Commencement
University of New Haven Commencement Mission Statement
Commencement represents the culmination of the UNH student's academic achievement. It is a time for reflection and celebration for students, families, friends, faculty and staff. It brings together our diverse community to share in the joy of accomplished goals.
Commencement is the ceremony in which master's, bachelor's and associate's degrees are conferred. Speeches are delivered by the President of the University, the Commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient, and graduate and undergraduate student leaders. The master's degree recipients are hooded by the Provost. The conferral of all degrees is completed by inviting all the candidates to stand. The candidates are presented to the President as their individual name is announced and they walk across the stage to receive their diploma.
Commencement is a special event for all involved. Please show respect for everyone who has come to share in the experience. Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be removed from the area.
The Winter Commencement Ceremony is held in the Robert B. Dodds Stadium, North Campus Athletics Complex.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 26, 2007, 10::00 a.m. promptly. The ceremony lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is held rain or shine!
All candidates should assemble in the Charger Gymnasium lower level by 9:00 a.m. No rehearsal will be held. The procession will form in the lower level of the gymnasium. Line-up instructions and placement will be provided at that time. The procession will march in two lines and both lines will enter the gymnasium where the lines will split as they enter the seating area. A Faculty Marshal will be leading each line and assisting with the movement of the candidates to their correct seat. This is very important since each candidate is called by name to receive their diploma.
All candidates planning to march in the Commencement procession must be robed. The academic attire must be ordered through the Provost's office and the information for doing so has already been mailed to you. By this time you should have completed and returned the order form.
Caps and gowns will be available for pick-up at the Campus Bookstore* beginning January 2, 2007. The hours for the Bookstore are as follows:
| Monday - Wednesday: | 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m |
| Thursday: | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday: | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday: | 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| Sunday: | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Special hours for Saturday May 26th from 8:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m.
Proper identification will be required to obtain your academic regalia.
The cap is worn horizontally with the tassel on the right side.
Purses are not to be carried and will present a security problem if left in the lower level of the Gymnasium. Please leave all of your personal effects with your family or friends.
Commencement Parking and Utilization of Shuttle Buses
It should be noted that we anticipate over 300 candidates at the Commencement ceremonies. Since we lack sufficient space at North Campus to accommodate all participants (faculty, staff, candidates, and guests) parking will be on a first come first served basis with auxiliary parking on the Main Campus and shuttle bus service to the Charger Gymnasium. These buses will also be available for return transportation immediately following the graduation ceremony.
Please note that there is NO PARKING ON THE SIDE STREETS SURROUNDING THE GYMNASIUM! We ask your cooperation in this matter for the following reasons:
- 1. We must maintain accessible lanes for emergency vehicles if needed.
- 2. Private driveways are not to be blocked.
*Violation of either of the above may result in the towing away of vehicles by municipal authorities.
- 3. Utilization of the shuttle buses will also alleviate the massive traffic jams we have experienced in the past, allowing us to move vehicles and people in and out of the North Campus in an orderly fashion. There will be several well-marked bus stops through out campus for the convenience of our guests.
- 4. Handicapped/Disabled Parking - Maxcy Hall and Admissions Parking Lots - Transportation will be provided by handi-vans. These vans will also be available for return transportation immediately following the ceremony and reception.
- 5. The main entrance to the University, located at the traffic light on Boston Post Road, Route 1, will be closed to incoming traffic immediately after the Commencement recessional. Please use the lower entrance by the Gatehouse, Boston Post Road, Route 1, for access to the Main Campus. Please advise guests to use the lower entrance and inform them of the location.
No tickets are required for the ceremony. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.
For those with hearing impairments, a sign-language interpreter will be on the stage for the entire ceremony.
A handicapped accessible area has been reserved for guests with special needs.
At the Commencement ceremony, handicapped parking will be available on the Main Campus in the Maxcy Hall or Bayer Hall parking lots. Handi-vans, equipped with a lift, will provide transportation to and from the stadium.
Reserved space for wheelchairs will be available. Inform guests with special needs to look for an usher when entering the stadium. If family and/or guests have special needs and require handicapped accessible seating, please contact Jill Zamparo, Director of Special Events, at 203-932-7426.
Commencement programs will be available and distributed by ushers at the entrance to the Gymnasium for guests and placed on the chairs of the candidates.
At the commencement ceremony, professional photographs will be taken of all graduates as they walk across the stage. These photographs will be available to the graduates through Commencement Services Inc. (CSI) at photograds.com. CSI will send information to the graduate's home address prior to the ceremony.
Personal photographs may be taken only before and after the ceremony.
Due to security issues, no one is permitted in the aisles during the ceremony!
Stadium Facilities
The stadium is not covered, so guests should dress for the climate and bring umbrellas or other protection from the sun and rain. Restrooms and a limited concession stand will be available.
Depending on the weather, a reception following the ceremony will be held either in the gymnasium or under a tent on the Vieira Field next to the stadium. All graduates and their guests are cordially invited and encouraged to attend. This is the perfect place to meet family and friends after the ceremony. Light refreshments and live music will be provided.
As a matter of courtesy, please turn off all audible signals.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the gymnasium. Firecrackers and explosives of any kind are prohibited.
For more information, or to answer any questions you may still have about Commencement, please contact:
Nancy Baker Undergraduate Registrar 203-932-7307
Karen Flynn Financial Aid 203-932-7317
Silvia Hyde Provost's Office 203-932-7267
Virginia Klump Graduate Registrar 203-932-7388
Marc Maniatis Bursar's Office 203-932-7218
Marie Petrecca Campus Bookstore 203-933-4000
Chief Henry Starkel Security 203-932-7033
Jill Zamparo Special Events 203-932-7426