1:
DO WE NEED TICKETS FOR COMMENCEMENT? (Also, see below for information on INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INVITES.)
A:
You do not need tickets for Commencement.
Commencement day is planned for our graduates; the College hosts an outdoor Commencement ceremony so that we can accommodate our graduates' families, friends, and guests. NO TICKETS ARE NEEDED.
Commencement will be held outside, rain or shine. Please come prepared for any kind of weather (warm coats, raincoats, umbrellas, sunscreen, hats, etc.) and please be sure to bring shoes appropriate for damp, grassy terrain. A tent, to provide sun and rain protection, will be located behind the seating area, and we will provide a live broadcast of the ceremony in McCullough Social Space--directly behind the rain tent--handicap facilities available, and Mead Chapel--up the hill--handicap port-o-let available, for those who want to be inside.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
If you are an international student who needs an invitation letter for visa purposes, we ask you to think ahead if you are planning to invite your international family members/friends to your graduation. Some of your invited guests may need to apply for a tourist visa to come to the U.S. to attend the graduation ceremonies. To apply for a tourist visa, individuals typically need to have an OFFICIAL letter of invitation (contact info below). The visa application process can take several months or more depending on the country, so you should encourage your guests to learn about the process at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their country to determine the steps in the process and the timing of their application/visa interview. In most cases, your guests will need to present the letter of invitation either at the application or interview stage. The link to our ISSS Web site and to the Commencement Letter of Invitation area is listed below. You may submit your requests using the electronic form, which is available at the bottom of that page. http://www.middlebury.edu/campuslife/doc/isss/students/current_students/Commencement-Travel_Invitation_Letters.htm The electronic request is forwarded directly to our isss@middlebury.edu office email box. (You may request to pick up the letter in-person or that we send it directly to the guest or to your mailbox so that you may mail it to the person.) For questions about this process, please contact:
Taunia Cantin at x5382 or tcantin@middlebury.edu OR Kathy Foley-Giorgio at foleygio@middlebury.edu.
2:
HOW MANY TICKETS DO I GET FOR BACCALAUREATE?
A:
Baccalaureate: In order to allow as many people as possible to attend Baccalaureate and to comply with seating requirements in Mead Chapel,
each senior will receive three tickets for Baccalaureate for Saturday, May 24; one ticket is for the senior. There are two ceremonies, one at 2:30 p.m. and another at 4:00 p.m. Seniors will be assigned alphabetically with students whose last names begin with A-L attending the 2:30 ceremony and students whose last names begin with M-Z attending the 4:00 ceremony. The 4:00 ceremony will end no later than 5:00 p.m., so you may plan your dinner reservations accordingly. Since seating is limited, seniors and guests will be able to attend only the ceremony for which they have received tickets.
Seniors may pick up their Baccalaureate tickets at the Ticket Box Office located in the Grille Lobby of McCullough (see hours below). A student ID will be required. Seniors who are unable to pick up their tickets in person may send a friend with their ID. Seniors MUST make sure that their guests have the tickets they need in order for them to be admitted to Baccalaureate. There will be no duplicates issued.
Seniors may trade tickets among themselves if they wish to attend the other ceremony from which they were assigned. There will be no extra tickets. If you know that your will NOT attend Baccalaureate, please notify the box office at boxoffice@middlebury.edu so they can make your tickets available to someone else.
Folding chairs will be set up outside Mead Chapel for guests who would like to listen to the Baccalaureate services but who are unable to obtain tickets to be seated inside the Chapel.
Ticket Distribution (Ticket Box Office, Grille Lobby, McCullough): Monday - Saturday, May 19-24: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Seniors will be asked to show their identification cards to pick up Baccalaureate tickets. If seniors are unable to pick up their tickets in person, they may send a friend with their ID.
Questions about ticketing should be directed to Debra Anderson at
danderso@middlebury.edu or Kathleen Knippler at
knippler@middlebury.edu.Note regarding the Baccalaureate Service: Middlebury College is and always has been a nonsectarian institution, although its founding in 1800 grew out of a Protestant tradition. The Baccalaureate Service pays honor to the history and traditions of the College, one of which has been an address to the senior class by the President at the time of Commencement.
The order of the Baccalaureate Service is intended to welcome people of all faiths, while at the same time acknowledging the College's institutional and intellectual heritage. We extend warm greetings to all those in attendance, affirming the importance of those shared human values that are central to all religious traditions and beliefs. Through this service, we both recognize our past and celebrate the diversity of belief encompassed by the members of the senior class, their families, and friends.
