Winter Commencement Day Details and FAQ
The University of New Haven’s Winter Commencement will take place on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre, located at 95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford, Conn.
The ceremony will also be streamed live. A link to the live stream will appear on the Winter Commencement website the morning of the ceremony.
Please note that the details below are subject to change based on the evolving impact of the pandemic.
All graduates, guests (over the age of two), faculty, and staff will need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated (defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being 14 full days past receiving the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine) OR proof of a negative PCR or viral antigen test COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to the ceremony. (COVID-19 tests must be taken on or after Thursday, Dec. 9.) No on-site testing will be provided. All guests will need to provide a photo ID with their required COVID-19 documentation upon arrival at Commencement. Photos or screenshots of a vaccination card or record are acceptable, as well as any government-approved platform (ex. NYS Excelsior Pass), provided they display the requisite information.
All graduates as well as faculty and staff must be “cleared” in CoVerified in order to enter the Toyota Oakdale Theatre for Commencement.
All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear an appropriate face covering at all times while in the venue. Masks must be at least 2-ply fabric and tight fitting across the nose and mouth. No gaiters, bandanas or loose coverings will be allowed. Face coverings must not contain offensive language.
Any individual who has been ordered to quarantine or isolate by their local government or the University and is still in quarantine or isolation on Sunday, December 12, may not attend Commencement. An individual’s quarantine or isolation period must end by Saturday, December 11, and must be symptom-free for the final 24 hours of your quarantine or isolation to attend.
Graduates will receive four guest tickets. All tickets will be distributed electronically through MarchingOrder. Gradautes should look for announcements via their University of New Haven email.
Academic regalia (cap and gown) is available for pick-up at the Bookstore.
Students participating in Commencement do not need a ticket.
Graduates should arrive by 12:30 p.m. Remember your regalia.
We ask that all students participating in the Commencement ceremony remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
All graduates will be given four (4) guest tickets. All guests, including children two years of age and older, will require a ticket to enter. There are no exceptions.
Due to the number of guests attending the Commencement ceremony, entering and exiting the parking lots could require additional time. Please plan accordingly.
Graduation memorabilia, including flowers and t-shirts, will be available for sale in the lobby of the Oakdale Theatre.
Snacks and beverages will be available to purchase from the Oakdale Theatre.
We ask that all guests remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
Please note that to facilitate an uninterrupted processional, the lobby doors will be closed and held between 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. No guests will have access to the theater during these times. Guests wishing to view the processional should be seated prior to 1:45 p.m.
Ceremony Schedule
12:15 p.m. | Student buses will leave the University of New Haven's main campus in front of Maxcy Hall for Toyota Oakdale Theatre. (Students must pre-register for transportation from campus to Toyota Oakdale Theatre.) |
12:30 p.m. | Doors will open for seating. No guests will be admitted without a ticket. Guest seating is not assigned. |
12:30 p.m. | All students participating in the ceremony will check in and must have their Charger Card ID and all regalia prior to being lined up for the processional. Students who do not have their cap and gown will be ineligible to participate. Regalia is not available on-site. |
1:45 p.m. | Please note that to facilitate an uninterrupted processional, the lobby doors will be closed and held between 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. No guests will have access to the theater during these times. Guests wishing to view the processional should be seated prior to 1:45 p.m. |
2:00 p.m. | Procession begins. The doors will close at 1:45 p.m. and remain closed until the conclusion of the procession. |
2:15 p.m. | Ceremony begins and will last approximately one hour and 45 minutes. We ask that all students participating in Commencement and their guests remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony. |
3:45 p.m. (approximately) | Ceremony to end. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are graduates assigned seats?
Graduates will not be assigned individual seats. Graduates will be seated by academic school/college and degree earned (bachelor's/master's). Graduates from the same academic college/school who are earning the same degree (bachelor's/master's) who want to sit together should process in together.
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Are guests assigned seats?
All guest seating is general admission and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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I need an extra ticket or tickets in addition to the four that all graduates receive. How do I request that?
All graduates will receive four (4) guest tickets. If there are additional tickets available, the Commencement Committee will announce how requests for an extra ticket can be made.
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My friend, roommate, or classmate decided at the last minute not to attend. Can my additional guests use their guest tickets?
No. Guest tickets are non-transferrable.
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Will extra tickets be available "at the door?"
No. Only guests who have tickets and required COVID documentation will be permitted to enter the facility.
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Does my child need a ticket?
All children who are two years and older require a guest ticket and a seat.
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How do I access my guest tickets?
All guest tickets will be available electronically through MarchingOrder.
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Is there accessible seating for my guest(s)?
Yes, this request is asked when graduates reserve their guest tickets. Please email Commencement@newhaven.edu if you need to request accessible seating for your guest(s).
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What time will the processionals start?
The processional will begin at 2 p.m.
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I'd like my family member to award my diploma as I cross the stage. Is that allowed?
The University of New Haven maintains a tradition that enables faculty or staff to award a diploma to their graduate. The employee or graduate who would like to take part in this tradition should email Commencement@newhaven.edu for additional details.
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How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
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Will there be a livestream of the ceremony?
Yes. The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. The link to the livestream will be on the winter commencement website.
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I didn't order a cap and gown or forgot mine at home. Will I be able to obtain one on site?
No. Caps and gowns must be brought with the graduates and donned before arrival at the entrance. There are no dressing rooms or holding areas for graduates. Graduate without regalia will not be permitted to sit with fellow graduates or to cross the stage.
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Can I take my mask off for my professional photo?
Face coverings must be worn while crossing the stage. Graduates will be able to briefly remove their mask backstage for a professional photo after processing across the stage.
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I want to bring my own photographer. How do they receive access to the site?
Private photographers are not permitted at Commencement unless they are using a graduate's guest ticket. Please note, all guests will be required to stay in their seats. There will be no access to the graduate seating areas or to approach the stage during the ceremony. GradImages has been retained to capture photographs of all graduates crossing the stage and at other points during the ceremony.
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Does the Toyota Oakdale Theatre have a bag policy in place?
To reduce staff contact with guest belongings, the Toyota Oakdale Theatre only permits clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags with a maximum size of 12”x6”x12” OR small clutch bags that are approximately the size of a hand. The clutch bag does not need to be clear, but the maximum size is 4.5”x6.5.”