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Commencement Weekend Program

Middlebury College hosts an outdoor Commencement ceremony to meet the desire of our graduates to invite family, friends, and guests. The ceremony is held outside, rain or shine.

TICKETS ARE NOT REQUIRED

Note: This site is updated regularly so please check back.

Questions about the "Feb Celebration" in January should be directed to the Alumni and Parent Office at 802.443.5777.

Parents of "Febs" receive Commencement mailings because some students who complete their degree requirements at the end of Winter Term (this year or next) choose to march at the May ceremony. If your son or daughter does not plan to march, please disregard any Commencement material you may receive.

Senior Week activities are handled by the "Senior Week Committee," with advice from the College Advancement Office. Please be in touch with them at 802.443.5672 for more information about Senior Week activities.

The following schedule reflects a typical Commencement weekend. Programming, dates, and venues are finalized in February. Parents are mailed an events program in March.

THURSDAY

SENIOR BARBECUE
6:00 p.m.
Proctor Terrace 
Rain site:  Kenyon Arena

FRIDAY

HOUSING REGISTRATION FOR PARENTS AND GUESTS
Bread Loaf Inn
Noon - 11:00 p.m.

Stewart Hall Lounge
3 - 11:00 p.m.

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM RECEPTIONS
4:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)

SATURDAY

HOUSING REGISTRATION FOR PARENTS AND GUESTS
Stewart Hall Lounge
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Bread Loaf Inn
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

PHI BETA KAPPA INDUCTION CEREMONY
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(Continental breakfast in lobby - 8:00 a.m.)
Seniors chosen for PBK are notified by e-mail
on the Thursday before Commencement.

BACCALAUREATE
10:30 a.m.
Mead Memorial Chapel
President Liebowitz will address the senior class and recognize graduates who have received national honors.
Attendance on the ground floor is limited to graduating seniors only. Seating for parents and family is available in the balcony on a first come, first served basis. Guests may also watch a live broadcast of the ceremony in either McCullough Social Space or Dana Auditorium in Sunderland Language Center.

LUNCHEON FOR SENIORS AND THEIR GUESTS
12:00 p.m.
Atwater, Proctor and Ross Dining Halls

DISCUSSIONS WITH HONORED GUESTS

An opportunity for graduates and guests to meet Honorary Degree recipients.

2:00-3:15 p.m.

3:30-4:45 p.m.

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM RECEPTIONS
4:30-6:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)

SUNDAY

COMMENCEMENT PROCESSION LINEUP
9 - 9:45 a.m.
East side of Old Chapel

COMMENCEMENT PROCESSION BEGINS
9:50 a.m.
Departments/Programs line up alphabetically.

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
10:00 a.m.
The Central College Lawn (located in the vicinity of Munroe and Voter Halls)

Please come prepared for all weather conditions (warm coats, rain gear, hats, sunscreen, etc.) and wear shoes appropriate for damp, uneven, grassy terrain.

A tent, to provide sun or rain protection, will be located behind the seating area. A live broadcast of the ceremony will be provided in McCullough Social Space (directly behind the rain tent) and Mead Chapel (up the hill) for those who wish to be inside.

COMMENCEMENT LUNCHEON
FOR GRADUATES AND THEIR GUESTS
Immediately Following the Ceremony
Mead Chapel Lawn / Rain site: Atwater and Ross Dining Halls
Please prearrange a meeting place with your graduate.

GRADUATE DEPARTURE
11:00 p.m.

Graduates are required to vacate their dormitory rooms no later than 11:00 p.m. on Commencement day. This deadline must be enforced so that rooms may be prepared for Reunion.