Connecticut College looks forward to welcoming graduates from the Class of 2020 for their Celebration & Commencement Weekend, June 10–12, 2022. Updated plans are reflected below.
Where is the Class of 2020 Celebration & Commencement Weekend Check-In and what time is it open?
The Class of 2020 Celebration Weekend Welcome Center will be located in the College Center at Crozier-Williams and will be open Friday, June 10 from 2 – 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please make the Welcome Center your first stop. Check-in and receive your on-campus rooming information, event wristband, Commencement regalia, and more.
What COVID requirements must I be prepared to show in order to participate?
Class of 2020 alums and guests must provide one (1) of the following three options upon arrival to campus:
- Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination and booster with the Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine
- Documentation of having a negative COVID-19 PCR Test within 72 hours of arriving on campus
- Documentation of having had COVID-19 within 90 days of arrival on campus
All visitors to campus are expected to complete the Visitor COVID-19 Attestation Form. This signed form should be dropped off to the Campus Safety Gatehouse upon arrival or a scan/photograph of the signed form can be emailed to alumni@conncoll.edu. In the subject line, please write “Visitor COVID-19 Attestation Form.”
What is the schedule of events for Celebration & Commencement Weekend?
In partnership with Class of 2020 leadership, the offices of Alumni and Parent Engagement and Student Engagement are excited to share the Celebration & Commencement Weekend Schedule of Events for graduates. While the majority of events are intended for the Class of 2020 graduates to be together, guests making the trip to Connecticut College are invited to participate in the noted events. Please click here (link when available) to view the full Schedule of Events.
What nights will graduates be allowed to stay in campus housing?
Campus housing for graduates will be for the nights of June 10 and June 11. Graduates should plan to depart by 3 p.m. on June 12.
I’m a Class of 2020 graduate staying in the dorms. Do I need to bring sheets, pillows, etc.? Anything else I should plan to bring?
Each graduate staying in the dorms will be provided one towel and washcloth, as well as fitted sheets, a blanket and pillow. In addition to personal toiletries, please bring what will make you most comfortable in the dorms in summer. Ex. A small fan, summer blanket, shower shoes, snacks, etc.
Can guests stay in the residence halls?
No. Unfortunately, due to pandemic-related public health concerns and because the College is preparing for the fall semester, the residence halls are unavailable for guests. However, guests are welcome to click here to see available hotels in the area.
Were the Class of 2020 officers involved in any decisions about the Class of 2020 Celebration & Commencement Weekend?
Yes, Connecticut College staff met regularly with a committee of Class of 2020 officers and graduates to put together a thoughtful, intentional program that we hope will be enjoyed by all Class of 2020 graduates and their families.
Where will Commencement be held and what time is the ceremony?
The Commencement Ceremony will be held on Tempel Green on Sunday, June 12. All graduates should check in at Castle Court between 8:30 – 10 a.m. and report to Palmer Auditorium no later than 10 a.m. The Commencement Processional will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the Commencement Ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m., with an expected duration of two hours.
Where do I park?
Graduates staying on campus for the weekend are urged to park in South Lot. Parking for the Commencement Ceremony will be available in any parking lot on campus (Campus Map linked here), with the exception of the Office of Admission lot. If you or a family member have special needs, please stop at the Gatehouse upon entering campus and you will be directed to special parking. If you wish to reserve a wheelchair, please email Events@conncoll.edu by June 1, 2022.
How and when can graduates purchase their caps and gowns?
Caps and gowns for the Class of 2020 must be ordered by February 28, due to nationwide shortages. There will be no cost for regalia. All caps and gowns will be delivered to the Connecticut College Bookshop and can be picked up between June 10 - 12, 2022. For all additional questions, please email Director of Auxiliary Operations, Merrill Collins at mcollins@conncoll.edu.
I can't arrive until Sunday. What should I do?
If you’re only able to participate in the Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, we ask that graduates report to Castle Court on Sunday, June 12 between 8:30–10 a.m., and present the documentation required of guests. Once your COVID vaccination or test results are verified, you will be directed to sit alongside classmates in Palmer Auditorium.
Do attendees have to wear a mask?
Yes. Guests, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a face mask while indoors and respect social distancing. Masking is also recommended for all unvaccinated guests in outdoor spaces.
Will there be a photographer at Commencement?
The College has retained GradImages™ to take photos of each senior. Prior to the ceremony you may register your permanent email address at www.gradimages.com/
When visiting Connecticut College, are there any guidelines guests have to follow?
While on campus, the College asks that you abide by the following Connecticut College policies during your time on campus:
- Face coverings must be worn by unvaccinated people at all times
- Physical/social distancing must be maintained as much as possible
- Good hand hygiene is practiced frequently
- No guests are allowed in any College buildings other than the College Center at Crozier-Williams and Harris Dining Hall
For additional information about campus policies and visitor guidance, please visit The Path Forward website.
For the health and safety of the broader New London county community, where infection rate ranges from high to very high, Connecticut College also requests that you:
- Minimize your time in the region
- Limit the number of people coming to New London
- Refrain from having or attending any large social gatherings, which are at high risk for virus transmission.
Are faculty and staff invited to the Commencement Ceremony?
Yes. Faculty and staff who are already part of the College’s testing program need to test on Monday, June 6 or Tuesday, June 7.
Will pets be allowed on campus?
Unfortunately, we will not be allowing pets on campus for this year’s ceremony.
Where and how can Connecticut College Class Rings be purchased?
Jostens, in conjunction with the Connecticut College Bookshop, is the preferred vendor for college rings. For additional information please refer to the Jostens website. You may place orders directly on the Jostens website or call 800-854-7464. Please allow four to five weeks for delivery.
Where do I pick up my regalia upon arrival to campus?
When you arrive to campus and check in at the Registration Desk, please adjourn to the Connecticut College Bookshop (Crozier-Williams) to pick up your regalia. Bookshop hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (June 10), 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (June 11), and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (June 12).