Essentials for Families of Graduates
Wesleyan University is thrilled to invite our Class of 2022 family members to join us for Reunion & Commencement Weekend May 19–22, which will culminate in our 190th Commencement Ceremony held outdoors on Andrus Field on Sunday, May 22, at 11:00 a.m.
Per COVID-19 campus visitor guidelines, all guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “Fully vaccinated” means receiving a booster shot within 30 days of CDC eligibility. It is our intention and hope to celebrate the commencement ceremony with family and friends. We do not anticipate limitations to the number of guests attending the outdoor ceremony on Andrus Field, however, we will continue to assess conditions of the pandemic and will provide updates if any modifications are required. We ask that you continue to make note of safety guidelines outlined within the Keep Wes Safe website.
Following current CDC and Connecticut Department of Public Health Guidelines, and with everyone’s safety in mind, plans are subject to change if conditions necessitate. Thank you for your flexibility!
Housing/Accommodations
Parents and families of the Class of 2022 should arrange for hotel/motel accommodations as soon as possible. Please refer to the accommodations section of Wesleyan's Visitors Guide for information regarding local accommodations.
Registration
Anyone planning to attend any events during the weekend should register. Parents and families of graduating seniors must register if they wish to purchase any meal tickets and are encouraged to register even if they do not wish to attend any meals.
Please see below the list of ticket prices for meals available for graduates, their parents and families. Onsite registration is available at the Exley Science Center. Limited meal tickets may be available for purchase at Registration in the Exley Science Center Lobby (Show in Map) – please plan accordingly.
Friday, May 20
Welcome Picnic (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)
$25 per person for adults
Friday Champagne Reception (4–5:30 p.m.)
Free for all graduates and their families
Red, Black and GREEN! Dinner (5–9 p.m.)
$30 per person
Shabbat Dinner (7:30 p.m.)
$30 per person
Saturday, May 21
All-College Picnic and Festival on Foss Hill (Noon–3 p.m.)
Lunches should be picked up in the Markplace at Usdan University Center (2nd floor)
$20 per person
Sunday, May 22
Brunch, Sunday (8 a.m.–1 p.m.)
$25 per person
Online Registration
Online registration is available beginning in Spring 2022. Please register early and by May 5. If you miss registering online the next opportunity for you to register will be onsite, during the weekend.
On-site registration Hours:
- Thursday, 2 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–2 p.m.
If you have questions about Registration or plan to arrive after registration closes, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at rc@wesleyan.edu or (860) 685-2116.
Commencement Ceremony Rain Plan
The Commencement Ceremony is held outdoors, rain or shine. Under certain weather conditions, the ceremony may be shifted from the open field, where seating is unlimited, into the large tent on Andrus Field. Although the tent accommodates numerous spectators, seating is limited. In this scenario, we respectfully request that each graduate limit his/her guests to 3 seats under the tent. Please come prepared with raincoats and umbrellas.
In the event of an implementation of the rain plan, information will be posted on the Wesleyan homepage and the Reunion & Commencement website, and graduating seniors will be notified via email. Details will also be available at Registration (Exley Science Center). The ceremony will be simulcast in the Memorial Chapel, Patricelli ’92 Theater, Ring Family Performing Arts Hall, and Tishler Lecture Hall (Room 150) at Exley Science Center, rain or shine. The ceremony may also be viewed on the Reunion & Commencement website.
Visitors with Disabilities
The University is committed to full access and reasonable accommodations for all people.
Sign Language Interpreters
A sign language interpreter is present at the Commencement Ceremony Contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations via email at rc@wesleyan.edu to make arrangements.
Accessible Seating for Commencement
Wesleyan provides up to 3 seats in the accessible seating area. We ask that at least one guest/escort remain with the person requiring accessible seating for the duration of the ceremony. Please be advised that the accessible seating section is located outdoors on an open, grassy field. Guests should come prepared for appropriate weather conditions (hat, umbrella, water bottles, etc.) as these seats are exposed to the elements. Real time simulcasts of the ceremony are available indoors for guests who would be more comfortable there. Reservations do not need to be made for the indoor simulcasts.
Please complete and submit the Accessible Seating Request Form to reserve up to 3 seats in the accessible seating area. You will receive an email with a copy of the request you have made. A confirmation email will also be sent on the Wednesday prior to Commencement. If you need additional information or assistance, please send your inquiry to RCADArequest@wesleyan.edu.
Accessibility Parking During the Weekend and for Commencement
Mobility impaired guests may park in the "C" lot off of Church Street or the Office of Admission parking lot. University staff and students driving golf carts will be available at each lot to assist in transporting guests to-and-from the accessibility section on Andrus Field. Drivers may also drop of guests on Wyllys Avenue and then park elsewhere. Visitors needing accessible parking may also utilize any of the designated spaces on campus with a properly displayed state-issued plate or placard from any state. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wheelchairs
Guests needing wheelchairs should must arrangements to bring their own; wheelchairs are not provided. Wheelchairs can often be rented from a local medical supply store in your community, but are not available from the University.
Parents and Grandparents who work in the field of education are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony
We warmly invite parents and grandparents who work in the field of education to march as a division in the ceremony. Educators are then welcome to sit as a division, along with a guest, or may choose to sit in general seating following the procession. Educators must supply and wear their own regalia.
Please respond in the online registration form if you wish to particpate. Should you have any questions please contact Meg Zocco via email at mzocco@wesleyan.edu or (860) 685-2799.
Caps and Gowns
Students may purchase their cap and gown regalia (via credit card) from the following Oak Hall website: https://wesleyan.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome.
Students will either choose a Bachelor Package, Masters Package, or Doctor Package. The website will guide you to the correct gown size by asking height and weight questions. All Bachelor Regalia will be shipped to the Wesleyan R J Julia Bookstore and will be available for pick up starting Monday, May 9th. Students will have until Monday, March 28nd to purchase their caps and gowns online.
Deadlines are final.
Students that miss deadlines will have the opportunity to purchase their regalia at the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore in May, however it is highly recommended that they purchase their regalia now.
Wesleyan R J Julia Bookstore: 413 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457 (860) 685-3939.
Store Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Thursday- Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Diplomas
Members of the Class of 2022 may obtain their diplomas on Friday, May 20 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. in the Registrar’s Office, North College. Graduates should be prepared to show a photo ID.
Tickets to Commencement
At this time, we do not anticipate limitations to the number of guests attending the outdoor ceremony on Andrus Field. However, we will continue to assess conditions of the pandemic and will provide updates if any modifications are required. Per COVID-19 campus visitor guidelines, all guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “Fully vaccinated” means receiving a booster shot within 30 days of CDC eligibility. Following current CDC and Connecticut Department of Public Health Guidelines, and with everyone’s safety in mind, plans are subject to change if conditions necessitate. Thank you for your flexibility!
Everyone is welcome at Commencement, 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. Information about accessibility seating for persons with disabilities is available here.
Graduation Announcements
Printed graduation announcements were made availble to seniors in March and coordinated by the senior class dean.
Photos
Wesleyan has partnered with GradImages and professional photographers will be at the ceremony to take a candid photograph. You may pre-register for photos and receive a coupon for 20% off your entire order.