time up to three hours.
May guests participate in the senior celebration activities before Commencement?
In addition to the 106th Commencement ceremony on May 19, all parents and families are invited to Baccalaureate, a celebration of the spiritual diversity of the graduating class, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, in the sanctuary at Harkness Chapel; to Senior Salute, a reception for seniors, families and friends, from 8-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, in the 1962 Room in the College Center at Crozier-Williams; and to an all-campus luncheon immediately following the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19, at Harris Refectory. Guests are also welcome to attend the certificate and award ceremonies during Commencement weekend. Please see the current schedule of events.
Where and how can Connecticut College Commencement invitations be purchased?
Please note that invitations are not required to attend the Commencement ceremony. If your student wants a paper invitation, please contact the Events Office, events@conncoll.edu or stop into Office 128 on the first floor of Becker House, in the back right corner, and see Merrrill Collins. A digital evite is also available.
Where and how can Connecticut College Commencement announcements be purchased?
Jostens, in conjunction with the Connecticut College Bookshop, will be selling personalized graduation announcement packages on their website. You may place orders directly on the Jostens website or by calling 800-854-7464. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery. Please note that Connecticut College does not determine Latin Honors until the week prior to Commencement, so it is not possible to have this honor noted on announcements.
Where and how can Connecticut College Class Rings be purchased?
Jostens is the source for a college ring. For additional information, please refer to the Jostens website. You may place orders directly on the Jostens website or by calling 800-854-7464. Please allow four to five weeks for delivery.
Where and when can students purchase their caps and gowns?
Caps and gowns for students graduating with a bachelor’s degree will be available for purchase at the Connecticut College Bookshop beginning April 10. It is recommended that students acquire their gowns in the bookshop as early as possible. Payment is due when the gowns are picked up. If you are not on campus and need to order a gown, please email the store leader. The price for the student package, including a sustainable gown made from recycled materials and a keeper cap with a navy and white tassel, is $53. Pieces may be purchased separately.
Questions? Email store leader Karina Valverde at 0559mgr@follett.com or call 860-439-2375. Email is preferred.
Additionally, please note that the Bookshop will be open on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and on Commencement Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Can I purchase a lawn sign congratulating my graduate?
Customizable lawn signs are available for purchase through our print partner, Copy Cats. Please click here to purchase.
When and how will students learn if they have been elected to Phi Beta Kappa?
Students will receive written notice of their election to Phi Beta Kappa through campus mail in April. They should read the letter of invitation very carefully, as they must affirmatively indicate their willingness to join the chapter and to participate in the initiation ceremony. The Phi Beta Kappa initiation ceremony will be conducted on Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m. in Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center.
When and how will students be notified of Latin Honors?
Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude honors are listed in the Commencement program. Students are not notified ahead of time and there is no cord presented to them.
Will there be a photographer at Commencement to take pictures of each graduating senior?
The College has retained GradImages™ to take photos of each senior. Prior to the ceremony, you may register your permanent email address at www.gradimages.com/registration and receive a coupon code for 20% off a purchase of $50 or more. After the ceremony, proofs will be posted at www.gradimages.com and each graduate will receive a personalized email and proof mailer within one week after the ceremony. You may select from a variety of photo packages, place orders and obtain answers to questions at www.gradimages.com or by calling 800-261-2576 or send an email to ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Are there flowers that can be purchased for the graduates?
Fresh flowers will be available for purchase at the Connecticut College Commencement ceremony. Commencement Flowers will also be offering a commemorative 2024 class T-shirt. You can browse available products to pre-purchase and reserve your flowers or T-shirts ahead of time by clicking the following link: www.thecommencementgroup.com/connecticutcollege/
Will there be designated parking for people with disabilities or health concerns?
If you or a family member have special needs, please stop at the gatehouse upon entering campus and you will be directed to special parking. If you need to rent a wheelchair, please contact one of these local medical suppliers: Louis and Clark Medical Supply in Groton, Connecticut, at 860-440-7444; or Northeast Medical Products in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, at nmp@northeastmp.com or 800-719-9665.
Where are accessible bathrooms located?
Accessible bathrooms are available in the Athey Center for Performance and Research at Palmer Auditorium (ramp access is available from Tempel Green); on the first floor of Fanning Hall (access entrance from north side of building); and in New London Hall (access entrance on north side of building). Please see the campus map for building locations.
How will students provide their name pronunciation to Commencement staff?
All seniors should call 860-439-2361 and speak their name slowly and exactly how they would like it repeated at Commencement.
