Please note: "Feb '08's" receive Commencement mailings because some choose to come back and march at the May ceremony.
"Feb '09's" or others who will complete their degree requirements after May 2008 but by February 2009 are offered the opportunity to participate--but not walk across the stage for a diploma.
If you are not one of the three groups mentioned above or do not plan to march, please disregard any Commencement material you may receive.
The end of the academic year and Commencement are fast approaching. We look forward to celebrating Commencement with you.
You will find below, an outline of the activities being planned for Commencement weekend and the arrangements you and your parents should make. A calendar of important dates and events is provided at the end of this memorandum. If you need additional information concerning Commencement weekend, please e-mail me at knippler@middlebury.edu or please call me at 443-5393.
NON-GRADUATING SENIORS ("Feb" '09 or someone completing degree requirements after May 2008 but by February 2009):
1) Participating in the Commencement ceremony: Please notify the Associate Registrar (802-443-5340 or arouleau@middlebury.edu) no later than May 5, if you are planning to participate in the Commencement ceremony (wear a cap and gown, and march with your department--but not walk across the stage for a diploma).
2) Commencement weekend housing for non-graduating seniors: Non-graduating seniors who meet the above criteria are allowed to stay on campus during Commencement week. In mid-May, those non-graduating seniors will automatically receive "pink slips" in their mailboxes. This slip will allow 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. 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.
INFORMATION ON LODGING IN MIDDLEBURY AND SURROUNDING AREAS
IN VERMONT AND NEW YORK:
In 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 other 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
COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND TICKETS:
Commencement (Sunday, May 25): Commencement day is planned for our graduates: The College hosts an outdoor Commencement ceremony so that we can accommodate the families, friends, and guests of our graduates. Commencement is held outside, rain or shine. No tickets are needed. Please come prepared for any kind of weather (warm coats, raincoats, umbrellas, hats, sunscreen, etc.) and please be sure to bring shoes appropriate for damp, uneven, grassy terrain. A tent, to provide sun and rain protection, will be located behind the seating area. We will provide a live broadcast of the ceremony in McCullough Social Space (directly behind the rain tent, handicap facilities available) and in Mead Chapel (up the hill, handicap port-o-let available) for those who want to be inside.
Baccalaureate (Saturday, May 24): 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 shose 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 Box Office located in the Grille Lobby of McCullough (see hours below).
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. 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.
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 Box Office located in the Grille Lobby of McCullough (see hours below).
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. 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 Box Office (Grille Lobby, McCullough):
Monday–Saturday, May 19-24: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A student ID will be required. Seniors who are unable to pick up their tickets in person may send a friend with their ID.
Note regarding the Baccalaureate Service: Middlebury College is and always has been a non-sectarian 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.
ATTENDANCE AT COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES:
All graduating seniors are encouraged to attend the Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 25. If you cannot attend the Commencement exercises, please notify the Associate Registrar, Alice Rouleau (443-5340 or arouleau@middlebury.edu) in the Registrar's Office before 12:00 noon on Monday, May 19.
DOUBLE/JOINT MAJORS:
The Registrar's office will send you an "intent to graduate" form to fill out. In it, you will choose the department in which you will march. IF you change your mind AFTER sending in the form, you must notify the Associate Registrar, Alice Rouleau (443-5340 or arouleau@middlebury.edu) in the Registrar's Office by 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 19. Changes can not be allowed after this time.
CAPS AND GOWNS:
Caps and gowns may be picked up at the College Store, Wednesday through Friday, May 21-23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you are unable to pick up your gown at those times, please contact the store to make other arrangements. There is no charge for the caps and gowns, and they may be kept as souvenirs. Please note: The gowns "run" if it is raining so you may want to wear rain-gear underneath your gown to protect your clothing. The college provides ponchos at line-up that can be used for this purpose.
VACATING RESIDENCE HALL ROOMS:
Graduates are required to move out of their dormitory rooms no later than 11:00 p.m. on Commencement day, May 25 (These deadlines will 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.
