For Graduating Students & Their Families

The time before Commencement is an exciting time for graduating students, but it can also be busy and a bit stressful. We’ve compiled some resources, logistics, and information in one central place so everyone—seniors and their families—can enjoy the festivities hassle-free.

Seniors, get ready for the festivities and check out the to-do list for graduating students.

Frequently Asked Questions

To ensure an enjoyable, celebratory experience for all graduates, their families, and the college community, we have compiled the following information to help answer questions you may have about the weekend’s events.

Who may attend Commencement?
Event attendance is limited to graduating students and their guests, alums and their registered guests participating in Reunion Weekend, and faculty and staff. All others wishing to participate in these events may join us via livestream, which can be found on the Smith homepage the day of the event.

Will the indoor rain location limit the number of guests?
The ITT is often used as our indoor rain site for large college events. Although seating is generous, should we need to move inside due to inclement weather or other circumstances, we do have a smaller capacity indoors. Should capacity exceed the number of guests that can safely attend in accordance with our occupancy permits, we offer an additional overflow space in Sweeney Concert Hall for families and guests to comfortably watch the live stream of the events. Guests may arrive at 8 a.m. to secure seating; however, seats may not be saved. Items left on chairs to reserve them will be removed.

What kind of seating is available in the ITT?
Seats inside the ITT during Ivy Day and Commencement are folding chairs. These chairs are used for both events regardless of location.

Is there an accessible seating section?
Forms were sent to all graduating seniors to submit requests for guests and family members who need accessible seating at Ivy Day and Commencement. The deadline to submit this request form is April 11. If you have an unanticipated accessibility need, please contact event organizers as soon as possible; the college cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet late requests.

Can I save seats?
Unfortunately, seats may not be saved at Ivy Day or Commencement. Unattended items placed on seats will be removed to allow guests in attendance to sit.

Will masks be required?
Masking is currently optional and welcomed everywhere on campus but is not required. The college asks that visitors follow CDC guidance.

Is the ITT air-conditioned?
Parts of the ITT are air-conditioned and will be available for anyone who needs them as a cooling station.

Where can I park on campus?
While parking during Commencement Weekend is open to families and their guests, there are areas which may be limited due to construction. We encourage you to review parking regulations and the campus map ahead of your arrival and leave additional time to park during events.

To-Do List for Graduating Students

  • Due April 10: Fill out the January Graduate Commencement Housing Request Form for undergraduate January graduates requesting on-campus housing for Senior Week and Commencement.
  • Due April 10: Record commencement and diploma name pronunciation in Workday to be read at Commencement.
  • Due April 10: Fill out accommodation needs form for family members or guests for Ivy Day and Commencement ceremonies. Review accommodations info on the web.
  • Due April 10: Complete the commencement questionnaire in your Workday inbox, only available after your adviser has approved your 64 credits outside the major. If you do not complete the questionnaire, the college will assume you are attending commencement and will march with the last house you were assigned to in Workday.
  • Purchase all regalia needed to march in Commencement from Smith Bookstore ($70 per set).
  • Make sure your personal contact information and address after graduation are updated on Workday.
  • Review house closing information for seniors from Residence Life. All houses close for seniors at noon on Monday, May 18.
  • Senior Ball will be held on Saturday, April 25. Tickets will be available for purchase on March 30. A full list of Senior Week events will be posted in late April. Graduate and Special Programs will be able to attend some events to be noted as they do not pay the class dues that allow access to all events.
  • Carefully read all emails from Events, the Registrar’s Office, the Class Deans Office, etc., as it may contain tasks related to Commencement.
  • Attend Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal on Friday, May 15 at 9 a.m. in the Indoor Track & Tennis Facility.
  • Attend Commencement on Sunday, May 17 and wear full regalia.

Ivy Day & Commencement Participation Policy

Event attendance is limited to faculty, staff, graduating students and their guests, and alums and their registered guests participating in Reunion Weekend. Prior to your arrival on campus, please familiarize yourself with the security measures and policies listed to ensure a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in attendance.

All others wishing to participate in these events may join us via livestream, which will be shared on the Smith College homepage the day of the events.

By attending these events, guests are agreeing to comply with the policies listed. Students may also refer to the Code of Student Conduct and the Discriminatory Harassment Policy.

Failure to adhere fully to these policies may result in an individual being asked to leave or being immediately removed from the event. In addition, prohibited items will be taken away and any items that have been confiscated will not be returned.

We thank you for your cooperation.