3:
WHAT IF I'M A "FEB" '08, OR A NON-GRADUATING SENIOR ("FEB" 09, OR SOMEONE COMPLETING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AFTER MAY 2008 BUT BY FEBRUARY 2009)?
A:
Since Middlebury College has only one "official" Commencement in May, "Feb" '08's are invited--with fellow graduating seniors--to participate in Commencement and walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.
"Feb" '09's and others who will complete their degree requirements after May 2008 but by February 2009, are offered the opportunity to participate in the Commencement ceremony, wear a cap and gown, and march with their department (but not walk across the stage for a diploma). They remain seated while the graduating seniors go across the stage to receive diplomas and canes. President Liebowitz will recognize "Feb" '09's and those who have not yet completed their degree requirements as a group during the ceremony.
Please notify the Associate Registrar (802-443-5340 or
arouleau@middlebury.edu) if you are planning to participate in Commencement, no later than May 5.
To stay on campus, whether participating or not, please see the question directly below.
"Feb" '08's, '09's, and others who will complete their degree requirements after May 2008 but by February 2009, will pick up their tickets for Baccalaureate at the Box Office in the Grille Lobby of McCullough.
Please note: Questions about the "Feb Celebration" in January should
be directed to the Alumni and Parent Office at 802-443-5183.
4:
WHAT IF I AM A NON-GRADUATING SENIOR ("FEB" '09 OR SOMEONE COMPLETING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AFTER MAY 2008 BUT BY FEBRUARY 2009) AND PLAN TO STAY ON CAMPUS DURING COMMENCEMENT WEEK, OR A RETURNING "FEB" WHO NEEDS HOUSING FOR THE WEEKEND?
A:
Non-graduating seniors ("Feb" 09 or someone completing degree requirements after May 2008 by by February 2009) are allowed to stay on campus during Commencement week. In mid-May, all non-graduating seniors--who meet the above criteria--will automatically receive "pink slips" in their mailboxes. The pink slip allows them to stay in their dorm rooms during Commencement week. If you are a non-graduating senior and do not receive a pink slip, please be in touch with Karin Hall-Kolts (
khall@middlebury.edu or x3301) in the Dean of the College office.
Reminder: ALL students must be moved out of residence halls no later than 11:00 p.m. on Commencement day.
In advance of Commencement, 1) please pack and bring or send home items no longer needed, e.g. winter clothing, and 2) Please pack personal belongings during the week before Commencement and have all in readiness for moving on Commencement evening.
Returning "Febs" must make special arrangements for on-campus weekend housing by contacting Karin Hall-Kolts (
khall@middlebury.edu or 443-3301) in the Dean of the College office.
Weekend housing is available from 3:00 p.m. on the Friday of Commencement Weekend, to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday (Commencement day).
5:
SHOULD I LET SOMEONE KNOW I AM NOT PLANNING TO MARCH AT COMMENCEMENT?
A:
Yes, you should let the Associate Registrar (802-443-5340 or
arouleau@middlebury.edu) know of your intent
NOT to march
no later than noon, May 19.
6:
IF I AM A JOINT/DOUBLE MAJOR, CAN I MARCH IN WHATEVER DEPARTMENT I WANT?
A:
NO, you should have (or will) declare on your "intent to graduate" form the department in which you want to march. IF you change your mind after turning in the form to the Registrar's office, you must let the Associate Registrar (802-443-5340 or
arouleau@middlebury.edu) know in which department you chose to march
no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19.
There will be no changes allowed after this time.
7:
WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF I HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO PHI BETA KAPPA (PBK)?
A:
You will be notified via e-mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before Commencement. The ceremony for Phi Beta Kappa is Saturday at 9:00 a.m. in the Kevin P. Mahaney '84 Center for the Arts, Concert Hall (Continental breakfast available at 8:15 a.m.). Please click here for more information on PBK and the selection process:
http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/acadinfo/pbk/
8:
WHEN IS THE SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY?
A:
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. at Mead Memorial Chapel.
9:
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR COMMENCEMENT AND THE WEEKEND?
A:
There is no formal dress code. Most people seem to dress "smart, casual" for events. Some people will dress more formally (or not), but the majority dress "smart casual." Seniors should wear appropriate clothing for Commencement. Please, no bare feet. Please remember to come prepared for any kind of weather (warm coats, raincoats, umbrellas, sunscreen, etc.) and please be sure to bring shoes appropriate for damp, uneven, grassy terrain.
10:
HOW DO I GET MY CAP AND GOWN?
