Welcome to the Beloit College Commencement overview page. Please use the information below and the links to the left to find more information and to sign up for events. We have tried to provide as much detail as possible.  This site is updated daily as information becomes available.

THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

PARTICIPATION

Eligibility for Participation and Requests to be Absent
Students whose degree requirements are completed or expected to be completed any time between September 1, 2012, and August 31, 2013, are considered members of the same class and included alphabetically in the Commencement program listing. They are expected to participate in the Commencement exercises unless excused in advance by the college registrar. Students who do not expect to complete their requirements until December 2013 may be granted permission to participate in the Commencement ceremony upon notice to the Registrar’s Office of their intention. No degree will be awarded in absentia except where specifically approved by the college registrar.

Diplomas
In order not to differentiate between those completing their work in different terms, all candidates for each degree will be presented together. All graduates who have completed all requirements by Commencement day and who have no outstanding financial obligations to the college will receive their diploma during the ceremony. All others will receive their diplomas through the mail.

Participants should keep the folder received from the president to hold the diploma.

THE CEREMONY

Procession (Outdoors, assuming good weather)
The procession for Commencement will form PROMPTLY AT 10:30 a.m., Sunday, May 12 (Those wearing honors cords should arrive at 10:15 a.m.), on the sidewalk along College Street in front of the World Affairs Center and Godfrey Anthropology Building. Class marshals will line up the graduating class in one long line alphabetically within degree categories: B.A. candidates first, B.S. candidates second. Signs will help you locate the proper place for your degree and name. Once you are in the proper place, PLEASE STAY THERE!

Once the class has lined up, the marshals will divide the line in half to form two files (a double line) that will be led and followed by the marshals. The procession begins! When the leading marshals reach a point on the sidewalk opposite Middle College, the files will stop and open, facing inward; then the faculty/staff — in a traditional gesture of respect — will pass between the opened files. When the faculty/staff have passed, the class members should again close ranks and precede to their seats as directed by the marshals. The right file will be seated in the section on the right of the center aisle, the left file will be seated on the left. Please remain in the proper order so you can move to the platform at the correct time. The tassel should be on the right side of your cap at this time.

During the degree presentation ceremony, candidates in each degree category should rise as a group at the request of the chief academic officer and proceed to the platform as directed by the class marshals. The president makes a statement formally conferring the degree on all eligible candidates.

Honorary hoods are awarded to the top-ranking B.A. and B.S. graduates. The B.A. hood and degrees will be awarded first, the B.S. hood and degrees second.

Each candidate should pause on the ramp until his/her name is announced. The candidate then ascends the ramp, receives the diploma folder from the president, and shakes his hand before proceeding across the platform. Candidates should shift the cap tassel to the left side after receiving the diploma folder. As you leave the platform, the class marshals will direct you back to your seat.

Note: In case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be held in the Flood Arena of the Sports Center, and you will be lining up in the old Field House (the southeast corner door will be open for you). Please be there by 10:30 a.m. The class marshals are responsible for getting you where you need to be at the proper time. They will need your cooperation because they have only 20 minutes to organize everything before the procession begins at 10:50 a.m. Please respect the marshals’ requests. Even though inside, after you form two lines, the faculty/staff will pass between your opened files and then lead the procession up the stairs to the Sports Center Arena. Just follow the lead of those in front of you.

Recessional
Outdoors, the platform party, trustees, faculty/staff ranks, and graduates will formally recess. Class members should remain in their seats until the platform party and faculty/staff have recessed via the central aisle and then join the recessional at the direction of the class marshals. As the double file of graduates leaves, you will pass through the separated lines of the faculty and administrators—as a final formal salute and farewell to each other. During this last gesture, please keep moving so those behind you are able to finish the ceremony and then get to their friends and family.

Ticket and Seating Arrangements
No tickets are required for seniors, parents, and guests for either the Baccalaureate service or the Commencement exercises. Adequate seating will be provided for Commencement guests whether the ceremony is held outdoors or in the Sports Center.

ORDERING CAPS, GOWNS, GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF 2013

Caps and Gowns
Students: Contact Turtle Creek, The Beloit College Bookstore, in person or by phone to order caps and gowns for Commencement. Turtle Creek is at 444 E. Grand Ave. in downtown Beloit. To reach Turtle Creek by phone, call 608-363-2375. DEADLINE TO ORDER IS APRIL 29.

Announcements and Class Rings
To order class rings, invitations, announcements, thank you note cards, and envelopes, go to: www.herffjones.com/college/graduation or attend Beloit’s Senior Grad Fair on Spring Day, Wednesday, April 17, at Turtle Creek Books from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Students may also pick up a brochure from Turtle Creek showing all of the merchandise available for graduates.

Honor Students
Honors cords will be given to honor students to be attached to their gowns for the ceremony. The college registrar will distribute while the class is lining up for the procession.

BACCALAUREATE

This traditional program will be held on Saturday, May 11, at 4:45 p.m., immediately following the President’s reception (see below).

Baccalaureate will be held at Eaton Chapel. All seniors, parents, and other Commencement guests are invited to attend the service which will feature members of the class of 2013.

SENIOR CLASS ACTIVITIES

President’s Reception for Seniors and Parents
All seniors and members of their families are cordially invited to attend the President’s reception for the Class of 2013 at the President's House, Saturday, May 11, from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., preceding the Baccalaureate service in Eaton Chapel.

Departmental Receptions
Seniors and parents are invited to attend gatherings being sponsored by many departments on Saturday or at other times during the weekend.  The times and place of these gathering will be posted when they become available and will be announced to departmental majors.

Anthropology:  Contact: Jean Brady 608-363-2361.

