Commencement

Information for graduates

Congratulations on your graduation from Goodwin University. Commencement is the University-wide celebration to honor your accomplishments. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Here are some things you need to know in order to make your day PERFECT:

1 p.m.	Master’s hooding, Gate B
2 p.m.	Graduate check-in and line up (Gate B) and accessibility/restricted mobility check-in (Gate C)
3 p.m.	Gate opens for guest seating (Gate C)
4 p.m.	Ceremony begins

Parking

Graduates will park in the lot for Gate B and enter through Gate B for check-in and line up. Gate B will open at 2 p.m. and check-in will begin. Please be on time!

Entry

Tickets are not required for entry. All bags are subject to search upon entry and are subject to additional searches within the stadium. Backpacks or oversized bags are not permitted. Purses/tote bags that are smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ will be permitted. Bags carrying medical needs will also be permitted and are subject to search by venue personnel. Re-entry is not allowed. You will be scanned with a metal detector at the gate.

Caps and gowns

Caps and gowns must be picked up at the Regalia Distribution Event on Thursday, May 2 between 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Riverside. Graduates must come to the commencement already dressed in their regalia. Extra regalia will not be available. Without proper regalia, you will not be able to participate in the ceremony. You will be taking your caps, gowns and/or master’s hoods home with you after the ceremony. They are yours to keep.

Photography

GradImages is the official photographer for the 2024 Commencement. A package with proofs and order information will be mailed to graduates’ homes after commencement. Please be sure to stop at the GradImages photo station after you walk across the stage to have one of your pictures taken.

Duration of ceremony

The 2024 Commencement will be held outdoors at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. and will be approximately three hours. Out of respect for all graduates, you are required to stay for the entire ceremony and are not permitted to leave.

Check-in and lineup

Graduates are expected to arrive by 2 p.m. Check-in begins at 2 p.m. The check-in table will be located immediately after you enter the gate. At check-in, volunteers will provide graduates with name cards and assist with the lineup. Please keep the card with you at all times. You will need to bring it with you to the stage. You will hand your name card to a member of administration before walking across the stage. Complimentary water will be available to graduates.

Master’s hooding

Master’s students will be receiving their hoods from their program directors before participating in the formal ceremony. This will begin at 1 p.m. You will park in the lot for Gate A and enter through Gate A. From there, you will take the elevator up to the Club Balcony. This is where you will be receiving your hoods. You will need to check in with Registrar at 2 p.m. with the rest of the graduating body. You will be directed on where to go. Please be on time for both.

Procession

The ceremony commences with the Board of Trustees, Administration, Honorary Degree Recipients and faculty taking their seats on stage and other designated areas. Once they are in their locations, graduates will begin a formal procession and be seated.

This will be done in order by department and with master’s degree recipients first, bachelor’s degree recipients second, associate degree recipients third and collegiate certificate recipients fourth. Please be sure you are in line with your correct program.

Presentation of degrees

Graduates will be directed, row by row, to the stage. Prior to approaching the stage, a photo will be taken. Once on stage, graduates will present their name card to a member of Administration, who will announce their name and degree information. After being introduced, each graduate will walk across the stage to shake hands with President Mark Scheinberg. Graduates will then exit the stage for a photo before returning their seats. All photos will be taken by GradImages.

Diplomas will not be distributed at commencement, but you will receive a complimentary diploma frame. Graduates will receive an email to their Goodwin University account when diplomas are available for pick-up.

End of ceremony and recessional

At the end of the ceremony, President Mark Scheinberg will address the audience with closing remarks and tassels will be turned. Graduates are expected to remain in their seats until all of the Board of Trustees, Honorary Degree Recipients and Administration have left the stage. Class marshals will direct graduates to the exit.

Commencement printed program

Printed programs will be available with a QR code to link to the list of graduates.

Ceremony etiquette: do’s and don’ts

This is a special ceremony when all of your hard work and time is celebrated. There is an expectation that all graduates return to their seats immediately after leaving the stage. Graduates are expected and required to stay in their seats until the last name is called and tassels are turned. You will all then recess together in line.