Frequently Asked Questions

This is not a ticketed event, so Grads are permitted to invite as many guests as they like to the ceremony.

Please visit our Accessibility Services page for details. If you need further information, please contact the Event Management office at commencement@middlebury.edu. 

Yes, professional photographers will be on hand to photograph each graduate as they receive their diploma and cane, and to take candid photos of the day.

Visit our Gifts and Photography page for more information, including pre-registering for a discount.

Graduates sit with the department or program with which they choose to march and are called to the stage alphabetically by department. Whether a department sits to the left or the right of the center aisle depends on the number of graduates in each department, which we do not know until several days before the event. Often (but not always), the departments seated on the right-hand side of the aisle (when viewed from the audience) are American Studies through Independent Scholar. The departments sitting on the left side of the aisle often begin with International and Global Studies programs.

Student ushers at the program tables can tell guests where the departments are divided.
 

Yes! A link to the livestream will be posted on the main Commencement page and on the Commencement Program & Videos page.

Service and assistance animals that are required because of a disability and are trained to work or perform a task are welcome. Guests are encouraged to leave pets at home.

Visit our Guest Information page for details.

Graduates must vacate their rooms by 6 p.m. on Sunday, Commencement Day. 

Visit our Student Information page for details.

The middstore in Proctor Hall offers a wide array of Midd clothing and gifts.

Visit our Gifts and Photography page for hours of operation during Commencement weekend.

Any items found at Commencement will be brought to the Accessibility Tent for the duration of the ceremony. The unclaimed items will then be transported to the Customer Service desk in the Service Building. Any high-value items, such as credit cards, car keys, or phones, will be brought to the Department of Public Safety.

No, but we continue to strongly recommend that all Middlebury students, employees, and visitors follow CDC guidance and stay up-to-date on their vaccinations. Please visit the College COVID-19 Updates page for details. Thank you!

Unless required by federal or state regulations, all of our campuses are mask-friendly and mask-optional. We ask that all members of our community respect the choices of others about whether to wear masks.

We continue to improve the FAQ page based on your questions and feedback. If you have not found the information you need on our website, please email us at commencement@middlebury.edu.