Specifics

The history of academic regalia in the academy is intended to recognize and symbolize graduates’ unity and academic achievements. Students may adorn their caps and wear accompanying college-issued honor cords and stoles. This celebratory moment is for members of the class of 2026 and their families to revel in the accomplishments of all graduates. The policies of the college remain in effect and any violations of policy in regalia decorations or Commencement behavior may result in a student’s inability to participate in the ceremony.

  • Academic regalia is required for all graduating degree candidates.
  • Purses, diaper bags, small personal bags, and water bottles will be allowed during the events, but will be subject to search upon entry by Campus Safety Department officials and their designees.
  • Backpacks, rolling suitcases, large bags, duffle bags, and boxes are strictly prohibited.
  • Guests with prohibited items will need to leave them outside; there will not be storage areas inside the arena.
  • No animals other than service animals will be permitted.
  • Smoking by faculty, staff, students, and visitors is limited to outdoor areas more than 30 feet from any academic, administrative, or residential building.

  • Signs, banners, and flags of any kind (these will be confiscated by the Campus Safety Department or their designees)
  • Backpacks, rolling suitcases, large bags, duffle bags, and boxes
  • Weapons and projectiles, including but not limited to guns, firearms, knives of any size, stun guns/tasers, bats, and poles
  • Professional cameras and audio- or video-recording devices
  • Noise-making and sound-amplifying devices, including whistles, air horns, bullhorns, and PA systems
  • Balloons and other inflatable devices, as well as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles
  • Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and any other drugs or alcohol
  • Any other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous, which is at the sole discretion of the Campus Safety Department and Smith College

  • Participants should be respectful of those around them and avoid blocking the view of others.
  • Participants should refrain from using profane, offensive, discriminatory, or harassing language, or engaging in any behavior that is detrimental to the experience of others in attendance.
  • Participants are not permitted to block aisles, stand on seats, or modify any chair placements or other event setup.
  • In the event of an emergency, guests will receive instruction from Campus Safety staff regarding emergency procedures.

Logistics for Students

Name Pronunciation

To ensure that we pronounce your name correctly during Commencement activities, make sure that your recorded name pronunciation on your Workday profile is up to date by April 10. If you previously recorded your name differently than how it should be pronounced during Commencement activities, please re-record it. It is important that you do this in advance to assist us in reading names correctly during the ceremony. For instructions, see the Workday Help Article: Add/Change/View Name Pronunciation.

Yearbooks

The Madeleine is published in the fall and a copy will be mailed to graduates at their parent’s home address in mid-October. Additional copies of the book or past books may be purchased through the Yearbook by emailing yearbook@smith.edu for $50 each.

Academic Regalia

Following Smith College tradition, graduating students wear academic regalia for the first time at Rally Day, three months before Commencement. For Commencement, graduating seniors should come dressed in their full regalia.

Academic regalia will be available for purchase for $70 at the Smith College bookstore starting in January. Seniors will receive email communication from the Events Management office when regalia becomes available.

Photography & News Media

Commencement Photography

  • A photographer from GradImages will be at the Commencement ceremony to take photographs of each graduate. Graduates will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo on an order card within 5-7 days following the ceremony.
  • Questions may be emailed to service@gradimages.com.
  • After the ceremony you may order online at www.gradimages.com or call 800-261-2576.
  • Prior to the ceremony: To pre-register your permanent email address, please visit www.gradimages.com and click on Pre-Event Registration. You may add contact information for up to six additional relatives and/or friends.
  • GradImages never has and never will sell or share the address/email information provided to us.

News Reporters & Photographers

Media representatives must have Smith-issued credentials, worn in full view, to enter the roped-off areas of the campus on Saturday and Sunday.

We understand that international students who hope to have family members attend graduation may need documentation about their travels. Please see the International Students & Scholars Office’s travel page for more information about how to obtain a personal letter of invitation.

General Information & Guidelines

Lost & Found

Inquiries about articles lost on campus may be made Thursday through Sunday at the Campus Center information desk, 413-585-4801.

Men’s Restrooms

Men’s restrooms can be found in the Ainsworth/Scott Gymnasium complex, Alumnae House, the Campus Center, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Art, Neilson Library, Seelye Hall and Wright Hall. Portable restrooms will be available at the Commencement ceremony.

No Pets

Please leave all pets at home. Animals and pets, with the exception of trained service animals assisting individuals with disabilities, are not allowed on campus.

