Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Commencement Ceremony held, and are tickets required for seating?
The Commencement ceremony will be held outdoors in front of Schaffer Library, unless there is heavy rain. No tickets are required to view the ceremony outdoors, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to the outdoor seating, there will be two large tents on either side of the Nott Memorial for those who would like to sit out of the sun. No tickets are needed to sit in the tent areas.
In case of heavy rain, the ceremony will be held in the Messa Rink in Achilles Center and tickets are necessary for rink seating. Each graduating student will be asked to indicate the total number of tickets they will need for their family and guests so that guests may view the ceremony indoors in Messa Rink or in one of the College’s electronically equipped classrooms or auditorium spaces. Tickets for the Messa Rink are limited, usually to five per student. These rain tickets will be sent to the student mailboxes on the first day of the final exams in June.
In the event of light rain, the ceremony will be held outdoors. Guests with rain tickets may use these tickets to view the ceremony indoors. The location of the indoor viewing areas is printed on each ticket.
What time should I get to Union for the Commencement Ceremony?
The ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. with the academic procession starting about 9:30, so you should probably be in your seats by 9:00 a.m. or earlier. Dining Service stations at the commencement site provide you complimentary coffee, tea and doughnuts.
What time is the Commencement Ceremony over?
Immediately after the ceremony, representatives of the College's academic departments will host receptions where the students actually receive their diplomas. These receptions should be over before 1:30 p.m.
Parking and handicapped guests
There will be campus safety officers at all entrances of the campus to direct cars to on-campus parking and to give directions to those who need to be seated in an accessible area because of a disability or a hearing impairment. A sign language interpreter will be at the ceremony. Golf carts will also be available at each entrance to transport those who might need aid in getting to the commencement site.
How many nights should I stay at a hotel over the Commencement weekend?
One night (Saturday) is the only night necessary. Click here for the link to a list of hotels in the area.
Are there any events I should attend on Saturday?
The Commencement weekend begins with a non-denominational Baccalaureate Commemoration (student speakers, a faculty speaker, music, and remarks by President Ainlay) on Saturday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30 in Memorial Chapel (no tickets needed). After dinner on your own off campus, you are invited to return to Union for dessert, music and dancing at the Garnet Gala from 8:00 to 11:00. The Alumni Affairs Office will send you information on this event before the end of April.
Information about Chappell Graduation Images and Collegiate Video
Photographers from Chappell Graduation Images will be at the commencement ceremony to take a candid photograph of each graduate. You will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo on an order card within 5 to 7 days following the ceremony. After graduation, you may order online at www.gradimages.com or call 800-424-3686. Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats to relax and enjoy the ceremony.
Collegiate Video will tape the ceremony which will be available in either DVD or VHS form. An order form will be sent to you in February and again following commencement. For further information, you may contact the company at (802) 365-4414. You are under no obligation to purchase any pictures or videos from either company.