Dear Senior Families,
Please find below a message with instructions for Commencement Weekend that was sent to your student today. In addition, we'd like to share the following information:
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For the most up-to-date information about Commencement Weekend, please visit the Commencement website. |
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Friday: Baccalaureate guest seating opens at 3:30 p.m. Baccalaureate begins at 4:30 p.m. and typically lasts one hour. |
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Saturday: Commencement guest seating opens at 9 a.m. Commencement begins at 11 a.m. and typically lasts two and a half hours. |
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Both ceremonies will take place on the north side of Pennsylvania Hall. |
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Livestream information. |
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The current weather forecast is calling for rain on Saturday. The ceremony will be held outside unless there is SEVERE weather (dangerous winds, lightning, etc.). Please plan accordingly and monitor the website for any changes. |
If you have questions, contact us at commencement@gettysburg.edu.
Dear soon-to-be-grads,
We hope that you are looking forward to Friday and Saturday's Commencement activities. This is my last lengthy (but hopefully helpful) email to you. Below are a few things to remember about Friday and Saturday's events.
COMMENCEMENT WEBSITE
The Commencement website is the best source of up-to-date information.
ATTIRE
Baccalaureate and Commencement are formal events, and academic attire is required. Your regalia consists of five pieces: cap, robe, tassel, hood, and 2022 Stole of Gratitude. If you have not yet picked up your regalia, please go the Bookstore as soon as possible.
Sensible shoes are recommended as high heels may sink into the grass during outdoor events and many sandals can be slippery. In addition, you will be doing a lot of walking and the steps of Penn Hall are steep!
WEARING YOUR ACADEMIC REGALIA
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Robe: Be sure to hang up your regalia before Friday; it may have wrinkles from the packaging. |
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Stole of Gratitude: Put on your stole before your hood so that it rests underneath. Additional Stoles of Gratitude can be purchased at the Bookstore. |
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Hood: Your hood should be worn with the orange and blue part turned so it can be seen. Here's a 55-second video that may be helpful. |
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Cap: Wear the tassel on your right side. |
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Honor Cords: Wear honor cords under your hood to help keep them in place. Check your campus email if you believe that you have earned an honor cord (Summa, Magna, or Cum Laude). Honor cords will be distributed on Commencement morning during lineup. |
BACCALAUREATE – Friday, May 13, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Penn Hall, North Side
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Student Lineup: Students meet College Life staff behind Breidenbaugh Hall, in your graduation robe, at 3:45 p.m. |
From Michael Bright, Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and College Chaplain
It is with joy and anticipation that I invite you to attend Baccalaureate. The past four years have tested us in the most unimaginable ways. No matter your spiritual ideology, it is our shared faith that makes us strong and helps us perceive to Do Great Work. Baccalaureate is an opportunity to gather in gratitude for all of our accomplishments. This celebration is our chance as a community to honor the sacred nature of education and the collegiate experience. I prayerfully look forward to sharing this special time with you as we mark this tremendous milestone in your lives.
COMMENCEMENT – GENERAL ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Arrival time: Arrive in your cap and gown to CUB 126 by 9:45 a.m. for check-in and lineup.
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You will be given further instructions after you arrive. |
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No food or drinks will be permitted in the Ballroom (a bottle of water will be provided to you under your seat at the Commencement site) |
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Please plan to use the restrooms before entering the Ballroom. Once you are inside, you must remain inside. |
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Please take ALL belongings with you when you leave the Ballroom in the Commencement procession. |
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It is VITAL that you STAY IN YOUR LINE AND IN ORDER during the procession from the Ballroom to your seat at the Commencement site. Please be sure to follow instructions. |
Handy tips
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Three photos will be taken as you get your diploma and may be viewed and purchased at: www.gradimages.com. |
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Be sure to eat something and hydrate before lineup on Saturday morning—you’ll need your energy! |
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You may want to bring some tissues in case you need them. |
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If you need the restroom or any assistance during the Commencement ceremony, see a Commencement usher. |
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Remember to silence your phone (and be sure it’s charged for photos too!). |
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You can use #gburg2022 to share your Commencement moments and photos on Twitter and Instagram. |
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We recommend that you have a predetermined location to meet your family, friends, or guests after the ceremony. It’s best not to plan to meet “near the fountain” because it’s a very busy area! |
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The current weather forecast is calling for rain on Saturday. If it is rainy, we’ll provide a poncho for you to wear over your regalia when you get to the Ballroom. The ceremony will be held outside unless there is SEVERE weather (dangerous winds, lightning, etc.). Please plan accordingly and monitor the website and your email for any changes. |
DEPARTMENTAL RECEPTIONS – Saturday, May 14, 1:30–3 p.m.
Departmental Receptions for the Class of 2022 and guests will be held immediately following the Commencement ceremony. Refreshments will be provided. All graduates, family members, and friends are welcome to attend the receptions. Please find reception venues listed here.
In addition, signs will be posted around campus to help direct you and your guests to the Departmental Receptions:
Arts & Humanities – Atrium / Patio
Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Programs – Bullet Hole / Patio
Mathematics, Natural Sciences, & Computer Science – Science Center / Patio
SENIOR WEEK HOUSING AND RESIDENCE HALL MOVE-OUT
Graduating seniors may remain on campus through Commencement, but must vacate their residence hall by 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 15. Important information about residence hall closings, key return, and more can be found on the Residential Education website. For additional information or questions, please contact residencelife@gettysburg.edu.
CLASS RINGS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND YEARBOOKS
For information or to order a class ring, a yearbook, or graduation announcements, please visit Balfour online.
Feel free to contact the Commencement team with any questions at commencement@gettysburg.edu. (Please note this is the fastest way to reach us this week!)
And remember to breathe, smile and—most of all—enjoy this memorable time. You did it! Congratulations!
My very best wishes to you in all of your future endeavors,
Erin Eline AumenCommencement Coordinator and Associate Director, Constituent Relations