Sunday, May 5, 2013 10:00 a.m. The Quad

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL COMMENCEMENT ATTENDEES

In response to the tragic events that took place at the Boston Marathon, Wentworth will heighten security measures for Commencement on May 5. All attendees (soon-to-be graduates, students, alumni, family, friends, etc.) are requested to refrain from bringing any oversized bags or items larger than a handbag or camera case to Commencement. Please do not leave your belongings unattended and be mindful of your surroundings. Students are encouraged to share this information with their families and any guests that will be attending commencement.

The Wentworth Police Department will have a significant presence at the event to assist with any safety or medical issues or concerns. Police officers from the Boston Police Department will also be on campus to assist throughout the day. Random bag checks may take place before, during, and after the event.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding in helping us to continue to make this a very special day for our graduates, families, friends, and other members of the Wentworth community.

If you have any questions relating to public safety, please contact Public Safety at 617-989-4400

Prior to the Ceremony

How will my name appear on my diploma?
Your name will appear as you provide it to the Registrar through the Online Graduation Application via Leopardweb.

When and where do I receive my cap, gown and Commencement announcements? Are they free?
Caps, gowns, and announcements are free, and will be available at cap and gown pickup on April 9, 2013. There are two sessions: one for day program students from 12pm to 3:30pm outside of the Student Service Center in Williston Hall, and a second for College of Professional and Continuing Education students and students on co-op from 5pm to 6:30pm in Watson 206.

How many guests are permitted per graduate?
Each graduate will receive four (4) commencement announcements to serve as guest invitations. Although Commencement is not a ticketed event, we encourage you to use this number as a general guideline for capacity reasons. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there a way that someone who cannot attend in person can still watch Commencement?

Commencement will be streamed live, and can be watched in two ways:

• On any web browser at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wentworth-institute-of-technology
• Using the USTREAM mobile app, available on the App Store (for Apple iOS) or Google Play (for Android). The channel is wentworth-institute-of-technology, or search for WITEVENTS

Can I purchase additional graduation announcements as a keepsake to commemorate the event?
Commemorative graduation announcements may be purchased through Balfour by calling 877-225-3687 or ordering on-line at www.balfour.com. Please note the purchase of additional announcements does not permit additional guests. Please use the four (4) announcements given to graduates as a general guideline.

What lodging options are available in the area?

There are a number of lodging options available both near Wentworth and in the Boston area.

Do local hotels offer a discounted rate for families attending graduation?

Wentworth has an agreement with the Best Western The Inn at Longwood Medical to hold a block of rooms for Wentworth families at a discounted rate. Reservations can be made at 1-800-GOT-BEST or 617-731-4700. Please mention "Wentworth Commencement" when making the reservation to receive the discounted rate.

Students and families can also get a discounted rate at any of Boston's Starwood Hotels (Sheraton Boston, Westin Copley Place, Westin Boston Waterfront, and W Boston). For more information on this program, click here.

What if I am graduating in August?

Information for summer commencement will be posted at the start of the summer semester. The summer ceremony is on Sunday, August 25 at 2 p.m., and will be held at the Bank of American Pavilion.

Day of the Ceremony

How do I get to Wentworth?

Please follow these directions to campus.

Where can I park at Wentworth?
You can park on campus for Commencement, please refer to our Commencement parking map for lot locations.

When should graduates report for robing and line-up? 
Graduates will assemble in their robing rooms by 9 am. Make sure you bring your cap and gown with you to your robing room! Please make arrangements prior to arriving at your robing room for your personal items, you will not be able to leave items in the robing room as the rooms are not secured.

When can guests arrive on campus?

Families and guests of graduates may arrive on campus starting at 8am.

Is there assigned seating?
No. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should be seated by 9:45 a.m. prior to the procession of the graduates. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

What if it rains?
The ceremony will continue as planned. The Quad is tented, but guests should dress accordingly.

Are there photo opportunities?
Commencement Photos Inc will take a picture of every graduate as the graduate receives his/her diploma from the President. Information will be sent home to graduates' families before Commencement with information about the company's products and services. After Commencement day, graduates will receive a proof of this photo and information for placing an order.

Will a DVD of the ceremony be available?
Yes, Commencement Photos will also produce a video of the Commencement ceremony that will be available for purchase for $40.

Will Wentworth memorabilia be available for purchase during Commencement?
Yes, the Wentworth Bookstore will be on site selling merchandise. 

What restaurants are available near campus?

This list provides a number of dining options near campus and in the Boston area.

Will staff be available during the ceremony in case of emergencies?
Security staff and emergency personnel will be available during the ceremony.

If I don't attend the ceremony, how will I receive my diploma?
Your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address the week after the ceremonyy.

Contact Information

Who should I contact with questions?
For questions regarding degree clearance or diploma information, please e-mail commencement@wit.edu.

For questions regarding cap & gown pickup, parking, or wheelchair accessibility issues, please call the Commencement Hotline at 617-989-4670 or e-mail commencement@wit.edu.