Parents & Families

Dear Parents and Guardians of Students in the Class of 2024:

Spring is now in full bloom across the Wesleyan campus and students, faculty and staff are welcoming in the change of season. Classes end on Wednesday, May 8; reading period takes place between May 9 to 13, and final exams will be from May 14 to 17, followed by Senior Week from May 21 through May 25. The 192nd Commencement ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 26. No tickets or reservations are required; seating is unlimited and available on a first come, first served basis. In case of severe weather, the ceremony will be abbreviated and moved under a tent, where seating will be limited. For the full calendar of commencement related activities taking place during the weekend of May 24-26, please consult the 2024 Commencement site. Family members who work as teachers and administrators in the field of education are invited to march as a division in the Commencement procession. Please contact Cecilia McCall if you are interested in participating in the march. Please note: Students are required to move out of their campus residences by Monday, May 27 by 4:00 p.m.

For many seniors, graduating is a bittersweet experience. Commencement can instill tremendous feelings of pride and personal accomplishment for all the work done and knowledge gained. At the same time, however, this elation may be tempered by a feeling that one is losing one’s close community they have created at Wesleyan. There will, of course, be countless opportunities for your students to connect with one another through social media, linkedin.com, class reunions, and various alumni events scattered across the globe. For all the goodbyes that must be said over the next few weeks, there are new friendships to be made and new communities to build when your students spread their wings and transition to life beyond Wesleyan. Wesleyan alumni, however, often stay connected with their alma mater and we also enjoy hearing from them as well as about their adventures and accomplishments. The Gordon Career Center is available to them both as students and as alumni to help with their next steps.

In the meantime, the semester is not quite over, as students still have papers to write, projects to complete, and exams to take. I have provided each senior with information regarding how to confirm the name that will be printed on the diploma and will soon be sending out information regarding how to record one’s name to ensure it will be pronounced correctly at the Commencement ceremony. I’ve also provided them with information regarding how and where to purchase or rent a cap and gown. If your student has any questions about any of these things, please encourage them to get in touch with me as soon as possible or check out the Class of 2024 blog online.

It has been a wonderful time working with you and your students as the dean for the class of 2024. It has been an honor. I will see you at Commencement!