Helpful Info

Registration will be open end of March through May 13. During Reunion + Commencement Wekend, check-in and onsite registration will take place in the Welcome + Giving Center (The Office of Admission), 70 Wyllys Avenue. 

Reunion registration fee: $40 early bird registration fee thru April 8, and after April 8 the fee increases to $50 per person. The registration fee is inclusive of programming, Friday night concert, class reception, and Saturday night tent party. Additional fees apply for class dinner and meals.

Commencement Ceremony: Families only attending the Sunday commencement ceremony do not need to register or check in for the weekend unless they plan to attend activities on Friday and Saturday and purchase meal tickets (meal options are offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

Advance purchases for meals can only be made through advance online registration and is highly recommended to guarantee availability. A limited number class dinner tickets may be available for purchase at the Welcome + Giving Center. Usdan Marketplace tickets may be available during meal hours at the cashier on the second floor of the Usdan University Center, but is not guaranteed. It's best to purchase your meal tickets through online registration.

After May 13 and on-campus check-in for meal tickets and weekend packets: Walk-in registration/check-in is at the Welcome + Giving Center, Office of Admission, 70 Wyllys Avenue. Hours listed below.

Note: most events and seminars, unless otherwise noted, are free and open to all. All events are limited capacity and seating/entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have questions about your registration, please contact rc@wesleyan.edu. 

Welcome Center + Giving Center Hours:
70 Wyllys Avenue (The Office of Admission)

• Thursday: 1–7 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Sunday*: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

*Commencement-only guests do not need to register or check in.

Welcome + Giving Center, Office of Admission
70 Wyllys Avenue

• Thursday: 1–7 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Sunday: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Please check back for the following:

Usdan University Center

• Thursday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  
  

Campus Bookstore, Usdan University Center

• Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
413 Main Street, Middletown

• Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Olin Library

• TBD

FOOD LOCATIONS

Usdan Café, Usdan University Center

• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Pi Café, Exley Science Center

• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

We do our best to accommodate the larger crowds on campus during the weekend, but please expect delays and plan accordingly. Parking on the streets and Wesleyan's parking lots are available on a first–come, first–served basis. 

Parking for persons with disabilities: please see Accessibility

181 Court Street, Middletown
This public parking garage is available for a nominal hourly rate. It is a 10–15 minute walk to campus and is convenient to Main Street restaurants and shops.

Wesleyan’s Transportation Department Campus Shuttle will operate throughout the weekend between the garage and campus.

 

Transportation to/from campus

Hotels:
Some hotels offer limited shuttle service or may be able to assist with rental cars or ride shares. Please contact your hotel’s front desk.

Public transportation:
From New Haven Union Station: Transfer to the Hartford Line/Amtrak Hartford Line north to Meriden, then transfer to the 590 Bus to Middletown Bus Terminal on Main Street.

Campus shuttle service:
Wesleyan’s Transportation Department will offer campus-operated shuttles. Flag down a shuttle or you may request a shuttle by calling 860-982-8031 during shuttle hours of operation. The number to call will be posted prior to the weekend. Please allow at least 30 minutes for requests. 

Hours of Operation:

• Thursday: 2–7 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
  
  

Shuttle Pick-up/Drop-off Locations:

• Wyllys Avenue:
  Registration, Usdan University Center, College Row, Center for the Arts
• Middlesex Corporate Center Garage
  181 Court Street at Main Street
• Inn at Middletown
  70 Main Street
• Church Street:
  Olin Library, Exley Science Center, Public Affairs Center, Clark Hall, Judd Hall
• Freeman Athletic Center, Cross Street Entrance
• Vine Street Parking Lot
• Wesleyan R.J. Julia Bookstore
  413 Main Street near Washington Street

Guests may obtain access via a self-registration page that is presented upon connecting to the Wes-Guest network. Follow these instructions for accessing Wesleyan's guest network. You will request an account using an email address and optional cell phone number where a username and password will be sent. Guest accounts will be valid for 72 hours. Guests on campus longer than that may register as often as needed.

