Winter Commencement Guest Information

Winter 2019 Commencement will take place Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m., at Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre, 95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford, Connecticut.

Due to the number of guests attending the Commencement ceremony, entering and exiting the parking lots will require additional time. Please plan to arrive early - the doors to the theater open at 12:30 p.m., with the heaviest volume of traffic arriving in the half-hour prior to the start of the Commencement ceremony. Parking attendants will direct guests to available parking - your patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated. For more information about the venue, please visit Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre

Click here to view the full schedule

• All guests, including children two years of age and older, will require a ticket to enter. There are no exceptions. Guest tickets are distributed to the graduating student via an online application, MarchingOrder.
• Due to the number of guests attending the Commencement ceremony, entering and exiting the parking lots will require additional time. Please plan accordingly.
• Graduation memorabilia, including flowers and t-shirts, will be available at the University's Campus Store kiosk, located in the lobby of the Oakdale Theatre.
• Snacks and beverages will be available to purchase from the Oakdale Theatre.
• We ask that all guests remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
• Please note that to facilitate an uninterrupted processional, the lobby doors will be closed and held between 1:45 and 2:10 p.m. No guests will have access to the theater during these times. Guests wishing to view the processional should be seated prior to 1:45 p.m. Please plan accordingly.

It is strongly recommended to make reservations as soon as possible to ensure accommodations for out-of-town guests. Please visit the following pages when planning your visit:

• Places to Stay Near the University
• Dining Near the University
• Places to Stay Near the Oakdale Theatre
• Dining Options in the Greater New Haven Area

• Oakdale Theatre and its facilities are fully ADA accessible.
• Elevator access is available to all levels of the facility.
• A limited number of infrared hearing devices are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students must request in advance when completing the Commencement Participation Form.
• A limited number of wheelchair-accessible seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students must request in advance when completing the Commencement Participation Form.
• Guests must bring their own wheelchair.
• Parking for the disabled is located in the spaces directly in front of the main entrance to Oakdale Theatre and is available to patrons who possess a handicapped parking sticker, hang tag or license plate.

If you anticipate needing any type of handicapped accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Commencement office at commencement@newhaven.edu.

Commencement is a momentous occasion as it is the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. As one of the truly important memories of a lifetime, the University of New Haven has selected GradImages to capture the moment. A photographer from GradImages will be at the ceremony to photograph each graduating student at their special moment of recognition.

As professional photographers will be available, the graduate seating and stage areas are off-limits to audience members throughout the Commencement ceremony. Guests are strongly encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy. Once the Commencement ceremony has concluded graduates and their guests will then be invited to take photographs in front of the stage.

An email, including a digital proof, will be sent to each graduating student within a week of the Commencement ceremony.

Students may order these photos online at gradimages.com or by calling (800) 261-2576. Students who pre-register their University email and up to six additional emails at this pre-registration link will receive a 20% discount.

For additional information or questions, please email giservice@gradimages.net.