If you have concerns about hearing the ceremony, what are your options?
Assistive listening devices for people with hearing impairments are available for internal viewing in Evans Hall. They can be found at the Commencement information tent near the Athey Center at Palmer Auditorium. Additionally, there is a sign language interpreter for the duration of the ceremony. The interpreter will be located on the green at the accessible seating area. Commencement is also livestreamed, so earbuds with a personal cell phone also may be used.
What time should I arrive on Tempel Green for Commencement exercises?
The Commencement procession begins at 10:30 a.m. Please plan to arrive at Tempel Green no later than 10 a.m. A luncheon will be served immediately following the Commencement ceremonies in the Harris Refectory and the lawn behind Harris. It is a short walk to Harris from the ceremony location on Tempel Green.
Can I reserve seats for my family on Tempel Green?
Students and their families may reserve chairs on Tempel Green no earlier than 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19. Any signs posted prior to this will be removed by the Facilities Management crew.
How long does the Commencement ceremony last?
Commencement generally lasts two hours.
Is everyone (family members, friends, etc.) invited to attend the luncheon on Sunday, May 19?
All guests are invited to attend the complimentary luncheon immediately following the ceremony in Harris Refectory.
Is there a list of local hotels and restaurants?
New London, Waterford and nearby Mystic, Groton and Stonington have a variety of hotels and restaurants that are convenient to campus. Guests are welcome to click here to see available hotels in the area.
Will childcare be provided for guests?
We are unable to offer childcare for guests.
Are meals and snacks available for purchase on campus during Commencement Weekend?
In addition to the complimentary post-Commencement luncheon on Sunday, May 19, Connecticut College Dining Services has set the following hours for other facilities: The Oasis Snack Shop will be closed in anticipation of its upcoming renovation. Harris Refectory will be open Saturday, May 18, from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. for breakfast/lunch and from 4:30–6 p.m. with a modified dinner menu; Sunday, May 19, from 8–10:30 a.m. for breakfast and 4:30–6 p.m. with a modified dinner menu. Per person guest meal rates are: $8 breakfast, $10 lunch/modified dinner. Harris accepts cash payments only. On Sunday, May 19, we have engaged two food trucks with breakfast items available for purchase: the Wakin’ Waggin Coffee truck will be offering coffee, kombucha and muffins, and the Farm Kitchen Food Truck will have breakfast sandwiches.
What happens in the event of rain or inclement weather?
We will hold Commencement exercises outside unless severe weather threatens the safety of attendees. If rain is in the forecast, please bring rain gear. No tickets are needed for an outdoor ceremony. Given the small capacity of our indoor option, we may opt to postpone the ceremony start time up until 2 p.m. if the forecast shows passing severe weather. If the weather is deemed dangerous and severe and will not pass before 2 p.m., the ceremony will be moved indoors to the Athey Center at Palmer Auditorium, and remote viewing will be offered in Cummings Arts Center. Each graduating senior will receive one guest ticket for Palmer Auditorium and one guest ticket for Cummings. There are no exceptions to this policy. Seniors must pick up these tickets on Friday, May 17, in the College Center at Crozier-Williams at the Info Desk between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., regardless of the weather forecast. Tickets will not be issued after 4 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Seniors who are unable to pick up their tickets themselves may send a friend with written permission from the absent senior. If a family member/guest does not have a ticket, they will not be allowed into indoor seating. The Commencement ceremony will be streamed live via the internet and severe weather viewing will be available in the following locations: F.W. Olin Science Center (Room 014), Blaustein Humanities Center (classrooms 203 and 210), and College Center at Crozier-Williams (1962 Room). The livestream is also viewable online with any portable device.
Please note that internal viewing will be available on Commencement Sunday, May 19, in Blaustein Humanities Center Room 203 and in Cummings Arts Center Evans Hall regardless of the weather.
What time do students need to move out of their residence halls?
Graduating seniors must vacate their rooms no later than 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.
Where should guests park for Commencement Weekend activities?
Please be aware that parking will be tight on campus during Commencement Weekend. Guests may park on campus in South Lot, North Lot and at the Athletic Center. While parking restrictions that designate spaces for faculty, staff and students will not apply on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, guests may not park in handicapped designated spots without appropriate vehicle tags. Families are strongly encouraged to carpool from their homes or hotels to reduce the number of cars parked on campus.
Can I bring my pet to Commencement?
While Conn is a community that welcomes everyone, we do ask that you leave your pets at home during Commencement. (Please note that registered service animals are always welcome.)