Sunday, August 25, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m. ~ Bank of American Pavilion

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, which will take place on August 6th from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm at a location to be determined.

How many guests are permitted per graduate?
Each graduate receives four (4) commencement announcements for use as keepsakes. As this year's Commencement is expected to be the largest ever, we do expect that we will use all of the Pavilion's seating capacity, and thus ask that attendees use four guests as a guideline. Seating at the Pavilion is on a first-come, first-serve basis; larger parties will find it more difficult to sit together.

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 near the Pavilion or near campus?

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.

The Starwood Hotel group (which includes the Sheraton, Westin and W hotels) has also offered promotional rates for college students and their families. Please check this page for the group's current special offers.

There are also a number of lodging options available both near Wentworth and in the Seaport district.

Day of the Ceremony

How do I get to the Bank of America Pavilion?

Please follow these directions to the Pavilion.

Where can I park?

Available parking lots and garages in the Seaport district include:

• Seaport Hotel
  1 Seaport Lane | 617-385-4500
  Event Rate: 1-10 hours $19
• EDIC Parking Garage
  373 Northern Ave | 617-482-2487
  Event rate $15 – CASH only
• Massport Parking Lot
  Across the street | 617-663-2235
  Event rate $20 – Credit Card only
• Massport Parking Lot Congress Street
  next to the WTC train stop | 617-663-2235
  Event rate $20 – CASH only

When should graduates report for robing and line-up? 
Graduates should arrive at the Pavilion by 12 pm for robing and line-up. Please make sure to bring your cap and gown with you! As line-up will take place in a publicly accessible location within the Pavilion, please leave all personal items with family or friends. 

Are there any items prohibited from bringing into the Bank of America Pavilion?

Graduates and attendees are not allowed to bring the following into the Pavilion: alcohol, pets, balloons. Also, please note that smoking is prohibited within all areas of the Pavilion.

When does the Pavilion open for families and guests?

The Pavilion will open at 1 pm for family and guests attending the ceremony.

Is there assigned seating for families and guests?
No. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should be seated by 1:45 p.m. prior to the procession of the graduates. The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m.

What if it rains?
The ceremony will continue as planned. The Pavilion is covered but open at the sides, so please dress accordingly.

What restaurants are available near the Pavilion or near campus?

There are several restaurants near the Pavilion, as well as a number of options closer to campus.

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

Is there a way to watch Commencement without attending?

Anyone with a computing device and network connection can watch a live stream of Commencement:

• Using a web browser, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Wentworth-institute-of-technology
• On a mobile device, you can use the USTREAM app, available through the App Store for Mac iOS devices and Google Play for Android devices. You can view Commencement on the Wentworth-institute-of-technology channel or by searching for WITEVENTS.

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. call the Commencement Hotline at 617-989-4670 or e-mail commencement@wit.edu

Important Notice for All Commencement Attendees

Please note that heightened security measures will be in place for our Commencement on Sunday, August 25th. All attendees (including 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 all guests, family or otherwise, who will attend Commencement.

The Boston Police Department will have a presence at Commencement, as will security staff from the Bank of America Pavilion. 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 graduates, families, friends and all other members of the Wentworth community. If you have any questions relating to safety at Commencement, please call the Commencement Hotline at 617-989-4670 or e-mail commencement@wit.edu.

Memorabilia and Keepsakes

Photos of Commencement
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. Ordering information is also available on-line.

Video of the ceremony available for purchase
Wentworth has partnered with D2 Productions to produce a video of the Commencement ceremony that will be available for purchase. Cost and ordering information can be found here

Flowers and T-Shirts
Flowers and graduation T-shirts (with all graduate names on the back) were available for purchase through the Commencement Flowers website. Items ordered prior to Commencement can be picked up at Commencement. There will also be a limited number of items available for purchase at Commencement.

Other Memorabilia
Wentworth memorabilia will be available for purchase on site through the Wentworth Bookstore.

Contact Information

Who can I contact with questions about graduation or commencement?

If you have any questions related to graduation (degree audit and clearance, diploma name, etc.), please email commencement@wit.edu.  Questions regarding Commencement (location, date and time, guests, etc.), you can either call the Commencement Hotline at 617-989-4670 or email commencement@wit.edu.