CT State Asnuntuck students requiring disability accommodations for the ceremony should contact Jillian Sullivan, Campus Lead of the Office of Disability & Accessibility Services, at jillian.sullivan@ctstate.edu or at 860-253-3005 as soon as possible.

American Sign Language interpreters will be working at the ceremony.

Elevators are available in the stadium, and there are special areas for guests using wheelchairs in the grandstand. Ramps are located at Main & Trumbull Street and Pleasant Street entrances.

ADA Accessible restrooms are available.

Yes. Each graduate will receive 2 parking vouchers. Parking vouchers should be treated like cash and cannot be replaced. Stay tuned: Specific info about parking coming soon!

The CT State Asnuntuck Commencement ceremony goes on “rain or shine.”  However, in the event of severe weather, the stadium reserves the right to delay or cancel the event.

CT State Asnuntuck students who submitted their graduation applications by the April 15 deadline may pick up their cap, gown, 10 tickets, and 2 parking passes at the campus bookstore at 170 Elm Street in Enfield, CT the following days and times.

***STUDENTS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID at the Bookstore to pick up regalia & tickets!***

Week of May 5:

• 5/5  9-4 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/6  9-4 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/7  9-4 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/8  9-4 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/9  9-1 p.m.

Week of May 12: 

• 5/12  9-4 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/13  9-5 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/14  9-5 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/15  9-5 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/16  9-2 p.m.

Week of May 19: (Last two days for pickup!)

• 5/19  9-5 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)
• 5/20  9-5 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-130 p.m.)

All students who pick up their regalia in-person by 5/20/2025 will have the chance to win a CT State T-shirt and hat courtesy of Follett Bookstores!

Students who cannot pick up their regalia at the above times by 5/20/2025 can make alternative arrangements by emailing stacey.musulin@ctstate.edu or by calling 860/253-3015 no later than May 20.

Yes. Graduates must wear the official CT State cap and gown that they receive via the campus bookstore. You should wear the tassel on your cap on the right side until you are directed to move it during the ceremony.

Footware must be appropriate for walking on the baseball field. (i.e., NO spike heels!)

Clothing worn underneath regalia should be comfortable, yet reflect the solemnity of this occasion.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.

Students may decorate their caps to show their personal style. Any cap decorations should be safe and messaging positive. Graduates should refrain from décor that would significantly block the view of those seated behind them. Messaging that would detract from others’ enjoyment of this important life event is not allowed.

Only official CT State honors cords may be worn at the ceremony. These will be distributed to eligible students on the day of the ceremony at check-in.

Members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society may wear the PTK stoles they received at their induction ceremony.

Each graduate will receive 10 tickets when they pick up their cap and gown. Children 3 years of age and under may be admitted without a ticket. 

At the time they receive their regalia and tickets at the Campus Bookstore, students may request up to 2 additional tickets. Additional tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The CT State Asnuntuck Commencement Ceremony begins at 6 PM with the procession of faculty and graduates onto the field.

Graduates must arrive no later than 5 PM for check-in.

CT State Asnuntuck Graduates must arrive no later than 5 PM for check-in.

Students will check in and assemble in groups according to the program of study. Graduates then move in line to a waiting area behind center field. Faculty and graduates march onto the field promptly at 6 PM.

Please note that graduates may not bring children past the check-in area. Children must remain with a responsible adult in areas of the stadium marked for guests for the duration of the ceremony.

Stay tuned: More information coming soon!

Tickets are required of each guest over the age of 3. Children 3 years of age and under may be admitted without a ticket. 

If needed, graduates may bring small purses to the stadium and keep them on the field. You should bring sunglasses, any needed medications, and your phone (set to “silent”).

Please note that graduates may not bring children past the check-in area. Children must remain with responsible adults in areas of the stadium marked for guests for the duration of the ceremony.

Guests may bring small purses/ carrying cases and cameras to the stadium. Strollers for young children are allowed. Umbrellas are allowed as needed and should not be opened in a way to block the view of other guests.

For guests’ convenience, the Commencement Group will sell T-shirts, flowers, and other memorabilia before and during the event. (See information in the blue box at the upper right of this page.)

There is no smoking nor vaping allowed within the stadium.

