Commencement Weekend, May 24–26

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Alumni House on campus map
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Alumni House

The Commencement Welcome Center is located in Alumni House.

Welcome Center

Alumni House • (413) 542-2065

Friday: 2:00 - 9 :00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Find Commencement locations on our Campus map.

Arriving on Campus

PARKING: We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the online campus map and parking locations. All campus parking lots are open to visitors, including those near residence halls. Parking permits are not required during Commencement weekend. Please note that parking is not allowed around the Main Quadrangle from May 23–26. Any vehicles parked on the Main Quadrangle are subject to being towed. If you require an accessible parking space, refer to the online map.

SHUTTLES: On Sunday, May 26, shuttles will provide transportation from the major campus parking lots to Frost Library (the Main Quad). The shuttles operate from 8 to 10 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION: There is significant road construction throughout the towns of Amherst and Hadley, including the main road (Route 9) that leads to campus. We strongly encourage you to allow for extra travel time.

Commencement Tickets

Commencement will take place outdoors in all but the most severe weather. When Commencement is outdoors, seating is unlimited and no tickets are required. If severe weather forces Commencement indoors, students will receive two guest tickets to attend the ceremony in LeFrak Gymnasium. Guests without tickets may watch a video simulcast. Learn more about Commencement tickets.

Connecting to Wifi

Guests to campus may select AmherstGuest from your list of available wireless networks. Launch a web browser and follow the instructions for creating an account on the Amherst network. Learn more about connecting to Wifi on campus.

Dining on Campus

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Valentine Hall

Valentine Hall

Families and guests are invited to purchase meals in Valentine Dining Hall. Please note that Saturday’s lunch and Sunday’s lunch are served on Valentine Quadrangle and are open to families, faculty, staff, and students (no charge).

Friday, 7:30–10 a.m.
Saturday, 7:30–10 a.m.
Sunday, 7:30–10 a.m.

Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Saturday, 12:30–2 p.m. (Valentine Quadrangle)
Sunday, 12:30–2 p.m. (Valentine Quadrangle)

Friday, 5–8:30 p.m.

Cafés and More
  • The Science Center Café will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
  • The Mammoth Market at Schwemm’s Gourmet Coffee House will be open in Keefe Campus Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
  • The Wheely Mammoth mobile merchandise store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Tents outside Frost Library will offer snack service and merchandise for purchase from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Students in commencement gowns holding canes and purple diploma tubes

Diplomas & Canes

What two things does every Amherst graduate receive at Commencement? A diploma in a purple tube, and a Conway Cane, of course.