More information will be available for Commencement 2012 after February 1, 2012. See last year's information below.
On Sunday, May 15, 2011, Hobart and William Smith Colleges will celebrate the 100th graduation for William Smith and the 186th graduation for Hobart. We welcome your participation in the full weekend of events which are detailed below:
You do not need tickets or invitations to attend the Commencement ceremonies. There is plenty of seating available and all family and friends are welcome to attend.
Announcements, Diploma Frames, Class Rings & College Chairs
The College Store is your source for announcements/invitations, diploma frames, class rings, and college chairs. Visit the College Store and click on Graduation Items.
Phone: (315) 781-3449
Student Communications
The Deans' Offices contacted students in February with information about caps and gowns and associated fees. Soon, students will be notified about schedules for rehearsals and procedures for assuring correct name pronunciation for Commencement. Students and parents who have outstanding bills, which must be paid before Commencement, will be notified by the Business Office. Should you have any questions regarding your child's eligibility for graduation, please contact the Office of the Registrar directly at (315) 781-3651.
Families who will stay on campus and/or will purchase meal tickets must preregister by May 6 and must register at the Welcome Desk in the lobby of Jackson/Potter/Rees (JPR). The Welcome Desk will be open on Friday, May 13, from 4-6 p.m. and on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Room keys, meal tickets, messages and general information will be available at the Welcome Desk. If you plan to arrive after the desk closes at 2 p.m. on Saturday, please have your son or daughter pick up your tickets and room keys during regular registration hours. Any room keys not picked up by 2 p.m. on Saturday will be available at the Campus Safety Office in the Medbery parking lot.
Rooms - on-campus housing
Rooms are available for families in residence halls on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. These dormitory rooms have two twin beds with shared bathrooms and limited amenities. Linens are included in the cost, yet you may want to bring, extra pillows, larger towels, a fan, and an alarm clock. All rooms are $55 / per room / per night and must be reserved by Friday, May 6.
Online Registration Form
Meals - on-campus
All meal tickets should be ordered by Friday, May 6. Vegetarian entrees will be available at all meals. Children five and under eat for free and do not require reservations or tickets for any event. Tickets should be picked up at the Welcome Desk in JPR lobby on Friday, May 13, or Saturday, May 14. All meals will be served in the Great Hall of Saga in the Scandling Campus Center (with the exception of the barbeque). When registering, please note the following: Student meal cards will be honored for graduating seniors only at the Candlelight Dinner Gala on Saturday evening. Graduating seniors who plan to join their families at other meals (except the barbeque) must purchase a ticket in advance.
Online Registration Form
SENIOR FAMILY BARBEQUE/EVENT
6 - 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 13
$16 for adults, $8 for children 6-12 yrs, 5 yrs and under free
Stern Lawn
Planned by the Senior Classes of 2011 along with Student Activities, the evening will include a traditional barbeque on Stern Lawn, performances by the campus a cappella groups and a live band. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display. No need to purchase the graduating senior a ticket; the senior week bracelet gains him/her admittance to the barbeque.
CANDLELIGHT DINNER GALA
Parents, Family, Friends and Graduates
6 – 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14
$20 for adults, $10 for children 6-12 yrs, 5 yrs and under free
This Candlelight Dinner Gala located in the Great Hall of Saga in the Scandling Campus Center includes linen and waited service. The menu features assorted hors d'oeuvres, Caesar salad, tossed salad, steamship round of beef, marinated chicken medallions w/roasted yellow and red peppers, oven roasted potatoes, spanakopita, seasoned medley of fresh vegetables and shrimp scampi, assorted fresh cut fruit, assorted rolls and butter, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and a beautiful dessert bar. To complement your meal, a selection of wines, champagne and beer will be available for purchase. Reservation times are available 6 – 7:30 p.m. Please note your desired dinner reservation time on your registration form. Meal cards will be honored for graduating seniors only.
COMMENCEMENT BREAKFAST BUFFET
Parents, Family and Friends
8- 9:30 a.m., Sunday, May 15
$9.50 for adults, $4.75 for children 6-12 yrs, 5 yrs and under free
Includes: scrambled eggs, French toast with hot syrup, omelets to order, golden brown sausage links, crispy bacon, assorted cold cereals, breakfast potatoes, homemade doughnuts/danish, bagels and cream cheese, fresh fruits and chilled juices, toast and English muffins, coffee, tea and milk.
COMMENCEMENT LUNCHEON BUFFET
Parents, Family, Friends and Graduates
Immediately following Commencement
$13.95 per adult, $7 for children 6-12 yrs, 5 yrs and under free
Includes: New England clam chowder, London broil with mushrooms, fettuccine alfredo, stir-fried chicken and garden vegetables, ice cream, fresh fruits, a variety of specialty salads, assorted homemade desserts, soft beverages, coffee and tea.
Because of time limitations and fixed costs, all Commencement registration fees and charges are nonrefundable.
Commencement: Tickets are not required to attend the Commencement ceremony; all are welcome. Commencement will take place on Sunday, May 15, on the Hobart Quadrangle. The procession begins at 10 a.m. The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. and last about two hours. In May, Geneva temperatures can range from the mid 30s to the high 80s. Warm clothing, sun protection, appropriate footware and umbrellas are all advisable.
Rain Plan: Should the weather be inclement, Commencement exercises will be moved to the Robert A. Bristol '31 Field House at the Caird Center for Sports and Recreation. WGVA (1240 AM and 96.1 FM), WEOS (89.7 and 90.3 FM) and WHWS 105.7 FM will make continuous announcements Sunday morning beginning at 7 a.m. You may also call (315) 781- 3150 or check the Daily Update for the most current information regarding location. Special parking and shuttle services will be made available should the rain plan be implemented.
Photographs and DVDs: A professional photographer will photograph each graduate individually as he or she receives the diploma. You will receive a color proof and order form a few weeks after Commencement. (See the 2011 Commencement Brochure for DVD information)
Press releases: Press releases will be sent to the hometown newspaper of graduates after Commencement. As soon as possible prior to Commencement, please email publicity@hws.edu with your hometown newspaper's name, address (e-mail address if they have one) along with a current photo of the graduate.
College Store: The College Store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 15. The store offers personal care items, books, gifts and Hobart and William Smith insignia apparel and memorabilia. Visit the College Store website, or call (315) 781-3449.
Senior Week Committee: A student Senior Week Committee plans activities for seniors during the week before Commencement. You may call the Student Activities Office with any questions (315) 781-3513.
Special Needs: If you have any special needs that may require accommodation in order to ensure your full participation, please contact the Parents Office at (315) 781-3546. There will be a sign language interpreter at Commencement.
If you have any additional questions regarding Commencement, please contact Amanda Hoban, Parent Relations Office at (315) 781-3546