A:
You may pick them up from the College Bookstore (802-443-5334) from May 19-23 (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) and May 24 (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). Middlebury College provides complimentary caps, gowns, and tassels for our seniors. They do not have to be returned. (Tassels are worn on the right side on the mortarboard until after the BA degree is conferred, at which time the tassels are moved from the right side to the left side.) Note: If it is raining, you may want to take advantage of the free ponchos distributed at the college bookstore table located at senior line-up. The graduation gowns "bleed" a bit, so wearing the poncho underneath will help protect your clothes.
11:
HOW DO I ORDER COMMENCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS?
A:
Parents of seniors will receive information and a brochure regarding ordering personalized Commencement announcements from an independent vendor named Jostens (800-854-7464;
www.jostens.com).
Middlebury College Bookstore (802-443-5334) has generic announcements available that you can personalize using your own computer.
12:
CAN I HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENCEMENT INVITATIONS?
A:
No, only parents of graduating seniors are sent Commencement invitations. You may order Commencement announcements (see previous question).
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
If you are an international student who needs an invitation letter for visa purposes, we ask you to think ahead if you are planning to invite your international family members/friends to your graduation. Some of your invited guests may need to apply for a tourist visa to come to the U.S. to attend the graduation ceremonies. To apply for a tourist visa, individuals typically need to have an OFFICIAL letter of invitation (contact info below). The visa application process can take several months or more depending on the country, so you should encourage your guests to learn about the process at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their country to determine the steps in the process and the timing of their application/visa interview. In most cases, your guests will need to present the letter of invitation either at the application or interview stage. The link to our ISSS Web site and to the Commencement Letter of Invitation area is listed below. You may submit your requests using the electronic form, which is available at the bottom of that page. http://www.middlebury.edu/campuslife/doc/isss/students/current_students/Commencement-Travel_Invitation_Letters.htm The electronic request is forwarded directly to our isss@middlebury.edu office email box. (You may request to pick up the letter in-person or that we send it directly to the guest or to your mailbox so that you may mail it to the person.) For questions about this process, please contact:
Taunia Cantin at x5382 or tcantin@middlebury.edu OR Kathy Foley-Giorgio at foleygio@middlebury.edu.
13:
WHAT TIME DOES COMMENCEMENT START ON SUNDAY AND HOW LONG IS THE CEREMONY?
A:
Commencement starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m.
14:
WHERE AND WHEN DO SENIORS LINE UP FOR COMMENCEMENT?
A:
Seniors are asked to line up at 9:00 a.m. between Old Chapel and Starr Hall so that we may line them up alphabetically within the department in which they've previously arranged to march on their "intent to graduate" form (no changes on Commencement day).
Some of you may want to know on which side will seniors sit during Commencement? The division is by calculating the size of the class (still reporting in as late as the Friday before) and then dividing it in half (alphabetically by department) so that a certain number of departments sit on the right (as you are facing the stage), and the remainder on the left (the goal being to have each side as even as possible). Most years, it is "Am. Civ." through "History of Art and Architecture" on the right, and "Independent Scholar" through "Women's and Gender Studies" on the left. This can change year to year, usually with History of Art and Architecture being the department shifted from one side to the other. Please ask for a diagram at the Program tables.
15:
WHERE DO I MEET MY GRADUATE AFTER COMMENCEMENT?
A:
Graduates will recess into the luncheon area on Mead Chapel Lawn. In the event of intolerable weather all three dining halls (Proctor, Ross, Atwater) will be open. In either case, please prearrange a meeting place with your graduate.
16:
WHAT ARE MY LODGING OPTIONS? WILL YOU OFFER ON-CAMPUS AND BREAD LOAF GUEST HOUSING?
A:
INFORMATION ON LODGING IN MIDDLEBURY AND SURROUNDING AREAS IN
VERMONT AND NEW YORK
During a three-day period in early November 2007, Middlebury College made available a very SMALL number of rooms on-campus and at Bread Loaf to Commencement weekend guests.
All college housing is now full.
Parents and other guests are encouraged to make arrangements with area lodging establishments as soon as possible. Sleeping in unreserved spaces will not be allowed. A listing of Web sites and other resources with information on lodging in Addison County, elsewhere in Vermont, and neighboring areas of New York State is provided below.
Addison County Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.midvermont.com/lodging/lodging.shtml
The Addison County Chamber of Commerce maintains a list of area hotels, motels, B&B’s, private homes, and other lodging establishments throughout Addison County. You may have received their brochure over the summer with a mailing sent from the College’s Alumni and Parent Programs office. A link to the Chamber’s website is provided above. Please feel free to call them first to check on availability for any of the properties listed. Their toll free number is 1-800-733-8376. For other options outside of Addison County, please click on any of the links listed below.