Requests for refunds can be made up until May 13 by emailing rc@wesleyan.edu. 

Note: refund requests made after May 13 will be processed after Reunion + Commencement weekend.

Advance ticket purchases through registration is required for all guests—including graduating seniors and current students*—attending these meals. Pick up your tickets at the Welcome + Giving Center when you arrive—tickets will not be mailed. A limited number of tickets may be available for purchase during the weekend, however it is highly recommended guests purchase meals in advance through online registration.

*Meal plan does not include Reunion + Commencement weekend meals.

Please note any dietary restrictions and allergies when registering in advance. We will do our best to accommodate all requests. Vegetarian options will be offered at every meal.

Cash bars will be available at most lunches, dinners, and some events. The Friday and Saturday night bars under the Andrus Field Tent are cash or venmo only, and please bring a photo ID.

Breakfast, snacks, and light fare are available for purchase at several campus locations. 

• Usdan Café, Usdan University Center

  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Sunday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  
  

  Pi Café, Exley Science Center

  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

 

Commencement Guests: all parents and families will need to make other arrangements for dinner on Saturday night. Class dinners will be for Reunion alumni and their guests only. Middletown offers numerous dining experiences—please visit the Downtown Middletown website.

10:45 a.m.        Procession from Foss Hill begins
11 a.m.             Ceremony begins
1 p.m.               Approximate end time of the ceremony

Andrus Field (rain or shine)

VIEW THE PROCESSION MAP

Family members of graduating seniors who work in the field of education are invited to march as a division in the Commencement Ceremony. Educators are then welcome to sit as a division, along with a guest, or may choose to sit in general seating following the procession. Educators must supply and wear their own regalia. Please respond in the online weekend registration form if you would like to participate or contact Cecilia McCall to sign up.

Registration and tickets not necessary. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis with 5000 chairs on Andrus Field. Guests may also choose to bring a lawn chair and blanket to watch the ceremony from Foss Hill. We do not anticipate limitations or restrictions on attendance of this outdoor ceremony, however, we will continue to assess health and safety concerns, making revisions to policies if necessary.

Guests are welcome to join other weekend events* such as WESeminars, which are free unless otherwise noted.

Advance registration and ticket purchase required to attend meals (light a la carte options are available for purchase on campus).

*Some events may be private and will be noted as such on the schedule.

Unless otherwise noted, all weekend events are informal. Dress casually and comfortably. The outdoor ceremony is held rain or shine—please prepare accordingly.

The ceremony will be simulcast online. Indoor viewing locations include Memorial Chapel, Patricelli '92 Theater, Exley Science Center room 150, and CFA Ring Hall. The ceremony will also be shared live on the Commencement website. 

Accessible seating at the ceremony is available for guests with mobility challenges and requests must be placed in advance. Up to three seats per student can be reserved. To request accessible seating please fill out the accessible seating request form by May 13.

Graduation Announcements
Printed graduation announcements are available to graduating seniors through their class dean.

Downloads of digital graduation announcements and PDF files that you can email to a printer who produces large-format lawn signs are also available.

Professional Photography
Wesleyan has partnered with GradImages and professional photographers will be at the ceremony to take a candid photograph.  Grad Images will also be at Diploma Pick-up on Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. outside of North College (rainsige: South College, room B2/B3)  to take a posed photograph of any graduate who wishes to have one. Students are encouraged to bring their reglaia for the photo, but there will be some on hand they can borrow for the photo.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact the Grad Images Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. They have a large team of customer care representatives ready to help graduates and family members with anything they may need.

Housing
Seniors must move out of campus housing by Monday, May 27 at 4 p.m.

Regalia

There are 3 ways to obtain commencement regalia.

1. The preferred method: Purchasing (via credit card) a cap and gown from the following Oak Hall website: https://wesleyan.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome

The website will go live Monday, January 29th.

