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 contacted students in February with information about caps and gowns and associated fees. Soon 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 Business Office.
Registration
All parents and families who are residing on campus and/or purchasing meal tickets must register. The desk will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, in the lobby of JPR. Room keys, meal tickets, messages and general information will be available and can be picked up at registration. If you plan to arrive after registration closes 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 2 p.m. on Saturday will be available at the Security office in the Medbery parking lot.
Rooms - on-campus housing
Rooms are available for parents and families 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. All rooms must be reserved by Thursday, May 7. The cost for a room is $55/night. Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Online Registration Form
Meals - on-campus
(Please note that meal cards will be honored only for graduating seniors during the Commencement Eve Dinner Gala, Saturday, May 16.) Graduating seniors who plan to join their families at 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 7. Tickets can be picked up at the registration desk on Friday, May 15, or Saturday, May 16. Vegetarian entrees are available at all meals. All meals are served in the Great Hall of Saga in the Scandling Campus Center.
Online Registration Form
SENIOR BARBECUE
6 - 10 p.m. Friday, May 15
$15.00
The Barn
Planned by the Senior Classes of 2009 along with Student Activities, the evening will include a traditional barbecue, live performances from the campus a cappella groups and a live band. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display.
COMMENCEMENT EVE CANDLELIGHT DINNER GALA
6 – 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16
$18.50 for adults, $9.25 for children (5 yrs & under free)
Meal cards will be honored for graduating seniors ONLY
Candlelight Dinner - Linen and waited service
Candlelight Dinner includes: assorted hors d’oeuvres, caesar salad, tossed salad, steamship round of beef, marinated chicken medallions w/roasted yellow and red peppers, oven roasted potatoes, spanakopita, seasoned medley of fresh vegetables and shrimp scampi, assorted fresh cut fruit, assorted rolls and butter, soft beverages, coffee and tea and a beautiful dessert bar. To complement your meal, a selection of wines, champagne and beer will be available for purchase. Reservations are available 6 – 7:30 p.m. Please note on your reservation form your dinner reservation time.
COMMENCEMENT BREAKFAST BUFFET
8- 9:30 a.m., Sunday, May 17
$8.50 for adults, $4.25 for children (5 yrs & under free)
Includes: scrambled eggs, French toast with hot syrup, omelets to order, golden brown sausage links, crispy bacon, assorted cold cereals, breakfast potatoes, homemade doughnuts/danish, bagels and cream cheese, fresh fruits and chilled juices, toast and English muffins, coffee, tea and milk.
COMMENCEMENT LUNCHEON BUFFET
Immediately following Commencement
$12.50 per adult, $6.50 per child (5 yrs & under free)
Includes: New England clam chowder, London broil with mushrooms, fettuccine alfredo, stir-fried chicken and garden vegetables, ice cream, fresh fruits, a variety of specialty salads, assorted homemade desserts, soft beverages, coffee and tea.
Because of time limitations and fixed costs, all Commencement registration fees and charges are nonrefundable.
Commencement: Exercises will take place on Sunday, May 17,
on the Hobart Quadrangle. Procession begins at 10 a.m. Program begins at 10:30 a.m. and will take about two hours. It is wise to be prepared for a wide variance of temperatures and weather conditions. In May, temperatures can range from the mid 30s to the high 80s. Warm clothing, sun protection and umbrellas are all advisable. Please do not pass anything, especially alcoholic beverages, to the graduating seniors.
It detracts from the exercises and could be annoying to others. We appreciate your cooperation.
Rain Location: Should the weather be inclement, Commencement exercises will be moved to the Robert A. Bristol Field House off Hamilton Street. WGVA (1240 AM) and WEOS (88.7 and 90.3 FM) will make continuous announcements on Sunday morning beginning at 7 a.m. You may also call 315-781-3150 or check the Daily Update online at www.hws.edu for the most recent and up-to-date information with regards to relocation. Special parking and shuttle services will be made available should this plan go into effect. Note: We will not relocate if at all possible!
Photographs and Videos: A professional photographer will photograph each graduate individually as he or she receives the diploma. You will receive a color proof and order form a few weeks after Commencement.
Press releases: Press releases will be sent to the hometown newspaper of graduates after Commencement. Please email publicity@hws.edu with your hometown newspaper's name, address (e-mail address if they have one) along with a current photo of the graduate.
College Store: The College Store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. The store offers personal care items, books, gifts and Hobart and William Smith insignia apparel and memorabilia. collegestore.hws.edu (315) 781-3449
Senior Week Committee: A student Senior Week Committee plans activities for seniors during the week before Commencement. You may call the Student Activities Office with any questions (315) 781-3513.
Special Needs: If you have any special needs that may require accommodation in order to ensure your full participation, please contact the Parents Office at (315) 781-3755. There will be a sign language interpreter at Commencement.
If you have any additional questions regarding Commencement, please contact Kerry Cassell, Director of Parent Relations at (315) 781-3755.
