At the request of graduates and parents, the College makes every effort to hold the ceremony in The Dell. Our guests should prepare for that unless otherwise indicated. Only in the case of severely inclement weather will the ceremony be moved to Thompson Gymnasium, with first-come, first-served overflow seating in Leffler Chapel.

There is no reserved seating for our guests in The Dell – family and friends may sit in the designated seating area or use their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on the grassy area. (Please note that seats will be reserved for graduates and faculty members who will process to The Dell at the beginning of the ceremony. Our ushers can direct you to available seating, should you have questions.)

In the unlikely event that the ceremony is moved inside, tickets will be necessary for entry to the gymnasium. Beginning in early May, students should pick up tickets at the Office of Registration and Records. Each student may have up to three tickets for family and friends. At that time, graduates should specify if anyone in their party has special needs, as tickets are available that will allow those guests to be dropped off closer to the venue and provide them with special seating in either The Dell or Thompson Gymnasium.

The Commencement ceremony will be preceded by a continental breakfast in The Marketplace of Brossman Commons from 7 until 10 a.m., to which all graduating seniors and their family and friends are invited.