Art/Art History: Contact: Cheryl Mikulecky 608-363-2396

Biology & Chemistry:  Contact: Doreen Dallman 608-363-2226.

Economics: Contact: Jennifer Kodl 608-363-2775

EDYS: Contact: Kathryn Johnson 608-363-2325.

English:  Contact: Kristen Gonstead 608-363-2079.

Geology, by invitation only.  Contact:  Doreen Dalman 608-363-2226.

Health & Society and Women's & Gender Studies:  Contact: Doreen Dalman 608-363-2226

History:  Contact: Eula Buchanan 608-363-2187.

Mathematics & Computer Science: Contact: Doreen Dalman 608-363-2226.

Modern Languages:  Contact: Kristen Gonstead 608-363-2079.

Music:  Beth Pohl 608-363-2366.

Philosophy & Religious Studies: Contact: Eula Buchanan 608-363-2187.

Political Science & International Relations:  Contact: Eula Buchanan 608-363-2187.

Psychology: Contact: Doreen Dalman 608-363-2226.

Sociology:  Contact: Jennifer Kodl 608-363-2775

Theatre, Dance & Media Studies: Contact: Val Annis 608-363-2767.

OTHER INFORMATION

Parents Hospitality Room and Lodging Accommodations
The main dining room and annex of Pearsons Hall will be open as a hospitality area for parents and other guests of seniors Sunday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. No guest housing is available on the campus during Commencement weekend, and those needing overnight housing during Commencement are urged to confirm reservations with area motels or hotels as soon as possible. For a listing of local accomodations click here.

Handicapped Parking: Handicapped parking will be available for those with disabilities or special needs on the 600 block of College St. A drop-off area is designated on the corner of Chapin and College St. for those wishing to drop off elderly or special needs individuals who do not require handicapped parking. If you have any special guest needs, please contact Jenny Tschudy at 608-363-2625 immediately to make arrangements.

Hearing Impaired: Signers will be available during the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies for your convenience. If you have a guest with a hearing impairment, please contact Jenny Tschudy at 608-363-2625 immediately to make seating arrangements.

Picnic on the Mounds
Box lunches are available for purchase on Commencement day at the picnic tent on the lawn of Pearsons Hall. Boxed lunch tickets that have been pre-ordered can be picked up at the white picnic tent on the lawn of Pearsons Hall. Signage will direct you to the appropriate table.  In the event of inclement weather, lunch tickets and pre-ordered lunch tickets will be picked up in the Atrium of the Center for the Sciences. Seating is limited. Pre-orders are available until Friday, May 10. Reserve yours now.

Photographs of Graduates
Arrangements have been made with Grad Images for a professional photographer to record the moment you are awarded your diploma. You will receive a free passport-sized, full color proof in the mail approximately one week after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase, and you have the option of ordering from a variety of packages. Pre-event registration is available by clicking here.

Flowers
The Beloit College Mortar Board Society will be selling flowers at Commencement for your convenience.  Rose bouquets are $20 for a half-dozen and $25 for full dozen and will be available prior to Commencement exercises and after.

Honors Programs
The annual Academic Honors Program will be held TBD. The ceremony will include the presentation of departmental prizes and awards to students and an address to the honorees by a professor of the college.

The annual Athletic Senior Honors Award Program will be held TBD.

COMMENCEMENT MEAL SERVICES
The Chapin Dining Hall will serve graduating seniors holding meal tickets and other students authorized to remain on campus to assist with Commencement as ushers, musicians, or in other official capacities. Others wishing to eat in the dining hall may purchase meals at the door. D.K.’s Snack Bar in Pearsons Hall will be open to students and campus visitors for sandwiches and light snacks through Tuesday, May 7, from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m., and also on Commencement morning for continental breakfast service.

Commencement weekend serving hours:

Chapin Dining Hall
Wednesday, May 8
Dinner - 4:45-7 p.m. ($8.25)

Thursday, May 9
Breakfast - 7:30 -9 a.m. ($5.75)
Lunch - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ($7.00)
Dinner - 4:45-7 p.m. ($8.25)

Friday, May 10
Breakfast - 7:30-9 a.m. ($5.75)
Lunch - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ($7.00)
Dinner - 4:45-7 p.m. ($8.25)

Saturday, May 11
Continental breakfast ($3.50)
Lunch - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ($7.00)
Dinner – 6-7 p.m. after Baccalaureate - ($8.25)

D.K.’s Snack Bar, Pearsons Hall
Sunday, May 12
Continental breakfast (pastries, coffee, juice, fruit)
8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.

Campus Museums, Library, Bookstore, and Stadium Hours

•          The Logan Museum of Anthropology
            Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
            Sunday: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12:30 – 4 p.m.

•           Wright Museum of Art 
            Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

•           Morse Library
            Saturday: noon – 5 p.m. 
            Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

•          The Turtle Creek Bookstore (444 East Grand Ave.)
            Friday: 10 a.m.  - 5:30 p.m.
            Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
            Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

•           Strong Stadium
            Saturday: 1-4 p.m.

Other campus buildings also will be open during the weekend as posted.

Residence Hall Check-out Reminder

Seniors must check out of residential hall rooms by 8 p.m., Sunday, May 12.

Non-Seniors must be out of their rooms by 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 8.

Don’t forget your bikes in the bike racks and remove any items in student storage.

Any student (including seniors) needing an extension of check-out time, including those working for Commencement or otherwise involved with the program, should discuss their particular situation with the director of residential life.

QUESTIONS:

Communications and Marketing
Jenny Tschudy
631 College St. (across from WAC)
608-363-2625
608-436-3908 (cell)
email: tschudyj@beloit.edu

Registrar
Mary Boros-Kazai
608-363-2640
email: boroskaz@beloit.edu