Please understand that stadium staff may need to inspect all items brought into the stadium. The following items will NOT be allowed into the stadium:

• Large bags and backpacks
• Items that may impact safety or the view of other guests
• Food and drinks (Exceptions: Items needed for health & safety, e.g., breastmilk for infants)
• Alcohol of any kind
• Pets (Exception: Trained service animals for people with disabilities)
• Laser pointers
• Items which block the view of other guests
• Incendiary devices/ fireworks/ sparklers
• Illegal drugs
• Weapons/ firearms of any kind

Note about conduct during the ceremony:

Commencement is a celebratory occasion, during which we honor and respect the hard work of our graduates, as well as their families and friends in attendance. Any individual or group engaging in activity that interrupts or disrupts the normal progression of the ceremonies is not permitted and anyone engaging in that behavior will be asked to leave the event. Failure to leave may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the college. Disruptive behaviors and/or refusing to leave when ordered may result in police action and subsequent criminal charges.

Yes! A Ballpark concession stand will be open for CASHLESS sale of food and drinks.

Graduates of Associate Degree programs with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.4 or higher receive a gold honor cord at check in time (5PM). Honor cords are not given for certificate programs due to the wide variance in the number of credits for those programs.

Graduates who are Veterans receive veterans honor cords at check-in.

Members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society receive honors stoles at their PTK induction ceremony.

The graduation ceremony (AKA “Commencement”) is projected on the stadium jumbotron for all in-person attendees to see. It is recorded for later uploading to the CT State Asnuntuck YouTube channel.

The ceremony begins with a processional of faculty and graduates across center field to their designated seats, A traditional tune, “Pomp and Circumstance,” is played. Graduates are seated in the infield of the stadium, facing family and friends in the stands.

After playing our National Anthem, a variety of speakers greet the graduates and other attendees. Speakers include our campus CEO, a member of the graduating class, and a faculty representative among others.

Next, three awards specific to the CT State Asnuntuck campus are given to three extraordinary members of the graduating class.

Graduates are then announced one-by-one by name and credential earned (or to-be-earned in the case of summer graduates). Each graduate walks to home plate and receives a folder with a congratulatory letter from the Campus CEO. Most students shake hands and pose for a picture as they receive this folder, but that is not required. Some students place their free hand over their heart if they cannot shake hands.

After each student is acknowledged, the Campus CEO “confers” the degrees and certificates and directs graduates to move the tassel on their cap to the left side.

At the end of the ceremony, faculty line up in center field and congratulate the graduates as they march past. Graduates then meet up with their family and friends and exit the stadium.

No. The fancy printed diploma is ordered specially after a CT State Degree Auditor confirms all the graduation requirements have been met for a program after the end of the student’s final term. CT State Asnuntuck graduates will be contacted via email by a member of the One Stop Enrollment Center once the diplomas are ready for pick-up or mailing.

Once final grades are officially posted for the end of your last semester (usually 5-7 days after the end of the term), you may order free official transcripts via the Parchment application that will show the conferral of your CT State degree/ certificate.

Students who have completed all requirements for a program and had their degree/ certificate officially conferred can expect to receive their diplomas according to the following schedule:

• May graduates: July
• August graduates: October
• December graduates: February (December 2024 grads should have already received their diplomas)

No, but a recording will be made and uploaded to CT State Asnuntuck’s YouTube channel within a week or so after the ceremony.

Yes! Czarnecki Photography will be available for photoshoots prior to graduation and will capture the moment you receive your diploma cover/ letter of congratulations at the ceremony. See information about making appointments and ordering photos in the blue box under the countdown clock (scroll up).

Students owing money to the college who complete all program requirements may technically be conferred their degree or certificate, but they cannot participate in the Commencement Ceremony, nor receive a printed diploma.

Technically, students do not officially graduate until all program requirements have been completed.

Students within 8 credits of completing their program, who register for those last classes in the Summer 2025 term, and who complete a Summer graduation application by the April 15^th deadline may participate in the May 22 ceremony.

Summer graduates are officially conferred their degrees and certificates in August, after which they may order official transcripts showing completion. Diplomas are distributed in October.

Students who will be graduating can pick up a cap and gown beginning Monday, May 12, 2025 at GRADFest in the Beacon Hall Event Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and at the book store through May 21 during normal bookstore hours. A valid photo ID must be shown at pickup. There is no charge for caps and gowns.

The student procession will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. All graduates must arrive by 8:30 a.m. All guests must arrive by 9 a.m.

Graduates must arrive by 8:30 a.m. All graduates and guests who have chosen to attend and participate in the commencement ceremony must stay for the entire ceremony. After the procession through the Faculty/Staff “Clap Line," all guests can meet the graduates. Commencement lasts approximately two hours.

