Information for Families and Guests

General Seating

Admittance to the ceremony is by general admission; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Graduates are allowed up to six guests each. No saving of seats is allowed. All guests are asked to follow the directives of ushers and security staff. All persons must stay within the roped areas to allow the best visibility for everyone. Please do not block the view of others by standing on chairs or in the aisles.

 

Tickets

Each graduating student is eligible to reserve up to six (6) tickets to their ceremony. Ticket reservations must be made by Tuesday, May 14. 

• Tickets must be reserved by the graduate through the Hometown Ticketing system using the graduates CWID as the “passcode.”

Guests cannot reserve their own tickets and should contact their graduate who can distribute tickets by:  

• Forwarding the confirmation email to guests.
• Screenshotting and texting ticket image from confirmation email. 
• Printing individual tickets from the confirmation email and distribute to guests.
• Downloading the Hometown Fan app, linking your email to the app, and transferring tickets via text from the app.

The College will also provide indoor locations around campus that will stream the event for guests who do not have a ticket or for guests who would like to sit inside to view and join their graduate after the ceremony. Indoor viewing locations include Donnelly Hall, Fusco Recital Hall, Nelly Goletti Theatre, and the Cabaret.  No tickets are required for the indoor viewing areas.
 

Parking Information

Friday, May 17:

• Parking is available in the McCann Center and Donnelly parking lots. The McCann Center will open at 5 p.m. for seating.

Saturday, May 18

• Guests are encouraged to arrive before 10 a.m. to better ensure a parking space. Parking will be available in lots located on the east and west side of Route 9.
• There will be a drop-off location in the Donnelly parking lot accessed from the South entrance.  Parking spaces reserved for accessible parking are for vehicles with license plates or placards issued by a municipality for people with a disability. 

For a complete list of parking sites and instructions, please see the campus map.

 

Disabled Guests

There will be a designated seating section to accommodate disabled guests. Graduating students may request up to two disabled seating tickets through the Hometown Tickets system late April. The ceremony will be interpreted in sign language for the hearing impaired. For information on handicapped parking, please see Parking Information, above.

 

Arrival at Commencement

Family and guests of graduate and adult undergraduate students are encouraged to arrive prior to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. However, no guests will be permitted to enter the actual ceremony site before 5:00 p.m. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 90 minutes.

Family and guests of undergraduate students are encouraged to arrive prior to 10 a.m. However, no guests will be permitted to enter the actual ceremony site before 9 a.m. The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.

Immediately following each ceremony, all graduates and their guests are invited to a reception on the Saint Peter’s Meadow.

 

Bookstore

Located in the rotunda, the bookstore hours are:

• Friday, May 17: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 18: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 

Photography

Professional photographers from Island Photography (www.islandphoto.com) will photograph all graduates as they both cross and exit the stage. To receive proofs online, graduates use the QR code on the back of their lineup card, and will be notified when proofs are available. Graduates will receive two complimentary proofs and an order form by mail.

Due to the large number of people attending Commencement, it is necessary to restrict access to the platform and the graduates’ seating area. Guests will not be able to walk or stand in the aisles to take photographs or video. 

 

Flowers

Flowers and commencement gifts will be available for purchase in the Commencement Courtyard on the quad next to Marian Hall. 

 

Area Accommodations

For a variety of options to local Hudson Valley hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants, please click on the links.

 

Marist Commencements are alcohol and drug-free environments.