General
+Can I wear stoles, medals, and honor cords, and decorate my cap for the ceremony?
Approved stoles given by Saint Mary’s organizations are acceptable, in addition to Saint Mary’s medals and honor cords, only one approved graduation stole may be worn. For the ceremony, medals, and honor cords may be worn. If you have more than one, you will need to choose which one to wear.
+How long is the Commencement ceremony?
The Commencement ceremony begins promptly at noon and lasts approximately an hour and a half.
Inclement Weather
+What happens if it rains?
In the event of rain, the ceremony will move to Angela Athletic & Wellness Complex. The decision will be made and communicated to the community by 9 a.m. on May 28 via email, social media, and the College website. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the
Commencement website.
No tickets will be required to attend.+Can I watch the ceremony someplace indoors on campus?
Yes, the ceremony will simulcast rain or shine in O’Laughlin Auditorium, Moreau Center for the Arts. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Commencement website. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served.
Guest Accommodations
+Where can I find handicapped parking on campus?
There is ample designated handicapped parking on campus. Please visit the Visitor Information page for a map. Call the Campus Safety Office at (574) 284-5000 to make arrangements for special parking privileges.
+Does the College provide seating for people with mobility needs?
Yes, please contact the Office of the President at (574) 284-4603 with requests.
+Can we eat on campus?
Yes. The 1844 Grill, located in the Student Center, will be open Friday, May 27, 9-4 p.m. and Saturday, May 28, 8-3 p.m.
COVID-19 Considerations
+Will guests have to wear masks on campus?
We invite anyone who wishes to wear a mask to do so. Masking is not currently required at the College, with a few, clearly marked exceptions. Be prepared by carrying a mask with you at all times. While we will have masks available, we recommend bringing your own masks with you.
+Will guests need to be vaccinated or tested before coming to campus?
No, the College will not require guests to be vaccinated or tested. However, they will be expected to follow the College’s COVID-19 masking protocols if they are not up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 variants are increasingly present locally and in places from which you and your classmates are traveling, therefore continued caution is most prudent. Vaccinated participants are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test immediately prior to traveling to campus to identify asymptomatic cases.
A couple of additional safety measures to consider:
You are encouraged to bring at-home test kits in case symptoms develop while on campus. Testing is not available through Saint Mary’s. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 during the Commencement Celebration must leave campus promptly. There will be no isolation or quarantine options available at Saint Mary’s over the weekend.
