Commencement
Schedule of Commencement Events for the Class of 2018
We congratulate the accomplishments of the graduating students with all their families at commencement 2018!
View the full commencement ceremony video online. Read transcripts of the commencement address, president's address, and student speech in the commencent archives.
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Ramadan Offerings
In 2018, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will take place from May 15 to June 14. During this time, many Muslims fast from daybreak to sunset. Almost 5 percent of Wellesley’s student body identifies as Muslim, so there will be students observing Ramadan throughout the reading and finals period, senior week, and commencement, which is June 1.
While families are on campus for commencement, provisions will be made for the suhūr pre-dawn meal and for a family iftar, the post-sunset meal, on May 31.
Air-conditioned spaces are available for family member who are viewing the Commencement (Collins Cinema, Jewett Auditorium, Pendleton East) and Baccalaureate (Library Lecture Room). In addition, a comfortable lounge area in the library (first floor) and Lulu 305 (from 5pm-9:30pm) will also be set up for family members who would like a place to rest. We are working to continue to make this experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible during Ramadan.
ORSL is hosting a special Community Dinner on May 31st for seniors, their families, and friends. This is a ticketed event like the Senior luncheon. The cost is $15. Please email Dean Tiffany Steinwert indicating the number of guests in your party and bring a check payable to Wellesley College to the event. If financial assistance is needed, please contact Dean Tiffany Steinwert.
This schedule is subject to change with the exception of Commencement Exercises.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
2:00 p.m. Commencement Rehearsal (seniors only, attendance is required)
Severance Green Tent
Students should arrive to the Academic Quad by 1:45 p.m.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
10:30‐11:45 a.m. Sigma Xi Initiation (seniors and guests)
Science Center, Room 277
Noon‐1:30 p.m. Picnic Lunch and Lawn Games (seniors and guests; after May 28 tickets may be purchased by phone - please contact Gary Feldman at 781.283.2897. Tickets will also be available by check at the door.)
Tower Courtyard and Dining Hall
1:15 p.m.‐1:30 p.m. Senior Class Picture (seniors; photos available for purchase from Panfoto)
Severance Green Hill
2:00 p.m. Baccalaureate Celebration (one guest ticket per senior, distributed to on-campus mailboxes of each graduate)
Houghton Chapel, Multifaith Center, adjacent Lawn Tent, and Library Lecture Room
3:45‐4:45 p.m. Reception following Baccalaureate (seniors and guests)
Lulu Chow Wang Campus Center, first floor
4:30 p.m. Legacy Photograph
Hay Outdoor Theater
5:00 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa Initiation (seniors and guests)
Jewett Auditorium
8:00 p.m. Baccalaureate Concert (seniors and guests)
Houghton Chapel and Multifaith Center
8:00 p.m. Community Dinner, Celebrating Ramadan (advance tickets required)
Co-sponsored by the Office of Parent and Family Programs. For event questions, kindly contact Amira Quraishi. Tickets may be purchased online until May 28. After May 28, please email Tiffany Steinwert indicating the number of guests in your party and bring a check payable to Wellesley College to the event.)
Lulu Chow Wang Campus Center, fourth floor
Friday, June 1, 2018 (Commencement Day)
9:20 a.m. Procession Formation (seniors and faculty)
Seniors - Academic Quad, alphabetically
Faculty - Outside of Founders Hall, on Jewett Road
10:30 a.m. Commencement Exercises (seating opens at 8:30 a.m.)(also live streamed)
Severance Green Tent, air conditioned spaces in Collins Cinema, Jewett Auditorium, and Pendleton East
1:15‐3:30 p.m.* Complimentary Light Lunch & Reception (seniors and guests)
Chapel Lawn Tent, *Following Commencement
1:00 - 2:15 p.m. Diploma Pick-Up (seniors only)
Clapp Library
Class of 2018 orientation photo courtesy of Panfoto