Guests can enter from 8:30-9 a.m. to be seated for the start of the Student Procession. All graduates and guests who have chosen to attend and participate in the commencement ceremony must stay for the entire ceremony. All guests can meet the graduates after the procession through the Faculty/Staff “Clap Line.”

Parking is available in the Amphitheater parking lot across the street from the Amphitheater and in CT State Housatonic’s parking garage, which is a short walk to the Amphitheater. 

A professional photographer will be available to take your photograph on the stage after receiving your diploma cover. Additional photographs will be taken when you exit the stage. You can order pictures from the photography company. Register using the scan code on the name card.

If you are a graduate with a disability who needs special accommodations, please contact Marilyn Wehr, Coordinator of Accessibility Services no later than May 9, 2025, at 203-332-5018 or Marilyn.Wehr@ctstate.edu. Please remember to include your contact information:  name, Banner ID and phone number.

Honor cords will be distributed to students receiving an associate degree and who have honors (3.4) or higher at the student check-in table in the Amphitheater prior to the commencement ceremony.

All graduates will only be given a diploma cover on stage at the commencement ceremony. Your actual diploma will be ready for pickup in August. Check your college email for information regarding where and when diplomas will be available for pickup. Please continue to check your college email for important updates.

No, these items are not allowed. You will be asked to bring them back to your car or throw them away.

No, the Amphitheater does not allow balloons in the Amphitheater.

No coolers, drinks in glass, metal, cans or plastic containers, beverages, alcohol of any kind or food are allowed in the Amphitheater.

You can bring a non-professional camera without detachable lenses, a disposable camera or your cell phone. A professional camera with detachable lenses or a lens that zooms out more than an inch is not allowed in the Amphitheater. Guests are not permitted in the aisles to take photographs during the commencement ceremony.

No, please leave all weapons at home. The Amphitheater DOES NOT ALLOW weapons of any kind on their property. All graduates and guests should leave all weapons at home. If any weapons are brought to the Amphitheater, all guests must follow all applicable laws regarding securing a weapon in their vehicle. Neither the Amphitheater nor CT State Housatonic will secure weapons and the College does not take responsibility for any weapons left in vehicles.

No, the Amphitheater will ask you to bring it to your car or throw it away.

No, all events will go on in rain or shine.  However, in the event of severe weather, the Amphitheater reserves the right to delay, postpone or cancel the event.

The Amphitheater has trained medical personnel, EMTs, paramedics, local law enforcement officers and ambulances on site to assist with any emergencies or medical issues on site. First aid is located on the lower concourse. If you need assistance and cannot go to First Aid, a staff member will dispatch first aid to the location. 

All student participants are required to wear, and may keep, the traditional blue gowns, mortarboards and tassels. Students may invite an unlimited number of guests to the outside ceremony. If it rains, only two guests per graduate may attend the inside ceremony. The Follett Bookstore @ CT State Manchester (Student Services Center SSC L176 or call 860-645-3140) will distribute regalia (pre-measurement is not required), and a maximum of four (4) invitations per graduate as per the schedule below:

• May 1 – 9am – 4pm
• May 2 – 9am – 1pm
• May 5–8 – 9am – 4pm
• May 9 – 9am – 1pm
• May 12–15 – 9am – 5pm
• May 16 – 9am – 1pm
• May 19–21 – 9am – 4pm
• May 22 – 9am – 3pm

Invitations, Caps and Gowns will be available on Commencement Day until 3pm!

After entering the campus, please carefully follow the directional signs. Graduates and their guests are asked to park in East Lot and West Lot. Individuals with special needs may park in designated areas of East Lot. There will be no traffic or parking of vehicles allowed near the Bicentennial Band Shell during the Commencement Ceremony. Seating will be provided for graduates. Family members and guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets as seating is limited. Graduates and guests are asked to remain seated until all degrees and certificates are conferred, and the program has finished.

Rain or shine, all graduates participating in the ceremony are to report in regalia on Thursday, May 22, 2025, to the 1st floor lobby in the Student Services Center (SSC). Faculty and Staff will assist and guide all graduates with the line-up. If the sun shines, ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 3:00 p.m. If it rains, see Rain Plans (p. 2) for arrival times. PLEASE BE ON TIME. Since there is no rehearsal, we need ample time to line up in alphabetical order, by curriculum, and provide instructions to all graduates before 4:15 p.m. We ask that you turn off cellular phones and do not chew gum. Do bring sunglasses and dress appropriately for the occasion. Family members and guests will not be permitted in the student robing area.

