Below are frequently asked questions about Commencement. If you have other questions, please call the Office of College Relations at 507-222-4308 or e-mail kraadt@carleton.edu.

Where can we order graduation announcements?

Carleton's graduation announcements are available in either personalized (requiring an advance order) or non-personalized formats. Information will be mailed to parents in April, and announcements may also be ordered online from the Carleton Bookstore. Non-personalized announcements will also be available for purchase in the Carleton Bookstore.

All seniors will be invited to the Senior Showcase on May 8, Carleton's graduation festival in Severance Great Hall where they will have the opportunity to talk with representatives from the Carleton Bookstore, Jostens, and Framing Success. During this event, seniors can order personalized announcements, college rings, diploma frames, and other items.

Many graduation-related items are available year-round from the Carleton Bookstore.

Where does my student get a cap and gown for Commencement?

During the Senior Showcase on May 8, seniors can order and be fitted for Commencement caps and gowns, taking advantage of the special rental price of $25 on the day of the event only. After May 8, cap and gown orders can be placed directly with the Bookstore for $30 through Thursday, May 15. Due to the lead time needed for cap and gown shipment, no orders can be accepted after May 15.

Seniors may pick up their caps and gowns in Great Space from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 10 and 11. The gown must be returned to the Bookstore immediately following Commencement; the cap and tassel become the property of the graduate.

What else will be available to my student at the Senior Showcase?

The Senior Showcase is a one-stop-shop opportunity for seniors to take care of many of their graduation needs. Representatives from several campus offices will be there with information about student loan repayment, address change and mail forwarding guidelines, career services, photos for the yearbook, senior week and commencement schedules, and much more. Vendors will have samples of announcements, class rings, and diploma frames to view and details for ordering. Students will be measured for their caps and gowns. There will also be refreshments and prizes.

How can my student ship items home?

Two Northfield businesses provide a full range of UPS shipping services to meet your needs, and both will be open on Commencement day. Please contact these businesses directly for rate quotes and information.

Touchette Sales is located at 801 Division Street, one block south of Econofoods (phone 645-5193). Open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Graphic Mail Box is located at 204 West 7th Street, in the River Park Mall across from Wells Fargo (phone 645-1610). Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special Commencement day hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When should we plan to arrive in Northfield?

Activities begin on Friday, June 13, and the Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 14, at 9:30 a.m. Please review the Schedule of Events and determine the arrival day and time that works best for you and your family and guests.

Can we stay overnight on campus?

Carleton College has a limited number of rooms available in the residence halls during Commencement Weekend for guests of graduating seniors. See Housing Information for more details.

What motels and hotels are in the Northfield area?

We encourage you to make reservations for overnight accommodations as soon as possible. A list of Northfield Area Accommodations is provided for your convenience.

Where is Commencement held?

Carleton's Commencement ceremony is held outdoors on the lawn west of Hulings Hall. Commencement will be held rain or shine. Although there are several shade trees, some seating is in the direct sun. We advise you to bring water and to consider wearing a hat and sunglasses for your comfort. In case of severe weather, the ceremony will be held in the Recreation Center.

Will we need tickets for the ceremony?

Seating is available to accommodate all guests, whether outdoors or indoors. No tickets are required.

Where should we park?

Parking on campus is very limited, but there is plenty of street parking available south of the campus.

What time should we arrive for the Commencement ceremony?

You can arrive as early as you like. Complimentary breakfast is available in East Dining Hall starting at 7 a.m. We ask that you be in your seats by 9:20 a.m. and that the aisles be kept open for the processional. We also ask that you keep the aisles open throughout the ceremony and take care to not block the view of other guests.

Can we take photographs during the ceremony?

You may take photographs during the ceremony from your seat. In order to avoid obstructing the view of others, please do not approach the stage area or stand in the aisles.

For your convenience, Carleton College has arranged with Chappell Graduation Images for a professional photographer to take a photo of each graduate receiving the diploma from President Oden and a second posed photo after leaving the stage. Five to seven days after Commencement, you will receive a free passport-sized, full-color proof in the mail, and you will have the option of ordering from a variety of packages. There is no obligation to purchase. Carleton does not benefit from this arrangement; it is provided as a service to graduates and their families. Chappell Graduation Images guarantees complete satisfaction with your photograph package or you will receive a full refund. For more information, phone Chappel toll free at 800-424-3686 or e-mail service@chappell.com.

Carleton College has also arranged with SONBURST Productions for a professional multi-camera video-DVD of Commencement, including the entire ceremony, picnic lunch and interviews with recent graduates. This high quality digital video will feature many close-ups of graduates listening to speeches and receiving their diplomas. Shots of hugs and family photos shared by graduates, family, friends and faculty during the picnic will also be taken. Print out a copy of the Commencement DVD Order Form and mail it to SONBURST Productions. For more information, email SonburstProductions@charter.net or phone 612-867-6415.

A member of my family has mobility impairment and requires special access for the ceremony. How may we arrange for this?

No advance arrangements are required. The parking lot east of Skinner Memorial Chapel on First Street will be reserved for dropping off people with mobility impairments and will have parking spaces for vehicles with handicap permits. A short distance down the sidewalk will be a seating section for those with special access needs (and members of their parties); wheelchairs and scooters can be parked in this area. Ushers will be available to assist.

How do we request a sign language interpreter?

If you require the services of a Sign Language Interpreter, please make advance arrangements with the Office of College Relations at 507-222-4309.

Where can I purchase snacks, film, disposable cameras, camera batteries, or other last-minute items on Saturday?

The snack bar in Sayles-Hill will be open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the Carleton Bookstore in Sayles-Hill will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and then again from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Bookstore carries batteries, film, disposable cameras, sun block, sunglasses, umbrellas, and other last-minute supplies that may be needed.

Who will be the speakers at this year’s Commencement ceremony?

We are very proud that at this year’s Commencement ceremony Carleton College will confer honorary degrees upon Carolyn Williamson Nelson '63 (distinguished contributor to the field of bibliography) and Nadinne Cruz (education consultant). They will each briefly address the graduating class.

In addition, two members of the graduating class have been selected to make remarks to their classmates: Dashini Jeyathurai from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Alison Reingold from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

What other activities will be taking place during Commencement Weekend?

Festivities will begin on Friday, June 13 with a variety of activities. The Schedule of Events will be updated as further activities are planned, so check back often. Tickets for the Friday barbecue lunch and the Saturday buffet picnic lunch will be sold at the hospitality table in Sayles-Hill Great Space (meals are free for the graduates).