Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ceremony?
Approximately 2.5 hours.
How many people can I invite?
The ceremony will be held on the Trinity Quadrangle (campus map), and students are not limited in the number of guests they can invite. Only in the case of extreme weather, defined as conditions that threaten personal safety (such as severe thunderstorm), will the Commencement ceremony be held in the Oosting Gymnasium, Ferris Athletic Center (campus map). If the Commencement ceremony is moved inside, seating will be limited to three guests per graduate. Commencement extreme weather tickets will be distributed at Senior Salute on April 9th.
Do my family and/or friends need tickets to attend the Commencement ceremony?
Not if the ceremony is held outside, on the Trinity Quadrangle (campus map), as planned. Your family and friends only need tickets if the ceremony is held inside in the Oosting Gymnasium (campus map) in the case of extreme weather.
How and when will I know if the Commencement ceremony is being moved inside due to extreme weather?
If changes are required due to extreme weather conditions, details will be communicated by 7:00 a.m. on Sunday. There will be “Extreme Weather Plan in Effect” banners at Mather Hall, the Bistro, Koeppel Student Center, and the Ferris Athletic Center (campus map). There will also be a recorded message on the Commencement hotline at 860-297-4133. In addition, there will be a broadcasted e-mail and voice mail to the campus community and a notice on www.trincoll.edu.
If the Commencement ceremony is held inside, is there a place on campus where my relatives and friends can go if they do not have tickets?
Yes. The following locations will be available for friends and family members who do not have tickets in the case of extreme weather to view the ceremony:
McCook Auditorium, McCook Academic Building (campus map)
Boyer Auditorium, Albert C. Jacobs Life Sciences Center (campus map)
Washington Room, Mather Hall, second floor (campus map)
How will the Long Walk Restoration and Renovation project impact Commencement Weekend?
Update: Please visit Letter from the President.
The Long Walk Restoration and Renovation is on schedule to be completed this coming August. The construction plan continues to call for the present fencing and temporary walkway running along the east and west sides of the Seabury and Jarvis Buildings to remain in place through the completion of the project including through Commencement. The tradition of the Commencement ceremony under the trees will continue. A portion of the fence near the Fuller Arch at Northam Towers will be moved temporarily to allow the Class of 2008 to process over the Roosevelt Inscription on Commencement Day. We are delighted that the Class of 2008 will have the opportunity to participate in this tradition especially during the final months of such an historic and unique project.
The construction fencing, dirt piles, and pathways on the Quad's grassy area closest to the Chapel as well as the gravel pathway and “orange” snow fencing running through the Quad and soccer field to Vernon Street will be removed in advance of Commencement. The new sidewalk pavers in front of the Cook/Goodwin, Chapel, and Downes/Williams are scheduled to be completed by Commencement Weekend as well.
Will there be food and beverages available after the Commencement ceremony?
Yes. The College is hosting a Post-Commencement Celebration Reception on the soccer field under a big white tent (campus map). A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Where can I rent wheelchairs?
There are a number of places in the Hartford area that offer wheelchair rentals, and you can find them using an Internet search engine or the Hartford Yellow Pages. In the past, people have been referred to Suburban Pharmacy on North 344 Main Street in West Hartford, CT. You can contact them at 860-236-3564. Trinity College does not endorse or recommend the use of one rental place over another.
Will I get my $200 tent security deposit back after Commencement?
Yes. Your $200 security deposit will be fully refunded by June 30th provided the tent area is in generally good shape. This includes making sure no trash or personal items are left behind. Please remember that hosts of any Post-Commencement gatherings will be held fully responsible for any loss or damage to the College or personal property caused by their actions or the actions of their guests.
I want to rent a tent, but I’m not sure what size to pick or where to get tables and chairs.
You do not need to decide on your tent size or tent accommodations when you submit your Individual Post-Commencement Gatherings Agreement. After your contract and deposit are received, you and your parent host will receive an email with the tent company contact information. The tent rental company will assist you in determining the appropriate tent size, number of tables, and number of chairs for a successful gathering.
How do I know where my tent will be set up?
The tent rental company will provide the College with a map of the assigned tents the week of May 12th. As soon as the College receives the map, it will be forwarded to the student host via email. Your assigned tent number will be on your invoice and posted on the tent on the day of the gathering.
I did not attend Senior Salute. What forms do I need to fill out and where can I get them?
Please vist the Preparing for Commencement webpage to to determine which offices you must follow up with.
Where do I order personalized college announcements to distribute to my family?
In addition to the six non-personalized announcements and envelopes you will receive at Senior Salute, personalized announcements can be purchased through Balfour. You can place your order by calling 1-877-Balfour or going online at www.balfourcollege.com. These are the only personalized graduation announcements authorized by Trinity.
Where do I find a translation of the my diploma?
Please print out the following document: Latin Diploma Translation
What if I have more questions?
If you do not find the answers to your questions on the Web site, you can leave a message on the Commencement hotline at 860-297-4133 or email lisa.sagan@trincoll.edu.