Commencement

Smith Bookstore open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

7–9 a.m. | Breakfast for students

Chase/Duckett, Comstock, and Dawes
For seniors and all students remaining on campus

11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Lunch for students

Chase/Duckett, King/Scales, and Dawes
For seniors and all students remaining on campus

1:45–3 p.m. | Commencement Leadership Orientation

Comstock Courtyard
A preview of Commencement and leadership roles for all members of sophomore push and junior ushers, the co-president of the Ada Comstock Scholars, the president of the senior class, and the president of the SGA.

3:30–4:30 p.m. | Baccalaureate, for seniors only

Helen Hills Hills Chapel
Baccalaureate gives seniors an opportunity to pause, reflect upon, and rejoice in their accomplishments, challenges, and friendships. President Sarah Willie-LeBreton will deliver remarks to the senior class. Per Smith tradition, students are invited to wear graduation gowns but not caps, and an accessory in your class color—something yellow!

4–5 p.m. | 12-Step Recovery Program

Wright Hall 002
All are welcome to attend.

5–7 p.m. | Senior Celebration Barbecue

Davis lawn (rain locations: Chase/Duckett, Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales, and Dawes)

8 p.m. | Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert

Scott Dance Studio
Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.

Please note: Academic departments are holding receptions on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. For more information and a full listing, see the “Academic Departments and Programs Commencement Receptions” tab.

Smith Bookstore open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

7–9 a.m. | Breakfast for students

Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales, Chase/Duckett, Tyler, and Dawes

Ivy Day Activities

In the event of rain, the Alumnae Parade, Alumnae Awards Presentation, and Ivy Day Awards Convocation will be held in the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility (ITT). The signal for such a change in venue will be the ringing of the college bells at 8 a.m. The doors of the ITT will open at that time. Seniors should enter the main lobby of the ITT through the glass doors and will be instructed where to pick up their roses and line up. Junior ushers should assemble in the ITT by the overhead door. Alumnae will march through the double line of seniors and past the reviewing stand before being seated. The senior class, led by the junior ushers, will then follow.

8:45 a.m. | Seniors assemble

President’s House, front
Roses will be distributed to seniors. Seniors will then form two lines along the driveway, across Paradise Road and up to the Emerson House Archway in preparation for the Alumnae Parade and Ivy Day procession. Seniors should wear all-white attire and dark shoes. Please be on time.

8:45 a.m. | Alumnae Parade assembly

Chapin Drive, between the Campus Center and College Lane

9:15 a.m. | Alumnae Parade & Senior Class Procession

Led by the Festival Band, alumnae march toward the President’s House and the quadrangle, through the double lines of the senior class. Alumnae proceed through the Emerson House archway, around the quadrangle and past the reviewing stand on Martha Wilson House steps. Junior ushers follow the alumnae through the lines of seniors, leading the seniors into the quadrangle and past the reviewing stand.

Following the route of the alumnae, the senior class will be led by the junior ushers carrying the ivy chain into the quadrangle, past the reviewing stand, and will then be seated.

Immediately following parade | Invocation and Ivy Day Program

The Quadrangle

11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Tote lunch for seniors and remaining students on campus

Chapin lawn (Rain location: Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center Garden Lounge, Lower Level)
Parents and guests may purchase lunches online. Please check back soon for a link in the coming weeks.

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Athletics and ESS Open House

Ainsworth Gymnasium 151, Ainsworth level 1 entrance hallway
All ESS graduates and ESS minors, as well as current and past athletes, are invited to stop by to visit with ESS faculty and Athletics coaching and administrative staff.

1:30–2:15 p.m. | President’s Reception

Seelye lawn (Rain location: Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center)
For seniors and graduate students, their families, guests, faculty, and alumnae.

2 p.m. | Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert

Scott Dance Studio
Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.

2:30–4 p.m. | Residence Life Reception

Clark Hall, conference room and porch
A reception for student staff members and House Presidents, seniors, and their families, as well as alums who have served in these roles.

2:30 p.m.–3 p.m. | Delta Phi Alpha, Lambda Rho Chapter

Hatfield Hall 204
German Studies department German Honor Society Initiation Ceremony. Families and alumnae welcome.

3–5 p.m. | Smith Crew Boathouse Open House and Reception

Connecticut River Boathouse, Sportsman’s Marina, 1 Russell Street, Hadley
All Smith crew alumnae, team members, and families are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served. No shuttle service.

4–5 p.m. | 12-Step Recovery Program

Wright Hall 002
All are welcome to attend.

5–6 p.m. | Commencement Choral Concert

Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall
The Glee Club and Chamber Singers present works chosen by members of the senior class.

5–7 p.m. | Dinner for students

Chase/Duckett and Dawes
For seniors and all students remaining on campus.

