Severe Weather

Planning for the Weather

Except for in cases of severe weather the College will always attempt to hold the Commencement ceremony outdoors. We encourage guests to check the weather on the days leading up to Commencement and to prepare for heat or rain. We suggest dressing in layers and bringing appropriate outdoor accessories, such as sunscreen, blankets or stadium seats and umbrellas. Water stations and cooling tents will be available near the ceremony. Guests are also encouraged to move chairs to where they are comfortable either to a shaded area on the quadrangle or to one of the residence hall porches. The seating area and restroom on the first floor of Shriner Hall will also be open for guests.

In case of severe weather, Commencement will be moved into the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center with limited, ticketed* seating for guests. Additional seating for guests where the ceremony will be live streamed (locations TBD).

• Severe weather is classified as lightening or high winds. The commencement committee will be monitoring the weather the week leading up to commencement for any indication of possible severe weather that may impact the ceremony and communicate any changes as soon as possible.  
• Rain is not considered severe weather. Therefore, the commencement ceremony will proceed if it’s raining. Graduates and guests should dress appropriately for the weather.  

The College will make announcements about weather-related changes to the Commencement ceremony via this webpage, email and social media.

* Commencement tickets are available only to graduates who notify the registrar’s office of their intent to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Tickets will be available at the Grad Fair; after March 22, they can be picked up at the Whitaker Campus Center switchboard.