Pre-ordering your cap and gown allows you to avoid long lines at the bookstore.

Students will either choose a Bachelor’s Package, Master’s Package, or Doctorate’s Package. The website will guide you to the correct gown size by asking height and weight questions.

All Bachelor Regalia will be shipped to the Wesleyan R J Julia Bookstore and will be available for pick up starting Monday, May 13th. Students will have until Wednesday, March 27th, to purchase their caps and gowns online.

Masters and PHD candidates will either elect to pick up their package at the Wesleyan R J Julia Bookstore or have it sent to their home address.
• Masters and PHD candidates who wish to have their regalia shipped to the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore must order online by Wednesday, March 27th. Masters and PHD regalia will be available for pick up at the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore.
• Masters and PHD candidates who wish to have their caps and gowns shipped to a home address will have until Friday, April 26th, to order online.

Please note: There is a $15.95 shipping and handling fee for domestic ship to residence orders.

2. Renting a cap and gown
Students may rent a gown on the website, starting Monday January 29th.
How to rent:
-Add size/degree to cart.
-Select “pick up at Campus Store” and use credit/debit to check out (your card will NOT be charged at this time).
-Pick up rental starting May 13th at the Campus Store.
-Return rental after the commencement ceremony by 3:00 PM on Sunday May 26, 2024. Graduates who do not return their rentals within this deadline will be charged $20 ($30 for master’s).

Rentals do not come with a tassel. 2024 tassels may be purchased for $8 at the time of pick up.

Rental sizes are limited. When they run out, students should pre-order through Oak Hall’s website during the pre-order period or purchase directly at RJ Julia in May. Full priced red bachelor’s regalia starts at $40 ($60 for Master’s).

3. Purchasing a cap and gown at the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore.
If you miss the Oak Hall pre-order deadline and the rentals are all booked, you may purchase regalia at the bookstore in person starting May 13th.

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore: 413 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457. (860) 685-3939.
Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Wesleyan RJ Julia Campus Store: 45 Wyllys Ave., Room 100, Middletown, CT 06457. (860) 685-4400
Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:00  p.m. Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. (hours will be extended for R+C weekend)

 

A list of current accommodations can be found on the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce's website. Please contact hotels directly for reservations and also be sure to make note of their cancellation policies.

Reunion Alumni: Please visit the Reunion website for weekend accommodations for alumni.

Overnight camping and unapproved tents of any kind are not permitted on campus. Violations may be subject to trespassing or other legal consequences.

Wesleyan has partnered with Neighborhood Preschool to offer childcare sessions for children ages 3-12 at the Neighborhood Preschool on Friday evening, Saturday day, and Saturday evening. Registration is $50 per child per session. Register by May 13, we are not able to take registration on-site.

 

Wesleyan provides up to three seats in the accessible seating area. We ask that at least one guest/escort remain with the person requiring accessible seating for the duration of the Ceremony.

Please be advised that the accessible seating section is located outdoors on an open, grassy field, and guests should come prepared for appropriate weather conditions. Real-time simulcasts of the Ceremony will be available in locations around campus for guests who would be more comfortable indoors. Reservations do not need to be made for the indoor simulcasts.

Please complete the accessibility seating form to request seating by May 13.

If you need to obtain a wheelchair:
Wesleyan is committed to full access for all people, however, we cannot provide wheelchairs on a rental basis. Please contact one of the following companies if temporary arrangements are needed:

• Ellsworth Medical
• APEX Pharmacy

E Lot next to the Office of Admission on Wyllys Avenue is reserved throughout the weekend for mobility-impaired guests.

On Sunday for the Commencement ceremony  staff and students will be driving golf carts to assist in transporting guests to and from lots to the accessibility section on Andrus fields. Parking spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis—if spaces are no longer available, drivers may drop off guests on Wyllys Avenue for golf cart transportation and park elsewhere.

Google Map directions to E Lot

Download a parking map pdf