Commencement is a time for celebration, but it also requires a certain amount of planning. If you missed Charge-Out on April 11, there is still time for you to prepare. If you attended, there will still be things for you to do on the day of the ceremonies. Either way, you don’t want to wait until the last minute, only to find out that you missed something important.
Here’s a guide to what you’ll need to remember for May 13:
Before Commencement
Caps, Gowns, and Hoods: If you haven’t picked up your regalia yet, you can visit the campus bookstore starting April 16 during normal hours to get the necessary items. Students are required to be robed for commencement. There is no fee to receive your regalia, but you will need to present a valid student I.D.
Tickets: Students who have not yet gotten their tickets for commencement can pick them up in Room 201A of Maxcy Hall on April 16 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 2:00-7:00 p.m., on April 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., or on April 24 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 2:00-7:00 p.m. Graduating students do not need tickets, but every guest over the age of two does. You will need to present a valid student I.D. to get your tickets.
Families and Friends: If your guests do not live in the area, they will need to have a place to stay during the ceremonies. There are multiple hotels and motels in the area, but it is important to make sure your guests make their reservations as far in advance as possible. Numerous colleges hold graduation ceremonies in May, and visitors may find it difficult to get conveniently-located rooms at low rates if they wait too long.
During Commencement
Student Transportation: There is free parking available at the Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford for students with cars. A shuttle bus will take students who do not have their own transportation to the ceremonies at the Oakdale. The shuttle for undergraduates departs from Maxcy Hall at 8:00 a.m. The shuttle for graduate students leaves at 1:00 p.m. There will only be one ride for each event, so be sure to arrive early. If you have not already signed up for a seat on the shuttle, there is a link available on the commencement page on UNH’s website.
Personal Effects: Students are not allowed to carry purses or other personal effects during the ceremonies. These items should be left at home or with family members. Electronic devices need to be silenced or turned off.
The Ceremony: Undergraduates need to be lined up for their procession by 9:30 a.m. The procession begins at 9:45. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m., and will last between two and two-and-a-half hours. Graduate students need to be lined up for their procession by 2:30 p.m. The procession begins at 2:45. The ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m., and will last for approximately two hours.
Respect: Students and their families should remain seated throughout the entire ceremony. Anyone who becomes disruptive will be asked to leave.
If you have questions or need more information, visit www.newhaven.edu and click on the link May 13 commencement link on the homepage, or call 203.479.4500.
