Congratulations seniors, families and friends. The following information will assist seniors and guests prepare for Commencement. Further details will be provided to seniors in May when caps and gowns are picked up.
The 2002 Commencement Ceremonies are scheduled as follows:
• Undergraduate Commencement - May 26, 2002
• Stockbridge Commencement - May 25, 2002
• Graduate Commencement - May 25, 2002For additional information regarding Undergraduate Commencement:
Academic status/eligibility 413-545-0555 Caps and gowns 413-545-3570 Commencement Coordinator 413-577-1101 Diplomas 413-545-6296 Disability Services 413-545-0892 Food Services 413-545-2472 Lodging (on-campus) 413-545-2591 Other (University Switchboard) 413-545-0111
Stadium Diagram (indicates assembly and seating
areas)
NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED
UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE POSSESSION OR USE OF ALCOHOL AT THE STADIUM. THIS POLICY WILL BE ENFORCED. YOUR COOPERATION IS APPRECIATED.
Information for Bachelor’s Degree Candidates
The Commencement ceremony for Bachelor's degree candidates will be held rain or shine on Sunday, May 26, 10:00 am-noon, at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the University campus. The Procession of Degree Candidates will begin at 10:00 am
Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests who may be invited! In the event of heavy rain, the ceremony will still take place outside but the program will be shortened, for a total running time of approximately one hour. See "Guest Seating" below.
The speaker and honorary degree recipients will be announced in late April.
Eligibility
A student's year of graduation is established by the Registrar's Office. To be eligible to participate in the May 2002 Commencement ceremony, students must have graduated in February 2002 or be scheduled for May 2002 or for September 2002. Students scheduled for February 2003 graduation who wish to attend the May 2002 ceremony must file a "Petition to Participate in an Earlier Commencement" form beginning May 6. This form is available at the Registrar's Office, 207 Whitmore. Students requesting this will not have their name printed in the program listing, but it will appear with their official graduating class. See "Program Listings" below.
Program Listings
Because of publication deadlines, additions to the graduation list made after April 8 will not be included in the Program book.
If a students has a "full" Privacy Request on file but wishes to be listed in the Commencement Program book, the student must notify the Dean of Students Office no later than the close of business on April 1 to have the "privacy" removed. Otherwise, the student's name will not be listed.
Caps, Gowns and Tassels
Caps, gowns, tassels and a packet of four Commencement announcements for guests, all of which have been prepaid by "Graduating Fees", should be picked up at the Textbook Annex between May 6-24, Monday-Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Early May pickup is strongly advised. A student ID card is required to confirm eligibility. On Commencement day, caps and gowns may be obtained at the Textbook Annex kiosk in the Yellow Lot #11, north of the Stadium after 8:30 am.
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed after grades have been received, recorded and processed by the Registrar's Office and the diplomas have been engrossed, which is usually by late-July. Inquiries should be addressed to the Registrar's Office at 207 Whitmore (413-545-6296). Every graduate's permanent mailing address must be on file with the Registrar's Office.
Where to Assemble on Commencement Day
Yellow Lot #11, north of the Stadium. There is no pre-commencement rehearsal for students. When caps and gowns are picked up, students will receive a handout about the Commencement ceremony. It is very important that students read this in detail. It not only updates the information on this Web site, but also provides information about the assembly area, seating locations and related matters. Detailed information will also be printed in one of the last issues of the Collegian and will be available on this Web site.
Students should arrive at the Yellow Lot #11, north of the Stadium, carrying Commencement cap and gown, no later than 9:30 am Posted signs will indicate the specific areas for each school or college. At the appropriate time, "Commencement Marshals" will line up students for the procession and escort them onto the field.
Information for Faculty
Academic Regalia
Rental of academic regalia is provided free of charge to faculty. To order yours, simply call Millie Hanas at the University Store at 545-2619, or toll-free from off-campus at 1-800-862-7794, before Thursday, May 9, 2002. You may also fax your request to 545-4396 or send an email message to Millie at mhanas@aux.umass.edu. The garments may be picked up during the days just prior to Commencement and returned to the same location afterwards.
You may also purchase academic regalia through the University Store at your own expense.
You will need to supply the following information: Name, Height, Weight, Cap size, School colors (if known).
Information for Family & Friends
Guest seating
Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests. Guest seating is unreserved. The Stadium is not covered and seats 17,000 people. Depending on weather conditions, protection from the sun or rain is suggested.
Disability Services
Sign language or oral interpreters are available upon request. Call 413-545-0892 V/TTY no later than April 26.
Wheelchair seating is located on the west side of the stadium, accessible via the ramp at the southwest corner. Individuals with documented disabilities who need handicapped-accessible parking spaces adjacent to the stadium must call 413-545-0892 for an application. Completed applications must be submitted no later than April 19. A limited amount of space is available.
Lift-equipped van and shuttle bus information and/or reservations for service from campus parking lots to the stadium may be requested by calling 413-545-2086 V/TTY.
The Office of Disability Services will make every effort to accommodate those with disability needs. For information please call 413-545-0892 V/TTY or write c/o 231 Whitmore Administration Building.
Flowers and Souvenirs
Fresh cut roses, bouquets of flowers and balloons will be available for purchase both inside and outside the stadium. UMass souvenirs will also be available.
Food Services and Snacks
Coffee, bottled water, juices and breakfast pastries will be available for purchase both inside and outside the stadium.
At the Campus Center, the BlueWall Cafe will be open from 7 am - 7 pm. The Starbucks Cart will be open from 6:30 am - 3 pm.
Following Commencement, there will be a Food Court adjacent to (north of) the stadium. Grinders, salads, wraps, fruit cups, desserts and beverages will be available for purchase.
Further information will be available at www.aux.umass.edu/diningservices or by calling Food Services at 413-545-2472.
The University Club on campus will serve from noon to 4 pm (Mastercard, Visa, Diner's Club, and Carte Blanche accepted). Please call 413-545-2551 to make reservations as soon as possible, but no later than May 22. Reservations elsewhere in the community should also be made as soon as possible.