OTHERS:
Vermont :
The Heart of Vermont Lodging Association:
http://www.vermontinns.com/
Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.brandon.org
Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce ( Burlington area):
http://www.vermont.org
Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.rutlandvermont.com/memberlistings/lodging.html
Killington Chamber of Commerce ( Rutland area):
http://www.killingtonchamber.com/
Mad River Valley/Waitsfield (Sugarbush) area:
http://www.madrivervalley.com/
New York (across Lake Champlain -- Crown Point , Ticonderoga , Hague, Port Henry, Westport ):
www.ticonderogany.com
www.lakechamplainregion.com
Vacating graduate rooms: Graduates are required to move out of their dormitory rooms no later than 11:00 p.m. on SUNDAY, MAY 25. (These deadlines will be strictly enforced so that rooms may be maintained and prepared for Reunions and Language Schools.)
In advance of Commencement, 1) please pack and bring or send home items no longer needed, e.g. winter clothing, and 2) Please pack personal belongings during the week before Commencement and have all in readiness for moving on Commencement evening.
QUESTIONS: Questions about College Commencement housing may be directed to Kathleen Knippler, knippler@middlebury.edu
(802) 443-5393
or
Karen White, white@middlebury.edu
(802) 443-3300
17:
SOME PEOPLE RECEIVED COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION BUT I DIDN'T. HOW DO I GET ON THE LIST?
A:
You should do two things: 1) Notify the Commencement Coordinator (
knippler@middlebury.edu or 802-443-5393) who can direct you to, or send you the information you are missing--identical info can be found on this site, and, 2) Call your Commons Office and give them your correct address so they may correct the address in the system.
18:
WHAT ARE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
A:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) office provides a wide-range of services for people with disabilities, including phonic ear, American Sign Language, wheelchair arrangements (limited number), and more.
If you or any of your guests need ADA services, we encourage you to call our ADA office in advance for more information and personal arrangements. 802-443-5936 or for TTY, 443-7437 or litchfie@middlebury.edu.
We have a small number of handicap parking spaces available at each ceremony and those will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis to those with handicap placards. Once the parking spots are filled, handicap drop off will still be available, but cars will have to be parked elsewhere (no standing or waiting). There are shuttles available from most parking lots (see "Parking").
For guests staying at Bread Loaf, arrangements are limited and we may not be able to accommodate all requests. There are no handicap accessible accommodations available in Stewart Hall.
Large print programs are available for Commencement at the program distribution tables.
Large print programs for the Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony, Senior Awards Ceremony, and Baccalaureate Services can be made available with two weeks advanced notice.
An ADA check-in location will be available at the Commencement site for guests with disabilities and those who have identified themselves in advance of Commencement. Those using the services of ASL (American Sign Language) must check in at the ADA tent for an admission ticket to the signing area.
19:
WHAT ABOUT PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY?
A:
Chappell Graduation Images (800-424-3686-- http://www.chappell.com/) will attend the Commencement ceremony to photograph each graduate receiving his or her diploma. Proofs of these photographs, with information regarding purchase, will be sent from Chappell to each graduate's home address following Commencement. Please contact Chappell directly with questions.
Parents of seniors receive a College mailing in February that contains information from Collegiate Video.
Collegiate Video (802-365-4414-- http://www.collegiatevideo.com/order.html) will be on campus to film highlights of Commencement weekend. Order forms can be completed and mailed back to Collegiate Video or you may call them directly with orders or questions.
20:
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT SENIOR WEEK ACTIVITIES?
A:
21:
SHOULD I MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT?
A:
Yes, the last official Commencement activity on Saturday ends with the last Baccalaureate service at approximately 5:00 p.m.
22:
SHOULD I MAKE LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND WHEN?
A:
Middlebury College provides a complimentary luncheon immediately following Commencement, so the choice is yours. Commencement ends between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m.
23:
WHEN DO GUESTS AND GRADUATES HAVE TO BE OUT OF THEIR ROOMS?
A:
Guests: Check-out is 3:00 p.m. on Commencement day for both Bread Loaf and Stewart Hall guests (no exceptions). If you need housing beyond May 25, please refer to the list in the question above that lists other lodging options.
Graduates: Graduates must move out of their dormitory rooms no later than 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 25(Commencement day). (These deadlines must be enforced so that rooms may be maintained and prepared for Reunions and Language Schools.)
In advance of Commencement, 1) please pack and bring or send home items no longer needed, e.g. winter clothing, and 2) Please pack personal belongings during the week before Commencement and have all in readiness for moving on Commencement evening.
24:
WILL THE GOLF COURSE BE OPEN?
A:
Yes, the number is 802-443-5125.
25:
QUESTIONS
A: