Students should report for lineup no later than 9:30 a.m.
Graduates will line up behind the main Commencement tent (the side facing Mortensen Library). In the event of inclement weather, there will be no processional, as graduates will be seated inside the tent upon arrival.
The Graduate Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m. on the University Green (the large lawn area at the center of the academic buildings and student union). This ceremony will include the awarding of degrees for all graduate degree candidates and the hooding of all students receiving doctoral degrees. Students will walk across the main stage as their names are announced and shake the hand of the president, provost, and dean of their school or college. Diplomas will be sent to each graduate’s permanent address within 14 days of the ceremony.
A simulcast of the ceremony will be shown in Suisman Lounge on the main floor of Gengras Student Union. The ceremony will also be streamed live online on this Commencement website.
Caps and Gowns
Caps and gowns will be distributed on the third floor of Gengras Student Union (rooms 331 and 333) during the following times:
Thursday, May 16: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday, May 17: 12 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 18: 8:30 a.m. to start of ceremony
Women do not remove their caps at any time during the ceremony. Men remove and replace their caps whenever President Harrison does. Graduate candidates wear tassels forward and to the left. Caps and gowns are to be returned to a designated area at each site. All students with hoods are reminded to return them at the same time. Failure to do so will result in graduates being charged the cost of their hoods. A standard tassel is provided with each cap and gown. Degree-specific souvenir tassels may be purchased at the time of cap-and-gown pickup for $5 each, cash only.
Tickets
Tickets are not required to attend the Graduate Commencement Ceremony.
Online Information Session
An on-demand video information session is now available for viewing. This is a great way for graduates to prepare for Commencement and to be anxiety free on their special day.
Reception for Graduate Students
Graduates and their immediate families are invited to attend a graduation reception in Gengras Student Union immediately following the ceremony.
Food
A food concession tent will be open at the main site from 8:30 a.m. to the end of the ceremony. Einstein Bros Bagels, on the main floor of Gengras Student Union, will be open from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Flowers
Flowers will be available for purchase at the main site and can be ordered in advance for quick pick up that day.
Bookstore
The University of Hartford bookstore will be open extended hours during Commencement Weekend for the convenience of graduates and their guests. Hours are Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Gallery
Joseloff Gallery, an art gallery in the west wing of the Harry Jack Gray Center, will be open Commencement Weekend from noon–4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday.
