Q: How many tickets are available per student? Can we reserve seats in advance?
A: Everyone is welcome at Commencement, but there are no tickets and seats cannot be reserved in advance. The chairs on Andrus Field are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is additional room for seating on Foss Hill (bring a blanket or folding chairs) and under the tent on Andrus Field.

Q: Do students receive Commencement tickets? When will they get them?
A: There are no tickets, as everyone is invited to attend the Commencement ceremony. Each senior receives 10 announcements from the Deans' Office, which will be delivered to student mailboxes in early March.  

Q: What happens if it rains on Commencement day?
A: There will be a tent behind the seats on Andrus Field that will accommodate many spectators. Since seating for guests will be limited, we respectfully ask that you reduce the number of guests who will be sitting under the tent to three. Please come prepared with raincoats and umbrellas.

Q: Who is the speaker?
A: In April, a letter or email announcing the honorary degree recipients and the Commencement speaker will be sent to parents of seniors.  

Q: How long is the ceremony?
A: The ceremony will last approximately 2-1/2 hours.

Q: Other than the actual Commencement ceremony on Sunday, what are the weekend activities for families?
A: Most Reunion & Commencement Weekend activities are open to all members of the Wesleyan community.

Q: How do I meet up with my son or daughter after Commencement is over? Is there anything planned for directly after the ceremony?
A: Everyone is invited to enjoy the reception on the lawn in front of North College after the ceremony. This is a good time for taking pictures, seeing friends, and socializing. It is recommended that you arrange to meet at a specific campus location near College Row (for example, the steps of PAC, in front of Judd Hall, under the scoreboard, etc.).  

Q: When should parents arrive? When should they leave?
A: There is no particular norm in terms of the arrival and departure of parents. Activities begin on Friday and continue through Sunday.  

Q: Do parents or others attending the festivities need to pay for any of the weekend activities?
A: WESeminars, other activities, parties, and the Festival on Foss Hill are free. The breakfast on Friday and Saturday, lunch and dinner on Friday, the All College Picnic on Saturday, and the Sunday Brunch however, do require advance payment.  You can register for all meals online or using the registration brochure beginning in March.

Q: What is the dress code?
A: All of the weekend's events are informal. Dress casually and comfortably (and bring clothes that are weather appropriate, since many events are held outside).

Q: I have elderly guests with mobility challenges. What arrangements are available for them?
A: There is a limited section for people with access needs. Please call or email Suzanne Kampen in the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations at skampen@wesleyan.edu or (860) 685-2116.  

Q: When is rehearsal for seniors?  
A: There is no formal rehearsal.  Diplomas may be obtained on Friday from 10am-5pm in North College.

Q: When do students need to move out of their campus housing?
A: Seniors must be out by 4:30 p.m. on on Monday, May 25th (Note: please check back in Spring 2009 to confirm this time and date).  Students should be sure to take all their belongings with them,  leave their residence clean, and turn in their key to avoid end of the year charges.

Q: Does this include seniors who live in William Street High Rise, Low Rise and In-Town Houses?
A: All seniors are allowed to stay in their housing until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 24th.

Q: Whom can we contact with questions about student housing?
A: Feel free to send questions to reslife@wesleyan.edu, or call (860) 685-3550.

Q: When and where do students get their caps and gowns?
A: Seniors order caps and gowns from Broad Street Bookstore in late March. Broad Street Bookstore will send a letter to all seniors with instructions for ordering during the last week of March. Call the Broad Street Bookstore with any questions at (860) 685-7323.

Q: How do I order Wesleyan sweatshirts or other logo items?
A: Broad Street Bookstores, located at 45 Broad Street and in the Usdan University Center, sell a full line of clothing and gifts. 

Q: Is there a DVD of Commencement? How do I get one?
A: DVDs of Commencement are available from Collegiate Video, P.O. Box 376, Newfane, VT 05345. DVDs cost $75 plus $7 shipping and handling. Contact Collegiate Video at (802) 365-4414 or via e-mail at info@collegiatevideo.com, or the Office of Parent Programs at (860) 685-3756 for an order form and more information.

Q: Is there a still photo taken of my graduate during Commencement? How do I get one?
A:  A photographer from GradTrak Graduation Images will be at your ceremony to take a candid photograph of you at your special moment of recognition. You will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo on an order card within 5-7 days following the ceremony. After the ceremony you may order online at www.gradimages.com or call 800-424-3686. To pre-register your permanent email address and receive a $5.00 coupon towards a purchase of $25.00 please visit www.gradimages.com and click on Pre-Event Registration. You may add contact information for up to 6 additional relatives and/or friends. Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony

Q: Will there be a class photo taken?
A: A class photo will be taken at  the Senior Class Barbeque. Class photos can be ordered from Panfoto at www.panfoto.com or by calling Panfoto directly at (781) 788-9595.  **Please note that this photograph is taken during the Senior Class Barbeque and not every class member is present.

Q: Where can we go out to eat in the Middletown area?
A: Visit www.wesleyan.edu/about/restaurants.ctt for information on restaurants in the area. Be sure to make reservations in advance, if possible.

Q: How can I get to Middletown without a car?
A: There are many options for public transportation. Review our parking and transportation section for additional information or visit www.wesleyan.edu/about/transport.ctt.  

Q: When might seniors be busy with Senior Week activities during Commencement Weekend?
A: Starting on Tuesday, May 19, seniors have a variety of on- and off-campus activities planned. They will receive more information about the exact schedule throughout the spring.

Q: Who can we call if we have further questions?
A: For general questions about the weekend activities, call or email the Office of Parent Programs at parents@wesleyan.edu or (860) 685-3756.