Undergraduate Commencement: Information for Guests

The University of Massachusetts Amherst 2011 Commencement for Bachelor’s Degree Candidates will be held, rain or shine, on Friday, May 13, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in McGuirk Alumni Stadium on campus.

Traffic on and around campus will be extremely heavy, so guests are strongly advised to arrive on campus by 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. Shuttle buses will operate between all designated parking lots and the stadium, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Allow at least 45 minutes after parking to travel by bus to the stadium.

Seating is unreserved. The printed program distributed at Commencement will show where students from each school or college will be seated. Their families and friends should seat themselves accordingly for the best view.

The stadium is not covered, so guests should dress for the climate and bring umbrellas or other protection from sun or rain. Restrooms, public telephones, and a first-aid station will be available. UMass Dining Services will sell food and beverages at kiosks located in and around the stadium (cash only).

Please visit www.umass.edu/religious_affairs/commencement2011 or call the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at 413-545-9642.

Coffee, bottled water, juices, sandwiches, and other snacks will be for sale inside and outside of the stadium. Cash only – credit and debit cards cannot be accepted.

Fresh-cut roses, flower bouquets, and balloons will be sold inside and outside of the stadium. In its stadium tent, the University Store will offer a full line of UMass Amherst merchandise. The Campus Center University Store will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Commencement Day, Friday, May 13, and from 9:00 to 5:00 Saturday, May 14. Visit us to purchase last minute graduation needs, from UMass gear to your final purchases before leaving campus (or your first purchase as an alum). Also, you may visit our website, www.umass.bkstr.com, and have your items shipped.