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-related items?

Many 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 7, seniors had the opportunity to order and be fitted for Commencement caps and gowns. The rental price that day was $25. After the Senior Showcase through Friday, May 15, cap and gown orders could be placed directly through the Bookstore for a $30 rental fee. Due to the lead time needed for cap and gown shipment, no cap and gown orders can be accepted after May 15.

Seniors will pick up their caps and gowns in Sayles-Hill Great Space from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 9 and 10. The gown must be returned to the Bookstore immediately following Commencement; the cap and tassel become the property of the graduate.

How can my student ship items home?

Carleton Mailing Services (Leighton 128) provides UPS shipping services from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Two Northfield businesses also 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.

Graphic Mailbox is located at 204 West 7th Street in the River Park Mall across from Wells Fargo (phone 507-645-1610). Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open Commencement Day (Saturday, June 13) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Graphic Mailbox has boxes and also provides packing services for students.

Wally’s Cleaners is located at 801 Division Street, one block south of Econofoods (phone 507-645-5193). Open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Commencement Day (Saturday, June 13) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When should we plan to arrive in Northfield?

Activities begin on Friday, June 12, and the Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 13, 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.

What about meals for the weekend?

In addition to a variety of receptions on Friday with complimentary refreshments, the snack bar in Sayles-Hill will be open Friday, June 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a variety of food and beverage items for purchase.

Bon Appetit will be selling tickets for Friday lunch, Saturday breakfast, and Saturday lunch when you arrive on campus. (See the Schedule of Events for menus and prices.) Meals are provided for the graduating seniors at no additional cost.

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. 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. Click here to register your email and get $5 off orders of $25 or more. 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 DVD of Commencement. 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 following the ceremony will also be taken. Print out a copy of the Commencement DVD Order Form and mail it to Sonburst Productions. For more information, email Reynolds@macalester.edu 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 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Carleton bookstore in Sayles-Hill will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 11:30 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 Peter Basquin '64 and Annie S.C. Wu. They will each briefly address the graduating class. In addition, two members of the graduating class will be selected to make remarks to their classmates.

What other activities will be taking place during Commencement Weekend?

Festivities will begin on Friday, June 12 with a variety of activities. The Schedule of Events will be updated as further activities are planned, so check back often.