Formal Commencement mailings will be sent to parents in mid-March. In lieu of receiving those mailings, here is some information that we can share with you now:
You do not need tickets or invitations to attend the Commencement ceremonies. There is plenty of seating available and all family and friends are welcome to attend.
Student Communications
The Deans’ Offices will contact students in February with information about caps and gowns and associated fees. Students will be notified about schedules for rehearsals, and procedures for assuring correct name pronunciation. Students and parents who have outstanding bills, which must be paid before Commencement, will be notified by the Bursar’s Office.
Registration
The desk will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 16, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, in JPR Lobby. Room keys, meal tickets, messages, and general information will be available and can be picked up at registration. Rooms available for parents and families are located in residence halls. These are dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms and limited amenities. You may want to bring a fan, an alarm clock, extra pillows and larger towels. Linens will be supplied and are included in the cost of rooms. You can register for rooms and meals online in mid March.
Rooms - on-campus housing
Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If you plan to arrive after registration closes at 6 p.m. on Friday, or 2 p.m. on Saturday, please have your son or daughter pick up your tickets and room keys during regular registration hours. Any keys not picked up by closing will be available at the Security office in the Medbery parking lot. Online registration for on-campus housing will begin March 17, 2008.
Meals - on-campus
Please note that meal cards will be honored only for graduating seniors during the Commencement Eve Gala, Saturday, May 17. Graduating seniors who plan to join their families at the meals must purchase a ticket in advance. Children 5 years and younger may eat in the dining hall for free and do not require reservations. All meal tickets should be ordered by Thursday, May 8, using the online registration system. Tickets can be picked up at the registration desk on Friday or Saturday, May 16 or 17. Vegetarian entrees are available at all meals. All meals are served in the Great Hall of Saga in the Scandling Center. Online registration will open March 17, 2008.
Because of time limitations and fixed costs, all Commencement registration fees and charges are nonrefundable.
Commencement 2007 will take place on Sunday, May 18. The procession begins at 10 a.m. The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be outdoors on the Hobart quadrangle unless the weather is intolerable. Rain location is the Bristol fieldhouse
Handicap accessibility needs can be addressed with regards to parking, on-campus housing and seating at the Commencement exercises. There will be a space on the registration form (March mailing) to check off if your family has any special needs. Please call Kerry Cassell in the Parent Relations Office at (315) 781-3755 with your needs.
Area accommodations fill up quickly so don't wait to make your reservations - please click on one of the following links for information on regional hotels/motels/B&Bs.
Geneva Chamber of Commerce
Ontario County Visitors Association
HWS online list of places to stay
A professional photographer will photograph each senior as he/she receives his/her diploma. You will receive a color proof and order form a few weeks after Commencement.
Press releases will be sent to the hometown newspaper of graduates after Commencement. Please email Dominic Moore '05 with your hometown newspaper's name and email address.
Cap and Gown Day will be February 8, 2007 9:30-4:30 in the library atrium. Students will be measured for caps and gowns and will have the opportunity to order class rings, announcements and yearbooks. Students will also be given procedures for assuring correct name pronunciation at this event.
If you have any questions regarding your child's academic status, please contact the Office of the Registrar at (315) 781-3651. Students who have outstanding bills which must be paid before Commencement will be notified by the Bursar's Office.
Specific times, receptions and weekend events will be confirmed shortly. Check this website for updates.
If you have any additional questions regarding Commencement, please contact Kerry Cassell, Director of Parent Relations at (315) 781-3755.