Commencement 2008
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is the date and time of Commencement?
The University Commencement will take place on Bellarmine Lawn on Sunday, May 18 with the graduates' procession starting at 10 a.m.

Do you know who the speaker will be yet?
Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., who during his first year as president of Fairfield University greeted the incoming Class of 2008, will be this year's commencement speaker.

How much time will the ceremony take?
The ceremony usually runs two hours. Ordinarily the recession is taking place at approximately noon.

When should we plan on arriving in Fairfield?
The majority of parents usually plan to arrive early Saturday so as to be able to take part in both the Saturday and Sunday programs.

When should we plan on leaving Fairfield?
Since graduates usually depart from Fairfield on Monday afternoon, parents are free to leave according to their own schedules.

When will University Townhouses close?
The University Townhouse Complex and Village Apartments will officially close at noon on Monday, May 19.

What about parking?
For the Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday, guests of the graduates are free to park in any of the designated lots on campus. Travel to the University on the morning of Commencement is extremely slow because of heavy traffic. Ample time should be allowed for reaching the campus, especially from Exit 22 on the Connecticut Turnpike (I-95) and from Exit 44 on the Merritt Parkway.

For Commencement, family and friends of graduates will have the entire parking area on campus except for reserved parking areas in the Canisius Hall parking lot and in the Bellarmine Hall lots.

Will there be printed announcements available for graduates to send to relatives and friends?
For those interested, beginning January 1, 2008 personalized announcements of graduation will be available through Jostens at 1-800-854-7464, ext. 7121 or online at www.Jostens.com. Graduates will receive information concerning the purchase of these directly from Jostens.

Announcements should not be confused with Admission Tickets which are needed for the outdoor ceremony or the indoor site in the event of severe inclement weather. Information concerning these tickets is explained in the next paragraph.

Do you need an admission ticket to the University commencement? ...
What happens in the event of severe inclement weather? ...
Where are the indoor & outdoor locations? ...
Is there a limit to the number of guests per student? ...
How may I request extra tickets?
In late April, 2008, each degree candidate may pick up a maximum of five tickets for Commencement exercises. Outdoor exercises will be held on Bellarmine Lawn. Indoor exercises, only in the case of severe inclement weather, will be held at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. This rain location allows the University to respond to the wishes of seniors that classmates are together in a rain site.

Important: Students will be reminded to safeguard their tickets. Lost tickets will not be replaced. No admittance to any commencement location will be allowed without a ticket.

Parents wishing to enter a random lottery for a MAXIMUM of two extra tickets should write to the University at the address below no later than January 31, 2008. Those requests received on or before this date will be entered into a random lottery. A limited number of 200 extra Commencement tickets will be made available in this lottery. Those graduates awarded extra tickets will be notified by campus e-mail.

Additional commencement tickets
BOX A
Fairfield university
1073 North benson road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195

Are there any special arrangements for guests with physical disabilities?
Fairfield University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Department of Public Safety at (203) 254-4090 or in Loyola Hall, Ground Floor, Room 2, between May 1 and May 10 for special arrangements.

What about cap and gown rentals?
Caps and gowns, which were ordered by graduates on their Application for Degree Cards and for which the rental fee is included in the University Commencement Fee, will be distributed during Senior Week on Wednesday, May 14, from 12:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. in Canisius Hall. For graduates unable to obtain their caps and gowns on Wednesday, they can be obtained on Sunday, May 18, prior to Commencement, in Canisius Hall between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

How can I obtain a commencement program for the University's 58th Commencement?
Commencement programs will be distributed by student ushers at the entrance to Bellarmine Terrace or, in the event of severe inclement weather, at the entrance to the Arena at Harbor Yard.

How do I order a copy of the Manor, the Fairfield University yearbook?
Your son/daughter should have ordered a yearbook by having a senior picture taken by our yearbook photographer in October of the fall 2007 semester.

For an additional copy, please call Student Services at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2378. The cost for the additional yearbook is $80 plus postage.

What about senior week activities for students?
At the end of March, your son/daughter will receive The 2008 Senior Week Schedule outlining all activities planned by the Senior Week Committee under the direction of the Student Activities & Facilities.

Is there space available on campus for a private reception during commencement weekend?
No. Because of the many events already taking place on campus, we are unable to offer space for private functions. We would suggest that you contact a local restaurant or hotel.

What about hotel reservations?
There is a wide selection of hotels within two to ten miles of the campus. It is strongly recommended that you make reservations as soon as possible to ensure space.

What about campus housing?
Rooms in a campus residence hall are made available to families of graduating students at a reasonable rate. Please review the enclosed form if you are interested in campus housing.