The main ceremony will take place on the front lawn of Gengras Student Union, beginning at 10 a.m., and will be followed immediately by individual diploma presentations at separate sites across campus. To ensure a smooth transition, we ask that you go directly to the diploma presentation sites following the main ceremony and plan to meet with your graduate only after the conclusion of all ceremonies. All programs (main ceremony, diploma presentations, receptions) are estimated to conclude by approximately 2 p.m.

In the event of rain, a sign will be posted at the front of campus indicating that the "Rain Plan" is in effect. In this instance, the main ceremony is cancelled and individual school and college ceremonies will be held at either 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. as indicated below. Graduates, parents, and guests are encouraged to call 860.768.4100 or log on to www.hartford.edu after 6 a.m. on Sunday morning, if the weather is inclement, to learn if the rain plan is in effect before reaching campus. Those whose rain plan ceremonies are scheduled for 1 p.m. are asked not to arrive on campus until noon. Those reaching campus earlier than noon for 1 p.m. ceremonies may gather in University Commons (Arts and Sciences) or Gengras Student Union (Barney and University Studies).

Area Accommodations
The University of Hartford has worked with numerous area hotels and inns to block off rooms at a special rate for our out-of-town guests Commencement Weekend. Please see our listing and mention "University of Hartford Commencement" when calling to receive the rate indicated.

Food
The Commons will be open for an all-you-can-eat hot breakfast on Commencement morning (7:30 to 9:30 a.m.). Fresh fruit juice and smoothies will be available at Zia Juice (Gengras Student Union) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. An outdoor food concession tent will be located near the main site. Reservations are now being accepted for the always popular Commencement buffet at the 1877 Club. Seating begins at 12:30 p.m. and prepaid reservations are required. Cost is $23.95 per adult. Please call 860.768.4817. Space is limited.

Class of 2008 Reception
Graduating members of the Class of 2008 and their immediate families are invited to attend a graduation reception, hosted by the Alumni Association and the Student Government Association. It will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the 1877 Club, located in the Harry Jack Gray Center. Graduates will be welcomed into the Alumni Association and will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements. For more information, please contact the Alumni Office at 860.768.4357 or send an e-mail to alumni@hartford.edu.

Video
Only hand-held video equipment is permitted. Cameras and video equipment with tripods will not be permitted in the aisles or in the area in front of the stage. Order forms for a video (VHS or DVD) of the main ceremony may be dropped off at the Information Tent Commencement Day or mailed in to the University's TV Studio prior to June 1.

Tickets
Tickets are not required to attend Commencement, with the exception of The Hartt School’s diploma presentation ceremony (Hartt guests, please see next item).

Additional Information for The Hartt School ceremony:
Four tickets are available per student. A wait list for additional tickets is established on or around May 1. Students should wait to see the notice posted at The Hartt School and then contact the Hartt Dean's Office. In the past, students are, for the most part, able to obtain the number of tickets needed. Remaining tickets are distributed equally, not on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony is shown in the adjacent Konover Campus Center for those without tickets, and others wishing to avoid stairs or be in a more informal setting. Except for The Hartt School ceremony, tickets are not required for Commencement.

Special Needs
Those guests requiring special needs parking should inform a public safety officer upon entering campus Commencement morning. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses can be boarded after the main ceremony to transport guests to any of the diploma presentation ceremonies elsewhere on campus. In addition, those guests requiring shelter from weather conditions (sun, heat, rain) are invited to a sitting area (Suisman Lounge) on the main floor of Gengras Student Union, where they may listen to audio from the main ceremony.

Flowers
Flowers will be available for purchase near the food concession tent beginning at 8:30 a.m.