Preliminary schedule of Commencement events for the Class of 2018
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. The College will soon finalize plans for additional support during commencement for those observing Ramadan, and we will update this page on a regular basis.
We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of graduating students with all their families at commencement 2018!
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
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; advanced tickets required; if you would prefer to purchase by phone, please contact Gary Feldman at 781.283.2897)
Tower Courtyard and Dining Hall
1:15 p.m.‐1:30 p.m. Senior Class Picture (seniors)
Severance Green Hill
2:00 p.m. Baccalaureate Celebration (one guest ticket per senior)
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
4:30 p.m. Legacy Photograph
Hay Outdoor Theatre
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. Senior Dinner, Celebrating Ramadan (advanced tickets required)
Co-sponsored by the Office of Parent and Family Programs - seating is limited to 100, for event questions, kindly contact Amira Quraishi.
Friday, June 1, 2018 (Commencement Day)
9:30 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
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