Information for Parents & Families

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Commencement Ceremony

The 190th Commencement exercises officially begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

You may bring as many family members and guests as you like to Commencement—no tickets are required and the ceremony is held outdoors in the Dimple.

We hardy New Englanders are committed to remaining outside for the ceremony, if at all possible. Please wear or bring appropriate layers of clothing, particularly for those in your family who may be elderly or very young.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, please check the website for updates.

Saturday Parking and Transportation Details

Campus parking is always tight on this big weekend, spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Traffic will be heavy, and we expect these spaces will fill quickly.

We are fortunate to have community partners close by who allow us to use their large parking areas; and we will shuttle guests back and forth to and from the campus.

If you wish to save time rather than searching for on-campus parking spots you may go directly to the overflow area located at Solmonese School, 315 West Main Street, Norton. There you will have ample parking, a seating area to utilize while waiting in between shuttles and a hassle-free experience!

The shuttle buses will run regularly beginning at 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.  They will drop off passengers on the main campus by the Early Education Center which is just a short walk to the Dimple. The shuttle buses will pick up passengers from this same location.

Those wishing to drop off elderly persons, those with accessibility concerns or small children should do so by entering Howard Street from Route 123. A Campus Safety officer will direct you to a location where you may drop off those who cannot walk from the regular parking lots. You will, however, need to park your car elsewhere following this drop off, as handicap parking is at a premium and taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Please allow plenty of time and consider carpooling with family members and friends if possible. If you will be using the shuttle bus from the off-site parking lot, drop off anyone in your party with accessibility concerns first then proceed to the off-site parking lot.

Accessibility Needs

Accommodations—Disability Assistance

If you are in need of disability assistance, please contact the Accessibility Services team at [email protected] by April 18, 2025.

Accommodations—Accessible Seating

Persons with disabilities, who intend to request seating accommodations for the Commencement ceremony, should complete the form below by April 18. Please note that seating space is limited to the individual with the need and one family member. Additional family members may sit in the general seating area.

Accessibility Request Form

Private Parties

We understand how exciting the Commencement event is and everyone’s desire to celebrate this special occasion. The college has planned many activities to do just that—celebrate and honor our graduates and alumni classes.

In order to do this, all college services will be committed to such events. This means that, unfortunately, we will be unable to accommodate requests or provide services on campus for private parties during Senior Week and the Commencement Reunion Weekend.

You are welcome to picnic on campus with your family and friends. However, we ask that no charcoal grills be used, the state of Massachusetts alcohol laws are followed, and that all picnic supplies brought to campus are removed.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Weekend Activities for Parents and Families

There are a variety of events on campus Friday afternoon and evening specifically for parents, families and guests.

Check back for more information.

Graduation Photos and Announcements

A photographer from GradImages^® will take individual photos of graduates as they cross the Commencement platform. Students will receive an email at their Wheaton email address with information about how to order their Commencement photos online soon after graduation. Inquiries about photographs can be made to GradImages^® at 800-261-2576 or by going to their website at: gradimages.com.

Personalized Graduation announcements can be ordered through Balfour Graduation Announcements in the early spring.

Graduation Press Releases

Please remind your graduating senior to confirm their correct local newspaper information via the WINDOW (Wheaton Information Delivered Over the Web) before May 10. Per federal law, only your graduate can authorize the release of this information (reminders and instructions will be sent via email to all seniors). Should you have questions about graduation press releases, we suggest you send an email to: [email protected].

Moving Out Day

Students will need to move out of their residence halls and houses by 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Seniors who live in the New England area generally begin planning for their final departure by starting to move things home in the final weeks of the semester. While we don’t expect those living at a greater distance to do this, we do encourage students to pack during Senior Week, prior to Commencement, so they are ready to move by Saturday, May 18. In order to avoid last-minute packing at the end of Commencement day, please remind your graduate to prepare in advance to leave campus. They should remember to return their keys to either the locksmith (open until 4:30 p.m. on Commencement day) or in one of the drop boxes located in Balfour Hood by the mailroom, Pine Hall or Campus Safety before leaving campus. Seniors should also pay close attention to communications from Residential Life for more details.

Weekend Dining

In the spring, your graduate will receive information regarding the purchase of tickets for the Friday picnic lunch, dinner and the Saturday breakfast. For additional information, please call Dining Services at 508-286-8209 or email [email protected].

Senior Events

There is no charge for Seniors for the three events this year, but you still need a ticket to attend.

Additional tickets for guests can be purchased online starting on April 24th. Once purchased, tickets can be picked up at the Emerson Dining Office from 5/1–5/16 during the hours of 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

The Seniors will pick up their tickets in the Emerson office along with any guest passes that they purchase.

Ticketed events

Purchase Tickets for Guests here starting April 24th:  

Wheatoncollege.campusdish.com

If you do not currently have an account with our Dining page, sign up! It’s easy!

• Create a CampusDish account login.
• Click Sign in on the upper right hand corner of the website
• Click the sign up button to create an account.

Already have a CampusDish account? Just sign in.

Forgot your password? Just click the ‘Forgot password’ link and we will reset it for you.

Questions? Send us an email at [email protected].

Best wishes for a wonderful Senior Week Graduation!

Traveling to Wheaton, Local Restaurants and Area Accommodations

Information about directions to Wheaton, local restaurants and area accommodations may be found on the Our Location page.
*Please note there are a number of events occurring in the area and you may experience heavy traffic and limited lodging.

View and print the Campus Map

Contact Information

For further information:

Dean of Students Office
508-286-8218
Email: [email protected]

Accessibility Services
508-286-3794
Email: [email protected]

Please check back for updates.