Commencement FAQs

When is commencement?

• 2009 - Sunday, May 31

Where and what time is Commencement?

Weather permitting, Commencement will be held at Hollingsworth Field (Football Stadium), beginning at 2:00 p.m., with the Procession at 1:45 p.m.

In the event of inclement weather, Commencement will be held in Lund Center Arena at 2:00 p.m. (overflow seating is available in Lund Center Forum -- no ticket is required for the overflow seating.) The ceremony will last approximately two hours.

As a parent, when will I formally hear about Commencement Weekend festivities and costs?

A special mailing to the family will be sent in mid April with information about meals, lodging opportunities, and a schedule of events.

What if my student is studying abroad or has graduated early?

The Office of the Registrar will inform the Office of College Relations of those students who have graduated early or are studying abroad. Information for Commencement will be sent to the family or the appropriate forwarding address.

Will I/we need tickets for Commencement / Baccalaureate?

Three (3) tickets for Commencement (for indoor seating only) will be distributed to each graduating student at the Grad Finale, or mailed to their PO box. Graduating students will not need tickets for themselves, so the three tickets are for family and/or friends. If Commencement is held outdoors, no ticket will be required.  If Commencement is held indoors, a ticket will be required to watch the ceremony "live." No ticket is required for the overflow section.

Along with the tickets for Commencement, four (4) tickets for one of the Baccalaureate Services will automatically be distributed to each graduating student; please check your ticket time to attend the 9 or 10:30 a.m. service.

What happens if it rains on Commencement Sunday?

The decision as to whether the exercises will be held indoors or outdoors will be announced by 10:00 a.m. on Sunday at the first Baccalaureate service and on KRBI (St. Peter) and WCCO (Minneapolis) radio.  If weather conditions force us inside, we will use the Lund Center Arena.  The ceremony will start at 2:00 p.m.  Due to space restrictions in Lund, each senior will be issued three tickets for the Commencement Exercises. Additional family and guests may be accommodated in the Lund Forum, where closed-circuit television will be set up.

If an outdoor commencement ceremony is interrupted by inclement and/or dangerous weather, the President will reconvene graduates and faculty in the Lund Center Arena for an abbreviated distribution of diplomas. This abbreviated ceremony will be telecast in the Lund Center forum for parents and guests. Post-commencement campus receptions will take place as scheduled.

When and where is Baccalaureate?

The College will hold two Baccalaureate Services in Christ Chapel to accommodate anticipated attendance:  at 9:00 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. Graduating seniors are automatically given four (4) tickets for one of the services (selected at random)--one for themselves and three to be distributed to family and/or friends.

What if I need more Commencement tickets or wish to attend the other Baccalaureate Service?

We are sorry, but there are no extra tickets, so we suggest that you contact other graduating students who may not need their tickets or who may be willing to trade.

Where does my student get his/her cap and gown?

Students will be notified about a special day in April called “Grad Finale.” This is a time when seniors receive a cap and gown (for no additional charge), may order graduation announcements, and class rings. If your student is not available this day, these items may be picked-up starting April 15 during regular business hours at the Book Mark.

When, where, and from whom do I order my invitations, thank-you cards, and class ring?

Invitations, thank-you cards, and class rings can be ordered through the Book Mark. Each student will receive information from the Book Mark in April. Please direct any questions regarding the ordering of these items to the Book Mark at 507-933-7587.

Does the College offer special accommodations for guests with disabilities?

Wheelchair seating is available on a platform in front of the bleachers at the football stadium. Due to space limitations, this area is restricted to those in wheelchairs or walkers, plus one family member or guest. Those who are not able to climb bleachers are encouraged to arrive early for ground-level seating.

What do I need to know about photographing or videotaping my graduate?

As a courtesy to the graduates and all in attendance, we ask that you remain outside of the ceremonial area during Commencement Exercises. Picture-taking opportunities with the faculty will be available after the ceremony at receptions in the Campus Center.

In cooperation with Gustavus Adolphus College, Chappell Studios will photograph the Commencement ceremonies. Chappell Studios will mail color photograph proofs and information to each family. Your Graduates can preregister their email, friends and family email addresses and Graduation Images will contact them just as soon as their photos are available for online viewing and ordering.