Tickets

Each student may claim up to five (5) tickets for family and friends to use for the ceremony on Bellarmine Lawn. Tickets are required for everyone other than infants. Only three (3) of the five outdoor tickets will be valid should the ceremony be moved indoors under the severe weather plan. The remaining two (2) ticket holders may view the ceremony from their assigned livestream viewing location found on their ticket.

Graduates should refer to the Graduate Commencement – 2020 portal on Life@Fairfield for more information and instructions on picking up their Commencement tickets.

While supplies last, students may pick-up an extra ticket to the outdoor ceremony (maximum of one per student) on a first-come-first-serve basis on Monday, May 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Office of the University Registrar located in the Kelley Center.

Viewing Locations

Outdoor Location

The Graduate Commencement ceremony is scheduled to be held on Bellarmine Lawn. Commencement will be held outdoors, even in drizzle or rain, so please come prepared with appropriate rain gear. We ask attendees to please refrain from using umbrellas during the ceremony so as to not block the view of others.

Livestream Viewing Locations

For those who enjoy the comfort of air conditioning, with comfortable seating, coffee, and a great view of the graduates, consider using the indoor livestream viewing locations around campus:

• The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
• Gonzaga Auditorium

View Campus Map

In addition, in the event of severe weather, guests may view the ceremony from their assigned livestream viewing location found on their ticket.

For those who can’t attend Commencement in person, ceremony will be streamed live on the University’s Facebook page.

Accessibility

Fairfield University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. There will be indoor locations (see above) with live video streaming of Commencement ceremonies around campus for guests with physical disabilities or who would prefer indoor seating. The locations will offer air conditioning and light refreshments.

Limited space is available for guests with wheelchairs or walkers, plus one guest in an outdoor section reserved for them. This space is available on a first come, first served basis.

Any further questions may be directed to the Department of Public Safety at (203) 254-4090 or in Loyola Hall, Ground Floor, Room 2.

Handicapped Parking

Handicapped parking is limited around campus. Graduates may pick up a permit for a relative at the Department of Public Safety beginning May 1, 2020, after completing the necessary form in person. Public Safety is located in Loyola Hall, Ground Floor, Room 2.

Travel

Arriving

Guests are encouraged to arrive between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Seats, including those in the handicapped area, are first come, first served.

The heaviest volume of traffic arrives in the half hour prior to the start of the Commencement ceremony.

• Vehicles traveling northbound on I-95 should use the Round Hill Road Exit 22 and enter campus through the northwest (Jogues Hall) gate.
• Vehicles traveling southbound on I-95 should use the North Benson Road Exit 22 and enter campus through the south (Barlow Road) gate.
• Vehicles traveling from either direction on the Merritt Parkway (CT Route 15) should take Exit 44 and enter campus through the main entrance or the Fairfield College Preparatory School entrance, both on North Benson Road.

Shuttle Buses

Shuttle buses will be available for rides from all signed parking areas to a drop-off destination near the Commencement location. Shuttles will also provide rides back to the lots after the ceremony. Please remember the name and/or number of the parking lot.

Area Hospitality

For those traveling from near and far for Commencement, the greater Fairfield area has a host of lodging options and tourist attractions, as well as a diverse and vibrant restaurant scene to accommodate guests of graduates.

Learn More

Photos

Commencement is a memorable occasion — make sure it’s documented by pre-registering for photos.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions