Welcome to the Beloit College Commencement overview page. Please use the information below to find more information and to sign up for events.

THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Sunday, May 15, 2016
11 a.m.

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, 2015, and August 31, 2016, 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 2016 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 15 (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 proceed 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.

Cap & Gown Recycling Program, sponsored by Mortar Board

This year the Seniors have arranged for the recycling of caps & gowns to be put into place after Commencement. You may return your cap & gown to the library patio area between 1:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. They will be shipped to the Herff Jones recycling center.

ORDERING CAPS, GOWNS, GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF 2016

Diploma frames are sold at Turtle Creek Bookstore all year round and can be ordered on their web site, as well.  These custom frames are matted and feature the school name, along with the official seal embossed.

BACCALAUREATE

This traditional secular program will be held on Saturday, May 14, 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 program which will feature members of the class of 2016. 

SENIOR CLASS ACTIVITIES

Class of 2016 Senior Gala
Thursday, May 12 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Buffet dinner from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Dancing
Atrium, Center for the Sciences
No Guest - Seniors only
Please confirm your attendance by Monday, May 9, by replying to rsvps@beloit.edu or by calling 608-363-2626

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 2016 at the President's House, Saturday, May 14, from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., preceding the Baccalaureate service in Eaton Chapel. In case of inclement weather the President's Reception will be held in the Science Center Atrium.

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 gatherings will be posted when they become available and will be announced to departmental majors.

Anthropology: May 15 from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Lobby, Godfrey Hall/Logan Museum of Anthropology
Anthropology majors/minors, their families, and guests

Coffee, juice, and pastries will be served.

Contact: Jean Brady 608-363-2361

Art/Art History: May 14 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., 703 Park Street, Beloit
Studio art and art history majors, their families, and guests. 

Refreshments will be served.
Contact: Cheryl Mikulecky 608-363-2396

Biology, Biochemistry & Chemistry: May 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., Science Center Atrium
Biology/Biochemistry/Chemistry majors/minors, their families, and guests.

Breakfast gathering
Contact: Sarah Arnsmeier 608-363-2226

EDYS: May 14 from 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m., Weeks Lounge, Pearsons
Graduating EDYS majors, their families, and guests.
Contact: Kathryn Johnson 608-363-2325

Breakfast gathering

English: May 14 from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in WAC South Lounge
Graduating English department majors/minors, their families, and guests.
Contact: Crystal Watson 608-363-2079

Refreshments and cake will be provided.

Environmental Studies: May 14 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Science Center, 3rd floor bridge

Refreshments will be served.
Contact: Cheryl Mikulecky 608-363-2396

Geology: May 14 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m., Science Center Atrium/4th floor bridge
Graduating Geology department majors/minors, their families, and guests.
Contact: Sarah Arnsmeier 608-363-2226

Health & Society: May 14 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Science Center Atrium
Health and society majors/minors, their families, and guests.
Contact: Greg Buchanan 608-363-2747

History: May 14 from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Fireplace Lounge
History majors/minors, their families, and guests.
Contact: Becky Moffett 608-363-2187

Mathematics & Computer Science: May 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., Science Center Room 212
Mathematics and computer science majors/minors, their families, and guests

A light breakfast including make-your-own waffles and juice will be served.
Contact: Sarah Arnsmeier 608-363-2226

Modern Languages: May 14 from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in WAC North Lounge
Graduating modern languages department majors/minors, their families, and guests.
Contact: Crystal Watson 608-363-2079

Refreshments and cake will be provided.

Music: May 14 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Hendricks Lobby
Open to all students who have been involved in music during their time at Beloit, their families, and guests. 

Coffee, punch, and snacks to be served.
Contact: Beth Pohl 608-363-2366

Philosophy & Religious Studies: May 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., Fireplace Lounge
Philosophy & religious studies majors/minors, their families, and guests.
Contact: Becky Moffett 608-363-2187

Political Science & International Relations: May 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m., Moore Lounge
Political science & international relations majors/minors, their families, and guests
Contact: Becky Moffett 608-363-2187

Psychology: May 14 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Science Center Atrium
Psychology majors, their families, and guests.

Light refreshments and sparkling juice will be served with a champagne toast at 1:30 p.m.
Contact: Sarah Arnsmeier 608-363-2226.

Sociology: May 15, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Weeks Lounge, Pearsons Hall
Graduating Sociology seniors, their families, and guests.
Contact: Jennifer Kodl 608-363-2775

Theatre, Dance & Media Studies: May 14 from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Neese Complex/Neese Lobby Area
TDMS majors/minors, their families, and guests. 
Contact: Val Annis 608-363-2767 

OTHER INFORMATION

Whether the Commencement ceremony is indoors or outdoors, it is a smoke-free event. Smoking is only allowed in a designated area. (For outdoor ceremony, a smoking area is located at the corner of Chapin and College Streets. For the indoor ceremony, it is located 15 feet outside the building entrance.)

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 15, from 8:30-10 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 accommodations 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 Communications & Marketing at 608-363-2625 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 Communications & Marketing at 608-363-2625 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 Wednesday, May 11.

Photographs of Graduates
Arrangements have been made with GradImages 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. You have the option of ordering from a variety of packages. By pre-registering here  your proofs will be sent directly to you within 72 hours.

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. Thirty-percent of all proceeds go to the Mortar Board Society. Mortar Board is the premier national honor society recognizing college seniors for superior achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service.

Honors Programs
The annual Academic Honors Program will be held May 4, 2016. 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. 

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 10, 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 11
Dinner - 4:45-7 p.m. ($8.25)

Thursday, May 12
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 13
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 14
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 15
Complimentary continental breakfast (pastries, coffee, juice, fruit)
8:30-10 a.m. 

Campus Museums, Library, Bookstore, and Stadium Hours

• The Logan Museum of Anthropology
  Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  Sunday: 9-11 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 15.

Non-Seniors must be out of their rooms by 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 11.

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 staff in the Office of Residential Life. 

Alumni Office

QUESTIONS:

Communications and Marketing
Elaina Panico
631 College St. (across from the World Affairs Center)
608-363-2242
email: panicoem@beloit.edu

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