8 p.m. | Senior Class Candle-Lighting Ceremony

Paradise Pond lawn, between the President’s House and Office of Admission
Families and guests of seniors welcome.

8:15 p.m. | Meeting of Sophomore Push

In front of Seelye Hall

8:30 p.m. | Sophomore Push/Senior Step Singing

Seelye Hall steps
Families and guests of seniors welcome.

8:30–10 p.m. | Ada Comstock Illumination Night Celebration

Boutelle-Day Poetry Center, Wright Hall 102, and Wright Hall upper lobby

8:30–10 p.m. | Illumination of Upper Campus

Rain location: Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center
Live music by the Jay Messer Quintet. All are welcome to walk through campus and enjoy this Smith College tradition.

Smith Bookstore open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

7–9 a.m. | Breakfast for students

Cutter/Ziskind, Chase/Duckett, King/Scales, Tyler, and Dawe

8 a.m. | Sophomore Push Meeting

Indoor Track and Tennis Facility

8 a.m. | Junior Usher Meeting

Indoor Track and Tennis Facility

9–10:30 a.m. | Junior Usher Ivy Day/Commencement Walkthrough (Indoor)

Indoor Track and Tennis Facility

9–10:30 a.m.—Commencement Rehearsal, seniors only

Indoor Track and Tennis Facility
Attendance is mandatory for all seniors, junior ushers, sophomore push, and candidates for advanced degrees.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Senior Luncheon

Chase/Duckett, King/Scales, Tyler, and Dawe
For seniors and all students remaining on campus.

2:45–3:45 p.m. | Jandon Center for Community Engagement Reception

Jandon Center for Community Engagement, Wright Hall 013
The Jandon team welcomes you to celebrate our graduating fellows, CESC concentrators, CSO members, tutors, volunteers, and all others who have supported our partners beyond Smith. We hope to see you and your loved ones for light refreshments and crafting activities.

4–5 p.m. | 12–Step Recovery Program

Wright Hall 002
All are welcome to attend.

4:30–5:30 p.m. | Chamber Ensemble Concert

Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall
Special chamber music recital featuring graduating seniors.

5–7 p.m. | Dinner for students

Chase/Duckett and Dawes 
For seniors and all students remaining on campus.

8 p.m. | Celebrations Dance Company’s Annual Commencement Concert

Scott Dance Studio
Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.

8–11 p.m. | Astronomy Open House

McConnell Hall foyer and McConnell roof observatory
Open to all. Telescopic observations begin at 9 p.m. (weather permitting)

8:30–10:30 p.m. | Commencement Orchestra Concert

Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall
The Commencement Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Hirsh, accompanies featured soloists from the senior class.

Smith Bookstore open from 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

7–9 a.m. | Breakfast for students

Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales, Comstock, Chase/Duckett, Tyler, and Dawe
The Campus Center Café is open for students, staff, and faculty. Orders may be placed through the GrubHub app.

8 a.m. | Meeting of Junior Ushers

Steps of Wilson House (Rain location: Indoor Track and Tennis Facility)

8 a.m. | Meeting of Sophomore Push

Steps of Comstock/Haynes Houses (Rain location: Indoor Track and Tennis Facility)

Commencement Activities

In the event of rain, the signal for indoor Commencement at the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility will be the ringing of the college bells beginning at 8 a.m. For indoor Commencement, the ITT doors will open at 8 a.m. Graduates will line up at 9:15 a.m. in Ainsworth Gymnasium.

9:15 a.m. | Assembling for Commencement

All graduates must line up on Mandelle Road in front of Comstock and Haynes houses. Seniors should arrive wearing full regalia.

Audience members should be seated by 9:45 a.m. Seats cannot be saved for those arriving later. Tape, signs, and other items placed on chairs to save seats will be removed by college personnel.

10 a.m.—Commencement Exercises

The Quadrangle

immediately following Commencement | Diploma Circle

Graduating seniors only. Graduates will march out of the quadrangle onto the Laura Scales/Franklin King terrace. No family members or friends will be permitted near the diploma circle. Please stay in line to expedite the distribution of diplomas. (In the event of an indoor Commencement, the diploma circle will be held in Ainsworth Gymnasium.)

1–2:30 p.m. | Commencement Lunch honoring seniors and graduate students

Chapin*, Chase/Duckett, Comstock/Haynes, Cutter/Ziskind (includes Kosher), Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center Carroll Room 208*, Dawes, Gillett/Northrop, King/Scales, Lamont, and Tyler.
Immediately following Commencement exercises, families and friends are invited to this special celebratory meal honoring seniors and graduate students.

*additional seating: Chapin Tent for Chapin and the Campus Center guests.