The academic procession starts at 9:30 a.m., so you should aim to be in your seats by 9:00 a.m. or earlier. Dining Services will have stations at the commencement site to provide you with complimentary coffee, tea and pastries.
What time is the Commencement Ceremony over?Immediately after the ceremony itself, representatives of the College's academic departments host receptions where the students actually receive their diplomas. These receptions should be over before 1:30 p.m.
Where is the Commencement Ceremony held, and are tickets required for seating?In fair weather, Commencement Exercises will be held outdoors in Hull Plaza, located in front of Schaffer Library. There will be seating for family and guests in the Library Plaza area as well as seating under two large tents that will be located on either side of the Nott Memorial. No tickets are required to view the ceremony outdoors. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
In case of light rain, the ceremony will be held outdoors in Hull Plaza, located in front of Schaffer Library. Guests may remain outdoors in the Library Plaza area or watch the ceremony in the indoor location indicated on their rain tickets. The indoor locations will be in Memorial Chapel, Frank Messa Rink in Achilles Center, Yulman Theatre, the Olin Center, the Science & Engineering building, the Visual Arts building, the Humanities building, Lippman Hall, Bailey Hall, the Reamer Campus Center Auditorium, and Emerson Hall in the Taylor Music Center.
In the event of heavy rain, the ceremony will be held in the Frank Messa Rink in Achilles Center. Seating in Messa Rink is limited, and the rain tickets marked “Achilles Center – Frank Messa Rink” will be required for family and guest seating in the rink. Those guests with and without tickets to other rain sites (though preference is given to those with tickets) may view the ceremony in Memorial Chapel, Yulman Theatre, Reamer Campus Center Auditorium, Emerson Hall in the Taylor Music Center, and rooms in the Olin, Science & Engineering, Visual Arts, and Humanities buildings, Lippman Hall, and Bailey Hall.
How can I obtain rain tickets?Students can request rain tickets by completing the form at the end of the senior survey that will be emailed to them in mid-May. Rain tickets will be distributed to campus mailboxes on the first day of final exams in June. Please contact Judy Ludwig (518-388-6102 or at ludwigja@union.edu) if you have questions regarding the rain ticket process.
Where will graduates be seated during the ceremony?In fair weather or light rain, nearly 500 graduates will arrive at Hull Plaza by filing in after the faculty and coming through the Nott Memorial. The student seating is alphabetical and split into right and left sides. In heavy rain, the ceremony will take place at Achilles Center. The same seating arrangement will be used, but the students will not march into the rink.
What accommodations are available for disabled 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 hearing impairment. A sign language interpreter will be at the ceremony. Golf carts will also be available to transport those who might need aid in getting to the commencement site. Park in the Nott/Seward, Field House or Facilities parking lots for best access for golf cart transportation.
How many nights should I stay at a hotel over the Commencement weekend?One night (Saturday) is the only night necessary; however, some local hotels may require a two-night minimum stay.
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 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 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 in the College Park Hall Ballroom from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Alumni Relations Office will send you information on this event before the end of April. For further information regarding the Garnet Gala, contact Rahde Franke in the Alumni Relations Office (518-388-6568, frankef@union.edu).
Will photography, video, announcements, or other graduation products be available for purchase?Photographers from GradImages will be at the commencement ceremony to take a candid photograph of each graduate. You will receive free passport-sized digital proofs of these photos on an order card within 5 to 7 days following the ceremony. You may order online at www.gradimages.com or call 800-261-2576. 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 DVD format. An order form will be sent to you in early February and again following commencement. For further information, you may contact the company at 802-365-4414. You can order online at www.collegiatevideo.com.
Announcement packages and other graduation products are available for purchase through Balfour (www.balfour.com). Further information regarding these products will be forthcoming.
Allowing these companies to provide you information is intended as a service for graduates and their families. You are under no obligation to purchase their products.
