The Commencement Ceremony will take place on the Bellarmine Lawn, behind Bellarmine Hall, high on a hill overlooking Long Island Sound. As you prepare to visit, keep in mind that reaching Bellarmine Lawn requires navigating an uneven grassy surface and walking up a large hill.

For those who would prefer to view the ceremony indoors, there will be several locations across campus with live-streaming of the ceremony. In the case of severe and/or dangerous weather, priority will be given to those who present a ticket to enter these locations since space is limited.

Yes, the ceremony will be live-streamed and archived on the University website. Links will be posted on the Commencement website the morning of the ceremony.

The ceremony will be approximately two hours in length.

Commencement programs will be distributed on campus at the entrance to Bellarmine Lawn, at all indoor viewing locations, and, in the event of severe and/or dangerous weather, at the entrance to the Leo D. Mahoney Arena.

Please come prepared for inclement weather with appropriate gear as every attempt will be made to hold the ceremony outdoors, even in rain. We ask attendees to refrain from using umbrellas during the ceremony in order to not block the view of others.

In the case of severe and/or dangerous weather, the University may choose to move the ceremony indoors to Leo D. Mahoney Arena.

ALL FIVE GUEST TICKETS WILL BE HONORED.

The decision to move Commencement indoors will be broadcast starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 20. Each graduate will receive a message to their cell phone via the University StagAlert emergency notification system, and full details will be posted on www.fairfield.edu, digital signage in the Barone Campus Center, and the recording on the University’s main phone line, (203) 254-4000.

Each student will receive five (5) tickets to the outdoor ceremony on Bellarmine Lawn. Due to space limitations, the University will not be able to distribute additional tickets. Students who do not need all of their allotted tickets may share with others if they choose.

In the case of severe and/or dangerous weather, the ceremony will be held inside the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. Due to limited space, ONLY TWO (2) GUESTS PER STUDENT WILL BE PERMITTED INDOORS. A valid, specially marked, indoor ticket must be presented in order to enter the Arena for the in-person ceremonies.

Please reference the "Is there an Inclement and Severe Weather Plan?"above in the Ceremony FAQ's for additional instructions.

On Wednesday, May 10, all students participating in Commencement will receive five (5) tickets to the outdoor ceremony. All tickets for Commencement will be delivered digitally allowing students to manage their tickets through their online account including the ability to digitally transfer tickets to their guests and/or other students. Tickets can be downloaded to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Tickets may also be downloaded as a PDF and printed. All guests will need to present a ticket which will be scanned upon entry. Each ticket has a unique barcode, therefore duplicate tickets will not be permissible.

Additional information regarding the digital ticket process will be sent to students on Wednesday, April 26.

Students can access their online ticket account through the "University Tickets" task in my.Fairfield or by going to https://fairfield.evenue.net

On Wednesday, April 26, additional information will be sent to students on accessing their accounts.

Students are reminded to safeguard their tickets. LOST TICKETS WILL NOT BE REPLACED.

For those without tickets, the ceremony will be live-streamed on the University website.

The ceremony is a little over two hours in length. If the child is able to sit on a family member’s lap for the duration of the ceremony, a separate ticket is not required.

Fairfield University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. The Commencement Ceremony will take place on the Bellarmine Lawn, behind Bellarmine Hall, high on a hill overlooking Long Island Sound. As you prepare to visit, keep in mind that reaching Bellarmine Lawn requires navigating an uneven grassy surface and walking up a large hill. Therefore, for those with disabilities, who wish to view the ceremony outdoors, a limited number of Disabled Seating has been arranged, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that the Disabled Seating space can accommodate persons with disabilities being accompanied by only one additional companion in this reserved seating section. The University does not provide wheelchairs for use during Commencement, however the Disabled Seating space can accommodate an individual’s own wheelchair.

For those who would prefer to view the ceremony indoors, there will be several locations across campus with live-streaming of the ceremony. In the case of severe and/or dangerous weather, priority will be given to those who present a ticket to enter these locations since space is limited.

Per the Academic Regalia Policy and Guidelines, all students participating in the ceremony are required to wear regalia which includes a gown, hood, and cap with a black tassel.

An accessory, such as a cord, pin or stole, can further adorn one’s regalia if the accessory was presented as recognition of one’s academic achievement through: 1) a nationally-recognized honor society, or 2) an academic program sanctioned by the University (e.g., the Honors Program). The Office of the Provost approves all academic accessories prior to their inclusion in Commencement.

All students participating in the Commencement Ceremony are required to purchase regalia online by Saturday, April 8 in order to have your items shipped home.

Ordering online by Saturday, April 8 is preferred and recommended, however for those who miss the online ordering deadline, there will be regalia available for purchase at the Commencement Fair on Tuesday, May 16 and at the Stag Spirit Shop the week prior to Commencement.

