Information for Families & Friends

Baccalaureate Mass

Graduates and their families are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday, May 18, at 4:00 p.m. at the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex. Graduates do not march in procession for the Mass and no academic robes are worn for the occasion. Please plan to sit with your families and friends for this important part of the Commencement activities.

Commencement Eve Reception

Graduates, parents and friends are invited to attend the Commencement Eve Reception immediately following the Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday, May 18.  Tickets are not required. The event takes place at the May Pavilion Tent and is organized by the Office of Student  Engagement. A community-wide event celebrating the Class of 2019, the reception will include hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Stonehill faculty and staff have also been invited to participate in this event as well. Please be sure to encourage your favorite professors to attend! Please contact the Office of Student Activities with any other questions at 508-565-1308.

If you and your family are going out to eat following the reception, please consider visiting a local area restaurant.

Commencement Exercises

Tickets

Each graduate will receive five (5) tickets for the Commencement Exercises. There will be additional seating for non-ticket holders in the perimeter of the general seating area.  The 2019 Commencement Exercises is scheduled to take place outdoors on the Quad, even if light rain is falling. In case of heavy rain, the exercises will be held in the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex. Only ticket holders are allowed for admission due to building capacity and fire marshal regulations.

Parking

Parking for graduates, families and guests will be in areas designated on the morning of graduation. Parking assistants will be on campus to direct you to available parking. Handicap parking will be available in the Duffy Academic Center parking lot. This lot is the closest parking to where the ceremony will take place. Please have the handicap decal visible in your car. This lot will also serve as a drop off area for those without a handicap decal. For safety, we do not allow vehicles to drop off guests in the roadway. Due to the large volume of vehicles expected on campus it is strongly encouraged to car pool with family members if possible.

Venue & Seating

The Commencement Exercises are scheduled to take place outdoors on the Quad, even if light rain is falling.  We do try to stay outdoors if at all possible and keep in mind that the ceremony is not held under a tent. Rain or shine, guests are also invited to watch the ceremony indoors on a projection screen in the Hemingway Theatre  in the Duffy Academic Center or the McCarthy Auditorium in the Thomas and Donna May School of Arts and Sciences.

Please plan to arrive early in order to avoid traffic congestion and to select good seating. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please understand that sections of the seating must be reserved for graduates, faculty, dignitaries, and the media.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating will be available for guests with mobility difficulties or physical disabilities. Please contact Nancy Dunsing at 508-565-1311 or email commencement@stonehill.edu no later than May 10th.

Refreshments

On Sunday morning, coffee and cold drinks will be available in the hospitality tent from 9:00 a.m. until the end of the ceremony.

Flowers

On the day of Commencement, The Stonehill Chapel Choir will be selling flowers and snacks and all proceeds will benefit their ministry. Please consider purchasing from their booth, which will be located near the Clock Tower. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Graduation Announcements, Videos and Photographs

Personalized Announcements

Personalized graduation announcements are available through Jostens, Inc. for those who are interested. Orders can be placed through Jostens directly at college.jostens.com.

Videotaping

The Commencement Exercises will be videotaped in its entirety, as a service provided for the graduates by the Alumni Office. Seniors will receive ordering information prior to graduation.

Photographs

Each graduate will be photographed as he or she receives a diploma cover. Commencement Photos, Inc. will be sending you information about their services in early April. You may visit their website at www.commencementphotos.com.

Local Hotel Accommodations

Local Restaurants

Commencement season is a busy time for local restaurants. Students and families are encouraged to call ahead to see if reservations are taken. This is a partial listing. Many more restaurants are naturally located in Boston and Providence.

Easton and Brockton Area

Stoughton and Randolph Area

Raynham and Taunton Area

Weymouth

Sharon

Mansfield and Norton Area

Foxborough, Patriot Place

Quincy, South Shore Plaza

Dedham, Legacy Place