Winter Commencement Schedule and Information

The University of New Haven’s 2019 Winter Commencement will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre, located at 95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford, Conn.

Guest Information
  • All guests, including children two years of age and older, will require a ticket to enter. There are no exceptions.
  • 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.
Student Information
  • Guest tickets will be distributed electronically through MarchingOrder. Look for announcements via student email and on the myCharger winter commencement page.
  • Academic regalia (cap and gown) will be available for pick-up at Charge Out on Monday, November 11, 2019, from 1-6 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge, Bartels Hall.
  • Students participating in Commencement do not need a ticket.
  • There is no rehearsal for Commencement.
  • Beach balls, balloons, signs, banners, horns and other noisemakers, alcoholic beverages, vapes, and e-cigarettes will not be permitted in the theater. Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be removed from the area.
  • We ask that all students participating in the Commencement ceremony and their guests remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
  • Remember your regalia and Charger Card ID. Students who do not have their cap and gown and Charger Card will be ineligible to participate.
  • All students participating in the Commencement ceremony must arrive early for check-in and line-up. Ceremony participants should arrive at 1 p.m. for check-in. Student procession begins at 2 p.m.
  • Staff will be on-site to direct students to the appropriate check-in areas.

Ceremony Schedule

12:15 p.m. Student buses will leave the University of New Haven's main campus in front of Maxcy Hall for Oakdale Theatre.
12:30 p.m. Doors will open for seating – no guests will be admitted without a ticket. Guest seating is not assigned.
1:00 p.m. All students participating in the ceremony will check in and must have their Charger Card ID and all regalia, prior to being lined up for the processional. Remember your regalia. Students who do not have their cap and gown will be ineligible to participate. Regalia is not available on-site.
1:45 p.m. 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.
2:00 p.m. Procession begins. The doors will close and remain closed until the conclusion of the procession – all guests must be in their seats.
2:15 p.m. Ceremony begins and will last approximately two hours. We ask that all students participating in Commencement and their guests remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
4:15 p.m. (approximately) Ceremony to end.