What is the schedule?
- Saturday, August 22, 5 p.m.: Baccalaureate Mass to be held on campus.
- Sunday, August 23, 0 a.m.: Commencement Ceremony – DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester
Will diplomas state Assumption University or Assumption College?
Despite the transition to Assumption University in June 2020, Candidates for graduation for the Class of 2020 graduated from Assumption College and diplomas will reflect such.
Are tickets required for the scheduled events?
Tickets are not required for Baccalaureate or Commencement Day ceremonies.
How long does the Commencement Ceremony last?
The length of the ceremony is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
What is the Baccalaureate Mass?
This religious celebration is open to all graduating students, their families and their guests. There is no limit to the number of people who may attend and no tickets are required. The Baccalaureate Mass will be held in the Plourde Recreation Center on the Assumption University campus on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Directly following the Mass candidates for graduation and their families are invited to a reception in the Laska Gymnasium (cash bar and hors-d'oeuvres).
Bus Transportation to the DCU Center
The University will provide graduating seniors one-way transportation from campus to the DCU Center on the morning of graduation. The bus transportation information is as follows:
All seniors are required to take the bus to Commencement.
Seniors must arrive promptly in the Plourde Gymnasium no later than 7:30 a.m.
Buses will begin boarding candidates at 7:45 a.m.; the last bus will leave at 8:10 a.m.
If a candidate for graduation misses the bus transportation, they are responsible for their own transportation to the DCU Center. Candidates arriving late may enter the Exhibition Hall through door #2 on Major Taylor Boulevard.
Graduates are responsible for their own transportation back to campus after Commencement.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Activities.
Parents and friends should proceed directly to the DCU Center, which opens at 8:30 a.m. Please enter through the Harvard Pilgrim Pavilion (doors 10-12) at the corner of Foster Street and Major Taylor Boulevard. A handicapped entrance is available through door #13 on Foster Street.
Graduate and CCE Students
Graduate and CCE candidates for graduation should arrive at the DCU Center no later than 8:30 a.m. and enter via the Exhibition Hall doors (doors #1 and #2) on Major Taylor Boulevard.
The academic procession will begin promptly at 9:40 a.m. and Commencement Exercises begin at 10 a.m. There is no limit to the number of people who may attend Commencement Exercises and tickets are not required.
Are Commencement invitations available?
Candidates for graduation may order Commencement invitations from CB Graduation Announcements/ Balfour.
How do graduates obtain academic regalia attire (cap and gown)?
Candidates for graduation who have been financially and academically cleared to graduate may pick up their academic regalia (cap and gown) at the Assumption University Bookstore the week prior to commencement. Undergraduate candidates for graduation may order their cap and gown here and graduate and CCE candidates, here. CAPS AND GOWNS MUST BE ORDERED BY MAY 31.
Is there a Graduation Audit Fee?
A fee is required only for those receiving a graduate or continuing education degree. The $100 fee must be paid regardless of attendance at Commencement and prior to the Registrar issuing diplomas. Undergraduates are billed the $100 graduation fee in the fall of their final year.
Will families receive more information?
Information regarding commencement exercises will be made available on this website, which will be updated as information warrants leading up to Commencement. Information is also shared through the monthly Parent and Family eNewsletter. (If you unsubscribed from the newsletter, please send an email to acpa@assumption.edu with “Subscribe” in the subject line.)
Is there a Commencement Photographer?
Assumption University has contracted with Commencement Photos, Inc., to take close-up photos of each individual student as they receive their diploma. There will be two different photographs taken of each student during the ceremony; one as they receive their diploma (action shot) and one as they exit the stage with diploma in hand (posed shot). Parents, family, and friends will be allowed to take pictures from the guest seating areas only. Commencement Photos, Inc., will contact each graduate at his/her home address with information in regard to ordering photos. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Commencement Photos directly at 978-851-5924 or e-mail jack@commencementphotos.com.
What is the closest hotel to campus and the DCU Center?
Local hotels include the Marriott AC Hotel Worcester, Courtyard Marriott Worcester, Hampton Inn & Suites Worcester, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and the Beechwood Hotel. Please contact the hotels directly for room information and reservations. If you use the links provided above, they will take you to reservation pages.
Where are Commencement Exercises held if it rains?
The DCU Center is an indoor facility, therefore Commencement Exercises are held there rain or shine.
What time will Commencement Exercises end?
Commencement Exercises are expected to run about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, ending approximately at 12:15 p.m.
Where can I meet my son or daughter after the ceremony?
Students will remain on the arena floor after dignitaries and faculty have processed out. Families are then provided access to the arena floor to meet graduates.
We are going out to dinner afterward. What time should reservations be made?
If you are planning to have lunch at an area restaurant, you may want to plan for a 1:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. arrival. A list of restaurants in the Worcester area is available by clicking here.
When should guests plan to arrive?
Seating at the DCU Center will be on a general admission basis; the doors of the building will open to the general public at 8:30 a.m. Please enter through the Harvard Pilgrim Pavilion doors. The procession begins at 9:40 a.m. and the Commencement Ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m.
Where is the best place to park?
There are a number of parking lots located in the vicinity of the DCU Center. Please click here for more information.
Is handicapped seating available at Commencement?
The DCU Center provides a number of seating options for handicapped individuals. More information.
Will there be Sign Language interpreter at Commencement?
Yes, there will be an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter at the Commencement Exercises.
Will refreshments and snacks be available?
Concession stands will be open during the Commencement ceremonies.
Where can Assumption gifts and souvenirs be purchased?
The Assumption University Bookstore will open at 12 noon the day of Commencement and close at 3 p.m. There will be a number of items for sale at the DCU Center prior to the Commencement ceremony - sales will cease shortly after the ceremony begins. The bookstore is tentatively scheduled to be open until 7 p.m. on Saturday following the Baccalaureate Mass. The Bookstore has a variety of Assumption memorabilia for sale including apparel and glassware. Chairs are also available but must be ordered in advance. For more information, please contact the Bookstore directly at 508-767-7249, or click here.
When must graduates move out of residence halls?
Students are expected to move out of campus housing by 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 12, 2019. Staff will be available in each area until then, or students can utilize the express checkout system. All trash must be removed, and all carpeting, floors, appliances, and fixtures should be cleaned. Please contact Residential Life at ext. 7505 with additional questions.