GUIDELINES FOR PRIVATE PARTIES ON CAMPUS:
Graduating seniors (not parents) may reserve certain residence hall lounges for small private parties on Friday and Saturday of Commencement weekend. Reservations for such functions must be arranged in advance through the appropriate Commons Coordinator. Social House parties must be arranged through the Dean of the College office.
If alcohol is to be served, the laws of the State of Vermont must be adhered to. The party will need to submit a private Party Registration form through the Commons office or, if a Social House, from the Dean of the College office. If the party is held in a licensed facility on campus, the licensee (Middlebury College) must provide the alcohol.
Graduating seniors wishing to use nonresidential College facilities and/or outdoor public areas must reserve space in advance through the Events Scheduling and Information Office (no tents are to be erected).
Any alcohol served at parties or events held in nonresidential spaces must be provided by the College's Dining Events. These catered events must be registered 21 days in advance to allow time to meet the Vermont Liquor Control Board requirements.
Because of the many events on Commencement Weekend, the College is unable to provide special set-up services for such events (the college will NOT provide tables, chairs, set-up, or clean-up). Set-up and clean-up will be the responsibility of the person(s) having the party. Limited catering may be available from Dining Events. Dining Events also offers a list of approved off-campus caterers.
The spaces listed in the table will be used only for official College events during Commencement weekend. Seniors and their families may not reserve those facilities for private parties and should check with Events Scheduling (x2885) for the availability of other spaces.
FACILITIES OFF-LINE FOR COMMENCEMENT
Facility Venue |
Days and Times when not Available
|
Kirk Alumni Center
|
Wednesday before Commencement until 4:00 p.m. Commencement Day
|
Bread Loaf Campus
Hadley Barn
Ross Dining Hall (including
Ross Fireplace Lounge)Atwater Dining Hall
Proctor Dining Hall
Grille Lobby (Ticket Distribution)
|
All day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Commencement Weekend
|
Redfield Proctor
|
All day Saturday and Sunday of Commencement Weekend
|
Hepburn Lounge (Baccalaureate Choir)
|
Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
|
Munroe 214 (Green Room for VSO musicians)
McCullough Social Space (Indoor live-viewing) Mead Chapel (Indoor live-viewing)
Dana Auditorium (possible overflow live-viewing) |
Sunday, Commencement Day, until 3:00 p.m.
|
Please contact the following offices for scheduling or for further information: Events Scheduling and Information Office, 802-443-2885 and Dining Events, 802-443-5347.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA):
If you or any of your guests need ADA services, we encourage you to call our ADA office in advance for more information and for personal arrangements. 802-443-5936 or for TTY, 443-7437 or litchfie@middlebury.edu.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOS (by independent vendors):
Chappell Graduation Images (800-424-3686-- http://www.chappell.com/): Chappell Graduation Images 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 to each graduate's home address following Commencement.
In February, the Commencement Office will, or has sent an informational packet to the home address of parents of seniors which will include, among other items, information from the following independent vendor:
Videos--Collegiate Video (802-365-4414--http://www.collegiatevideo.com/): Collegiate Video 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 direct.
GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS (sent directly from an independent vendor):
Jostens (800-854-7464; www.jostens.com) offers personalized Commencement announcements that you can send to your family and friends.
Non-personalized graduation announcements may be purchased at the College Store (802-443-5334).
CALENDAR OF COMMENCEMENT EVENTS
(please check with the Senior Week Committee about student-run Senior Week events):
Senior Barbeque: Wednesday, May 21, 6:00 p.m.
Kevin P. Mahaney ’84 Center for the Arts / Rain site: Chip Kenyon ’85 Arena
President’s Reception: Friday, May 23, 5 - 7:00 p.m.
Mahaney Center for the Arts / Rain site: Pepin Gymnasium
Phi Beta Kappa, May 24, 9:00 a.m.: Students elected to Phi Beta Kappa will be notified by e-mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before Commencement. An induction ceremony will take place in the Mahaney Center for the Arts Concert Hall on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. Continental breakfast will be served in the lobby from 8:15 a.m. http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/acadinfo/pbk/
Senior Awards Ceremony: Saturday, May 24, 11:00 a.m.
