Colby's 198th Commencement Ceremony | May 24-26, 2019

Do I need a ticket to attend the commencement ceremony?

The ceremony is open to the public. Seats are reserved for family and guests of the graduating class and special guests of the College, but others are welcome to observe from outside the seating area. Lawn chairs are permitted. If inclement weather moves the ceremony to an alternative location on campus, tickets are required for admittance, but those without tickets may watch the proceedings in other on-campus venues.

What is the schedule for closing Mayflower Hill Drive?

Mayflower Hill Drive will be closed Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as thousands of pedestrians cross between the Colby Green and the academic quadrangle. At the south end, the drive will be closed at the Mary Low parking lot. At the northeast end, Mayflower Hill Drive will be closed at the three-way intersection with Campus Drive and North Street (see campus map). Traffic delays may occur at other times during the weekend, especially from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, as pedestrians cross Mayflower Hill Drive. Accommodations will be made for emergency vehicles. Some on-campus traffic will be permitted when possible.

What other closings are planned?

At 9 p.m. Saturday, Mayflower Hill Drive near the rugby field will close for about 15 minutes for a fireworks display. Runnals Drive will be closed to traffic all day Saturday and Sunday (see campus map).

Where is parking for the commencement ceremony?

Beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday, Colby security officers will direct parking. Drivers will be directed to Mary Low, Lunder, Roberts, Athletics, and Facilities lots, and lots will be closed once they are full. Parking on Mayflower Hill Drive is restricted and spaces in Eustis Lot and on Bixler Drive (see campus map) are reserved for those with special permits. (To secure special parking permits call Director of Campus Events Karen Ledger in advance at 207-859-4735.)

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are available in the Lovejoy Building and in Cotter Union.

When does commencement start, and how long does it last?

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and usually lasts until 12:30 p.m. Guests should plan to arrive on campus by 9 a.m.

What is the rain plan?

In inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at an alternative location on campus and live-streamed to overflow seating in other on-campus venues. Each senior will be issued three rain tickets. The decision to move the ceremony will be made very early Sunday and posted at colby.edu and the College’s social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

When is baccalaureate, and may I attend?

Baccalaureate is at 10 a.m. Saturday. Seating in Lorimer Chapel is limited, but guests may view the procession and service on large video screens on the lawn in front of the chapel and in the Lovejoy Building.

How do I get meal tickets?

Graduating seniors are guests of the College for all meals during Commencement Weekend. Three special meals are offered: a lobster bake Friday evening, a banquet Saturday evening, and a luncheon Sunday following commencement. Guests may purchase tickets to the lobster bake and the banquet. There is no charge for the luncheon, but advance registration is requested. Reservations are recommended for all special meals on campus this weekend.

Families and guests may eat Saturday and Sunday breakfast and Saturday lunch at Dana dining hall. Meal prices are: breakfast $6; lunch $8. Children five and under are free; ages six to 11 are half-price.

Pre-purchased meal tickets and complimentary Sunday lunch tickets are issued along with commencement tickets to graduating seniors from the Campus Events office on the first floor of the Eustis Building during Senior Week. If your student is unable to pick up the tickets, reserved packets will be available at each of the meals during the weekend.

How are a cappella concert tickets distributed?

Seniors will be offered four tickets per student on a first-come, first-served basis when they pick up their meal/commencement tickets.

When and where is the Commencement Ball?

The ball, open to all seniors and their guests, will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday on the Colby Green. A live band will perform until midnight.

What is there to do around Waterville?

Waterville is home to 15,000 residents and boasts a downtown district that features a municipal auditorium (the Waterville Opera House), Railroad Square Cinema, one of America’s great independent cinemas (three screens), and many locally owned businesses. Visitors will also find a half-dozen hotels, two hospitals, a multiplex movie theater, and nationally recognized businesses—Starbucks, Home Depot, and others—within city limits.

How can I get professional photos of a graduating student?

The College contracts with a studio to take photographs of seniors as they receive their diplomas. Details will be finalized closer to Commencement.

Residence Hall Closure Information

All graduating seniors are expected to vacate the residence halls no later than 8 p.m., Sunday, May 26th.

Who can answer other questions about commencement?

Please contact Karen Ledger, director of campus events, at 207-859-4735 or krledger@colby.edu.