For Our Guests
Ceremony
The Commencement ceremony begins promptly at 11 a.m. and generally lasts for two hours. Guests are encouraged to allow ample time to get to campus and to find parking. Seating under the tent is on a first come-first served basis and tickets are not required for admission.
Accessibility Accommodations for Guests with Disabilities
If any member of your party has an orthopedic/mobility-related impairment, please complete the handicap parking and seating application. Special parking, and golf carts will be available to make your guest’s visit as comfortable as possible. Additionally, Commencement Hosts (college administrators) will be on duty under the tent to assist in any way they can. Do not hesitate to ask them for assistance. There is a reserved section for wheelchair-bound users. One other guest will be allowed to sit with them in this location.
Cellular Phones
As a courtesy to others, we ask that all cellular phones be muted during the ceremony. Those wishing to use their phones may leave the tent to make calls.
Children
Children are welcome to attend the ceremony; however, due to safety precautions, graduates are not permitted to carry, or be accompanied by children on stage. Additionally, strollers and baby carriages must be left outside the tent to prevent blocking of egresses and walkways.
Flowers
Flowers will be available for purchase at the Shaw Courtyard near the Commencement tent for your convenience. Mustang athletic teams benefit from the sale of flowers.
Lost and Found
Lost and found articles will be held by the Department of Public Safety in Shaw Hall. The Department of Public Safety can be reached at (617) 928-4777.
Medical Services
Medical services will be available at the first-aid vehicle, located on site. Additionally, Nursing staff from the Health Center will be on site.
Parking
On Commencement day, all parking areas, except for the area on the Shaw Roadway will be available to guests. Overflow parking will be provided off-site. Shuttle buses will bring guests to and from campus. We recommend guests arrive early to provide themselves with adequate time to park and get to the Commencement tent.
Shuttle Service for Friday, May 17th ONLY
Depart Mount Ida College Depart Newton Ctr
10:15 AM 10:30 AM
10:45 AM 11:00 AM
SHUTTLE SERVICES SUSPENDED DURING COMMENCEMENT
1:30 PM 1:45 PM
2:00 PM 2:15 PM
2:30 PM 2:45 PM
3:00 PM 3:15 PM
Break
4:15 PM 4:45 PM
Pets
With the exception of service animals, pets of any kind are not allowed in the Commencement tent. We ask that you leave pets at home on this day.
Photographs
A professional photographers will take pictures of each graduate as they accept their diploma. Additionally, a professional videographer will be recording a DVD of the ceremony. We ask guests to remain in their seats in order to not block other guests and graduates who are trying to enjoy the ceremony. Complete information on both the photos and the DVD are available via Donna Johnston at the Office of Student Affairs.
Public Transportation
The Newton Centre T station is approximately two miles from campus and the campus shuttle service will operate continuously between that station and campus from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the day of Commencement.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located on the first floors of Shaw Hall and New Hall. Restroom facilities in New Hall are accessible for guests who require accommodations.
Water Stations
Water stations will be located at several points around the Commencement tent. Commencement Hosts will be managing the water stations.
Weather Information
Commencement will be held under the tent, rain or shine, in order to accommodate a larger audience. Since New England weather can vary in May, we ask our guests to dress appropriately for the conditions. Candidates and guests must provide their own umbrellas and raincoats. Participants and guests should come prepared if inclement weather is expected on Commencement day.
Yearbook
Vita Libre the Mount Ida College Yearbook is available for pre-order at www.mountida.edu/yearbook. This unique yearbook allows for the purchaser to insert up to 10 customized pages utilizing personal photos or downloaded photos from the Mount Ida College custom yearbook website. Pre-orders received by May 1, 2013 will receive 10 free customized pages.
Questions
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call the Office of Student Affairs at (617) 928-4612, or e-mail us at commencement@mountida.edu.