Members of the senior class and their guests are invited to attend an awards ceremony in Mead Chapel. Academic, service, and athletic awards will be presented.
Baccalaureate Ceremonies: Saturday, May 24, 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
President Liebowitz will address the graduating Class at the Baccalaureate ceremony on Saturday afternoon in Mead Chapel. To accommodate as many parents and guests as possible, two ceremonies are planned. The first begins at 2:30 p.m. and the second begins at 4:00 p.m. See section above "Commencement Weekend Tickets" for ticket information.
Commencement Exercises: Sunday, May 25, 10:00 a.m.
The Commencement exercises will be held outside on the Central College Lawn, in the vicinity of Munroe and Voter Halls, on Sunday, May 25. Seniors are asked to be between Old Chapel and Starr Hall by 9:00 a.m. to line up and receive instructions for the Commencement procession and ceremonies. It is important to be punctual so that we can verify and line you up alphabetically within the department you chose (at an earlier date on your "intent to graduate" form). You cannot change your department on Commencement day.
The Commencement procession will form on the paved walkway behind Old Chapel next to Starr Hall and Starr Library. Seniors will line up in two lines facing Old Chapel. Standards will be placed indicating the location of the academic departments. You should assemble with your department and line up in alphabetical order. Joint and double majors: please contact the Registrar's Office if you do not remember the department with which you said you wanted to march (there will be no changes on Commencement day).
CLOTHING AT COMMENCEMENT:
Commencement is a dignified occasion. All students should wear appropriate dress clothing. Please, no bare feet at Commencement. The tassel on your mortarboards should be on the right side.
COMMENCEMENT LUNCHEON FOR GRADUATES AND GUESTS Sunday, May 25 (immediately following ceremony) (See "Commencement Weekend Meals"--below--for details.) Please be sure to prearrange a meeting place with your parents at the luncheon--either outside, on Mead Chapel Lawn or, in the event of rain, at your Commons dining hall.
CHECK-OUT FOR STEWARD HALL AND BREAD LOAF GUESTS: Sunday, May 25, 3:00 p.m. (No exceptions. If housing is needed beyond that time, please use the information provided above for area lodging).
Move-out for graduates in residence halls: Sunday, May 25, 11:00 p.m. (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.
COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND MEALS FOR SENIORS AND GUESTS:
For those seniors and their guests who choose to eat on campus, the College dining facilities will provide meals beginning with Friday dinner and continuing through Sunday breakfast. Tickets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner may be purchased by our guests at the door.
All meals listed are included in the student meal plan. Seniors not on the College meal plan must pay for all meals taken in the College dining halls. Children age 10 and under will be charged half price for meals.
Friday, May 23:
Dinner will be served from 5 - 7:00 p.m. at Atwater Dining Hall. $9.00 per person.
Saturday, May 24:
On-campus Breakfast will be served from 7 - 11:30 a.m. at Atwater Dining Hall. Complimentary.
Bread Loaf Breakfast will be served to Bread Loaf guests from 7 - 9:00 a.m. Complimentary.
Lunch will be served from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Atwater Dining Hall. $7.00 per person.
Dinner will be served from 5 - 7:00 p.m. at Ross Dining Hall. $9.00 per person.
Sunday, May 25:
On-campus Breakfast will be served from 7 - 11:30 a.m. at Atwater Dining Hall. Complimentary.
Bread Loaf Breakfast will be served to Bread Loaf guests from 7 - 9:00 a.m. Complimentary.
Commencement Lunch: A complimentary luncheon will be served to graduates and their guests on Mead Chapel Lawn following the Commencement Exercises. In the event of rain this lunch will be in any of the three dining halls. In either case, please pre-arrange a meeting place with your parents.
QUESTIONS about Commencement may be directed to Kathleen Knippler, at knippler@middlebury.edu
(802) 443-5393.
QUESTIONS: Questions about College Commencement guest housing may be directed to Kathleen Knippler, knippler@middlebury.edu
(802) 443-5393
or
Karen White, white@middlebury.edu
(802) 443-3300
We look forward to welcoming you to Middlebury in May.