Information for Parents of Seniors and Guests
Commencement Ceremony:
Sunday, May 25 at 10:00 am in the outdoor amphitheater, rain or shine.
Seating is first come, first served. Tickets are not required. A live video broadcast will be shown simultaneously in the Chapel. The ceremony will conclude at approximately noon and all graduates, their families and guests are invited to attend a reception on the library lawn immediately following. In the event of severe weather conditions, the ceremony will take place in the Williamson Auditorium at Walker Field House and seating will be limited.
Accommodations:
At this point in time area hotels may be filled to capacity. To supplement accommodations at local hotels and the Alumnae House, Vassar traditionally offers limited on-campus commencement housing for families and guests of graduating seniors. In making your decision, please note that guests are housed in residence halls rooms that offer convenience but not necessarily extended amenities. More detailed information is included. For your convenience, a list of restaurants in the area is enclosed. You are advised to make all reservations as early as possible.
General Parking:
Automobile access to campus on commencement day is prohibited until 3:00pm. All guests must use the south lot parking area. When south lot is full, additional parking will be available at the Vassar Farm. Shuttle buses will run continuously from south lot and the Farm to the commencement site beginning at 7:30am.
Special Needs Parking and Seating:
Seating and parking are available for guests using wheelchairs or for those who have other conditions that prohibit them from walking to the outdoor amphitheater seating. Due to the limitations of seating space, we cannot seat entire families in the special needs section but will permit one additional person to be seated in that area with each special needs request. Guests should contact the Office of Campus Activities before May 1. Requests received late will be honored on a space-available basis. Guests with special needs are particularly encouraged to make themselves comfortable in the Chapel, if outdoor conditions are not favorable.