Graduate Commencement Guide 2009
Event Information
The university will hold a commencement solely for graduate and doctoral degree students at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2009, in the Feldman Arena, O'Neill Convocation Center, Westside campus, 43 Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury. (This is Memorial Day weekend and traffic might be heavy before the ceremony, so leave yourself plenty of time.)
In addition to the conferring of graduate degrees and diplomas, the event will include a hooding ceremony at which each Master’s Degree candidate will be invested with the hood of his or her major.
Who is eligible to participate in the 2009 graduate commencement?
- Students who completed their degree or diploma requirements at the end of the 2008 Fall Semester.
- Students who will complete their degree requirements in May 2009 and August 2009.
The ceremony
You will be assigned to a designated place in the Commencement procession and assigned to a seating section in the arena. This is necessary to recognize you formally as you come onto the stage to be introduced and invested with the hood denoting your Master’s or Doctoral Degree.
There will be plenty of seating in the Feldman Arena. No tickets or other method of reserving seats will be issued.
Access Ability Needs
Any student or a member of the student’s family that requires special accommodations for the May Commencement ceremony must contact the Office of University Events (203)837-8800 no later than Friday, May 8th.
Accommodations
Room blocks have been reserved for May 22 & 23, 2009, at the following hotels, all within a mile of the Westside campus. For special rate information or to make your reservation, call the hotels directly. When booking your reservation, identify yourself as being with the WestConn Commencement Block.
Danbury Maron Hotel & Suites
42 Lake Avenue Ext.
Danbury, CT 06811
203-791-2200
www.maronhotel.com
$99/night
Located off Exit 4 of I-84. Features Connecticut Limousine drop off and pick up. Includes complimentary continental breakfast.
Ethan Allen Hotel
21 Lake Avenue Ext.
Danbury, CT 06811
203-744-1776 x136
800-742-1776
www.ethanallenhotel.com
$109/night
Located off Exit 4 of I-84 near the Westside Campus.
To ensure rates and availability, make your reservation by April 24, 2009.
Residence Inn (Marriott)
22 Segar Street
Danbury, CT 06810
203-797-1256
www.marriott.com
$99/night
Located off Exit 4 of I-84, near the Westside Campus.
To ensure rates and availability, make your reservation by April 22, 2009.
Reception
A reception will be held in the Feldman Arena after the ceremony for graduates and their guests.
Ordering your academic regalia
All participants in the academic procession are required to wear academic regalia. Graduates may pick up their academic regalia in the Alumni Office, University Hall, White Street, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., on May 18-21.
Fill out the order form available here and return it to the Alumni Office. For Ed.D. regalia, contact Helen Bechard at (203) 837-8800 or bechardh@wcsu.edu.
If you are unable to pick up your regalia, please ask a friend or family member to do it for you. Due to space limitations, regalia will not be available on the day of Commencement.
Directions to the Campus
Click here to view directions to our campus
Driving directions following the ceremony
Cars leaving the campus after the ceremony will be directed West along Mill Plain Road. Interestate-84 can be accessed both eastbound and westbound at Exit 2, about three miles from campus.
University Fees
All fees (cashier, library, parking, etc.) must be paid prior to Commencement or your diploma will be withheld.
Graduate Portraits
Photographers from Chappell Studios will be on stage to photograph graduates. Proofs will be mailed to you after the ceremony. You are under no obligation to purchase. Visit www.chappell.com or call (800) 424-3686 for information.
Video
The university will stream the commencement ceremonies on the WCSU Web site at no charge, starting the week after ceremonies.
Invitations and Announcements
The WCSU Bookstore works with Balfour to provide WestConn invitations and related materials. Go to http://ww2.balfour.com/gradprod/default.aspx for more information.
Campus Bookstore
The campus Bookstore will operate a sale area near the Commencement site. Announcement cards are available for purchase at the Midtown campus Bookstore; please call (203) 837-8685.
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed from the Registrar’s office approximately eight weeks after your graduation date.