Emergencies

Any emergency, including one that may require an ambulance or the Northampton Fire Department, should be reported to the campus safety, extension 5555 (for emergencies) or 413-585-5555 from a cell phone.

Anyone who is injured or becomes ill while on campus should seek medical attention at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust Street, at 413-582-2000. If the illness or injury appears life threatening, call Smith extension 5555 (or 413-585-5555 from a cell phone) for ambulance service.

During Commencement, emergency medical personnel will be on site.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all campus buildings, including campus houses, meeting rooms, auditoriums and students’ private rooms.

WiFi

Wireless internet access is available in all academic buildings. Visit the ITS website for instructions.

Dining Services

Check back in the spring for dining information.

Parties

No private parties may be held in any spaces or areas on campus.

Clothing

New England weather can be volatile and evenings may be quite cool; you may want to dress in layers and be prepared for rain.

Sustainability/Hydration Stations

Hydration stations will be available at Commencement for guests. We ask that you help Smith College in their sustainability efforts and encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to fill at the stations.

Weather

The Senior Candle-Lighting Ceremony, Sophomore Push/Senior Step Sing and Illumination could be canceled in extreme weather conditions, such as lightning, hail or severe winds. For further information about rain on Commencement Day, call 413-585-4636 (the college information line) after 7:30 a.m. that day. The signal that Commencement or Ivy Day will be held indoors at the Track and Tennis Facility, will be the ringing of the college bells at 8 a.m.; the doors of the ITT will also open at that time. Ivy Day and the Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live to Facebook. No account is required to watch.

Event Accessibility

Smith College is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all graduates and their guests during Commencement weekend.

Communication is sent in the spring to all graduating seniors to sign up guests for accessibility needs. For questions, please contact the Events Management Office at 413-585-2669 or email smithevents@smith.edu. 

Parking, Seating, and Accessibility for Guests

Parking & Drop-Off

Parking spaces in Northampton and on Smith’s campus cannot be reserved, including accessible parking spaces. Accessible parking is available throughout campus and in the parking garage for guests with a state-issued placard or license plate and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Locations are noted on the online campus map.

Paradise Road will be closed to general traffic. Guests with mobility needs may be dropped off at the Emerson Arch entrance to the Quad on the mornings of Ivy Day and Commencement. Please speak with the police officer stationed at the top of Elm and Paradise Roads for access to make a drop-off. Drop-offs should be completed by 8:30 a.m. on Ivy Day. For Commencement on May 17, guests requiring accessible seating must check in upon arrival with an accessibility attendant, who will be stationed under a tent labeled “Accessibility” at the main entrance to the outdoor Quad. In the event of rain, attendants will be located at the main entrance of the Indoor Track & Tennis Facility (ITT). Guests using accessible seating should be seated by 9 a.m. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

  • Quadrangle: An accessibility check-in tent will be located to the left upon entering through the Emerson Archway.
  • ITT: The accessible entrance is located to the left of the main entrance.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is reserved for guests with mobility limitations, wheelchair users, guests who are legally blind, or those who require American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. Due to space limitations, each accessible seating request includes two seats total: one for the guest requesting access and one for a companion or assistant.

Reserved seating is not available in General Seating. Guests who require accommodations must be included in an accessible seating or services request submitted by the graduating senior.

Mobility & Equipment

Smith College does not provide wheelchairs. Wheelchairs may be rented from Mass Surgical Supply at 413-532-1401 in Holyoke. Availability is limited; please contact the vendor directly regarding pickup and return. Please note that the Quad is a grassy outdoor area and terrain conditions may vary. Guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices should be aware that the ground may be uneven or soft depending on weather conditions.

Indoor Viewing & Comfort

Guests who require an indoor, air-conditioned space due to health or safety needs are welcome to view Ivy Day and Commencement ceremonies in Sage Hall. An Accessibility Attendant will be on site at Sage to assist guests with navigating the building. There will be signage to guide guests to the accessible door.

Shade is available in some areas of the Quad; however, General Seating is first-come, first-served, and shaded seating cannot be guaranteed.

Assisted Listening Devices & Closed Captioning

Assisted Listening Devices are available throughout the Quad and may be used from any seating area. Devices include FM transmitters, receivers, earpieces, and neck loops and are provided by Klondike Sound LLC. Please contact Rhonda Leiphart with any questions.

The Commencement ceremony will be closed-captioned on the large projection screen.

Service Animals

Only service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts state law, are permitted at Ivy Day and Commencement ceremonies. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed.