Commencement Weekend
Traditional activities are organized by the senior class beginning Friday evening and will continue throughout the day on Saturday. These gatherings and events are open to the entire community of graduates and families, and attendance is voluntary.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Café at the Aula
8:00pm
The Aula
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Awarding of the Prizes
11:00am
The Chapel
Presented by the Dean of the College and the Dean of Studies. The senior prize recipients will be awarded scholastic prizes and awards. Recipients will be notified in advance.
Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Graduation Ceremony
1:00 – 2:00pm
The Aula
Alumnae/i of Asian and Pacific descent will present identifying senior graduates with a red satin stole to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony marks the seniors’ transition to the world outside Vassar and welcomes them to the alumnae/i community.
Performances by Vassar College A Capella group
1:00 – 4:00pm
Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center
AAAVC Kente Cloth Ceremony
2:00 – 3:00pm
Main Building, Villard Room
Black and African American alumnae/i will present Kente cloth stoles for seniors to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony marks the transition from Vassar and welcomes the seniors to the AAAVC family.
President’s Reception in Honor of the Class of 2017
2:00 – 4:00pm
Chapel Lawn
All friends, family and members of the Vassar community are invited.
Commencement Concert
3:00 – 3:45pm
Skinner Hall of Music
An annual tribute to the graduating seniors presented by members of the Music Department Faculty.
Baccalaureate
4:00 – 6:00pm
The Chapel
A celebration, rooted in the tradition of the black church, of faith and spirituality in recognition of academic achievement. Presented by the Council of Black Seniors, open to the entire Vassar community of graduates and families.
Dancing and Desserts, Champagne Reception
9:00pm – 12:00am
Students’ Building
Bring your family and friends to enjoy champagne, light desserts, and dancing! Sponsored by The Class of 2017.
Bonfire
12:00am
Ballentine Field
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Vassar College Commencement Ceremony
10:00am
Outdoor Amphitheater
Reception immediately following commencement
Chapel Lawn
Department Receptions
All Multidisciplinary Programs Reception
New Space | Old Laundry Building 204-206
Anthropology Department
Blodgett Hall Courtyard
Art Department
Taylor Hall, Jade Room
Chinese and Japanese Department
Sanders Classroom Building, Room 113
Economics Department
College Center, Multipurpose Room
English Department
The Old Bookstore College Center, Lower Level Lounge
History Department
Swift Hall, Campbell Room
Integrated Science Commencement Reception
Bridge for Laboratory Sciences, Atrium/Patio
For Psychological Science, Cognitive Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Neuroscience, Physics majors.
Italian Department
Chicago Hall, Italian Lounge
Jewish Studies Department
New Space | Old Laundry Building 204-206
Office of International Services
Main Building, Rose Parlor
Religion Department
Main Building, Faculty Parlor
Sociology Department
College Center, Faculty Commons