On Saturday, May 20, immediately following the Graduate Commencement Ceremony, a reception will be held for all graduate students and their families at the Kelley Center. This optional event provides an informal opportunity to celebrate with your classmates along with the deans and faculty members of each school. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are not required.

In order to participate in Commencement, all candidates must apply to graduate by the March 15 deadline. In addition, all holds on your account must be resolved prior to graduation. For additional information and instructions, please refer to the Apply to Graduate Instructions.

All students are required to attend the Commencement Guidelines Meeting on Tuesday, May 16 at 5 p.m. in the Dogwood Room at Barone Campus Center. This is a non-ticketed event that reviews all aspects of the upcoming ceremony. Additional information to come.

• Go to Life@Fairfield to find Procession Instructions for classroom assignments which will be posted in the afternoon on Friday, May 19.
• Arrive to your classroom on Sunday, May 21 no later than 7:30 a.m.
• Upon arrival, check in with your Faculty Marshal.
• Be sure to review your index card to verify the pronunciation of your name.
• Complete the back of the card to receive communication from GradImages about your photos. The Marshal will give you your card.

Please Note: The graduates hold onto their card not the Marshals.

Yes, a photographer from GradImages™ will be at your ceremony to take a candid photograph of you at your special moment of recognition. You will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo on an order card within 5 to 7 days following the ceremony. After Commencement, graduates can locate their graduation photos online by visiting GradImages.com – as well as view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more.

The following pieces of information are required to access their account:

• Last Name of the graduate
• School name
• Graduation Year

Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony.

Graduates can pre-register their name and email address at www.gradimages.com. By doing so, they will receive a discount of 20% off an order of $50 or more. To pre-register, visit www.gradimages.com and click on Registration.

Yes. For information on ordering personalized announcements, diploma frames, and class rings please click here.

When your name is called during Commencement, the President will present you with a keepsake diploma cover which can later be used to store/display your diploma after it arrives in the mail.

Upon verification that your graduation requirements have been met, the Registrar will mail your diploma to the address you provided on your graduation application. If you are scheduled to graduate in May, diplomas will be mailed out in June. Additional questions may be directed to registrar@fairfield.edu.

Guests may park in the assigned lots throughout campus on a first-come, first-served basis. View campus map.

Disabled Parking will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis in the lot in front of the Dolan School and in the lots by the Barnyard Townhouses. To park in these lots, visitors will need to display government-issued Disabled Parking Permits. Volunteers will provide intermittent transportation from these lots to Bellarmine Lawn to those with physical disabilities.

The Stag Spirit Shop, located in the Barone Campus Center, will be open as follows:

• Monday, May 15 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 16 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 17 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Thursday, May 18 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday, May 19 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 20 from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

All requests must go through Life@fairfield. Students can complete the invitation letter request form here. For further assistance, please contact Agnes Farkas in Global Fairfield at afarkas@fairfield.edu.

No. Because of the many events already taking place on campus, we are unable to offer space for private functions. We would suggest you contact a local restaurant or hotel. Visit the area hospitality page here.

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. Visit the area hospitality page here.

Did you know that there are nine (9) different regional chapters of Fairfield alumni located across the country from Boston to California? These groups of Stags plan events throughout the year focused on networking, community service, social opportunities, lifelong learning, and more! All you have to do to stay involved is make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information once you graduate. Invitations about, and to, upcoming alumni programs and events are shared via email and are sent based on your geographic location. So be sure to update us so you don’t miss out! It’s quick and easy to do so! Simply activate your profile within our Alumni Online Community by visiting fairfield.edu/alumnicommunity.

From there, click “First Time Login”, Search by your first and last name, enter your student ID when prompted, and follow subsequent prompts to set up your username and password. For questions, email communityhelp@fairfield.edu.

We can’t wait to see you at an alumni event soon! For a full listing of all alumni activities on campus and across the country, visit www.fairfield.edu/alumnievents. To learn about even more ways to get involved – including our affinity groups such as the Alumni of Color Network – visit www.fairfield.edu/getinvolved. There’s a way for everyone to stay connected to Fairfield long after graduation!

If you have any Commencement-related questions that were not addressed on this FAQ page, please email commencement@fairfield.edu.

Alumni Relations
(203) 254-4280

Box Office
stagstickets@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4136

Bursar
(203) 254-4095

College of Arts and Sciences
(203) 254-4000, ext. 2227

Charles F. Dolan School of Business
(203) 254-4070

Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies
(203) 254-4150

Media Relations
203-254-4000, ext. 2597

Public Safety
(203) 254-4090

Registrar
(203) 254-4288

School of Education and Human Development
(203) 254-4250

School of Engineering
(203) 254-4147

Stag Spirit Shop
(203) 254-4262

Student Engagement
(203) 254-4053

University Faculty and Staff Directory