GradImages® will be photographing all graduates with the Chief Executive Officer as they receive their diplomas at the Commencement Ceremony. Please visit their website, www.gradimages.com, and click on Pre-Event Email Registration. Enter your email and up to six emails of loved ones who would like to share in your accomplishment by viewing and ordering your photos. By pre-registering, you will receive a discount of 20% off an order of $50 or more. For questions or concerns, contact GradImages® Customer Service at 800-261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

CT State Community College Manchester ensures equal access to events. Contact Joseph Navarra at joseph.navarra@ctstate.edu at least 14 days before Commencement for accommodation requests.

Diplomas and certificates will be mailed in late Summer 2025. Questions about requirements: contact Joanne Faust at joanne.faust@ctstate.edu. Make sure the One Stop Services Office has your current address. Commencement Ceremony questions: contact K. Umesh Vig at kunwarumesh.vig@ctstate.edu.

Rain Plans – Please Read Carefully

Announcement

In case of rain, the ceremony will be held indoors at 5:30 p.m. inside the SBM Charitable Foundation Auditorium in the AST Center. The decision will be announced by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Visit www.ctstate.edu/locations/manchester for updates.

Only students will be allowed in the auditorium; guests will be seated in classrooms with a live telecast. Two guests per graduate will be allowed.

Graduates report in regalia by 3:00 p.m. on May 22 to the SSC lobby. Line-up is alphabetical and by curriculum.

Line-Up Instructions

• Arrive at SSC by 3:00 p.m. to find your Program Coordinator/Presenter.
• Bring and hold your name card with printed and phonetic name.
• Line up two by two in alphabetical order and remain in line.
• March begins at 4:45 p.m. to the Band Shell.
• At the Band Shell, move to the end of each row—do not leave empty seats.
• Leave flowers on your seat when approaching stage.
• Walk briskly, receive your diploma cover with left hand, shake hands with right.
• Remain seated until all degrees are conferred and program concludes.
• Recess two rows at a time, march within ropes, and disburse at the top of the hill.

• No cameras, vendors, or guests in robing area.
• Turn off cell phones during ceremony.
• If you earned two degrees, march with only one discipline.
• Tassels on the right; move them when instructed.
• No gum chewing on stage.
• Keep headgear on for National Anthem if outdoors.
• Wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain.
• Bring sunglasses and dress formally.

The origins of academic regalia go as far back as the 12th and 13th centuries when universities were forming in Europe. Because universities were closely associated with the church, the robes worn by instructors and students closely resembled those of medieval clerics.  Unlike today, these robes were not used just for special occasions and ceremonies. Professors and students alike wore robes whenever they were attending classes or lectures.  Although many universities moved away from association with the church, they maintained the tradition of wearing robes.

Academic regalia has been used by those attending universities from the earliest days.  In 1895 the Intercollegiate Commission met at Columbia University to adopt a standard code of academic dress.  This commission regulated the cut, style and materials of the gowns as well as the colors which were to represent different fields of learning.  The Commission has been reconvened three times since it first met, most recently in 1986, but few changes to regalia have been adopted.  These standards continue to guide colleges and universities today.

Gowns worn by associate degree candidates are identical to bachelor gowns in style.  Both have pointed sleeves and are designed to be worn closed.  However, they differ in color.  Associate gowns are traditionally blue; bachelor gowns are black.

Those at graduation will notice a variety of gowns word by faculty and staff.  Master’s gowns have an oblong sleeve and are trimmed with various colors depending on the degree held by the wearer.  The gown also has a hood that is three and a half feet in length.

Log into my.ctstate.edu

In the Student Self-Service card you will see the link Apply for Graduation. The deadline to apply for May graduation is April 15.

The deadline to apply for August graduation is August 15. However, if you plan to attend the May Commencement Ceremony, you need to apply by April 15.

After submitting the graduation application, you will receive emails from a Degree Auditor. These emails will provide information regarding what needs to be completed to be eligible to graduate.

NOTE: All emails are sent to your college email address: Please check it regularly.

December graduates will be invited to the May Commencement Ceremony.

August graduates who are taking 2 classes/8 credits or less in the summer semester AND are registered for their summer classes, are eligible to attend. If you are taking 9 or more credits in the summer semester, you are not eligible to attend the May Commencement Ceremony.

Yes. You will receive an email in early May with details regarding the ceremony. An invitation will also be mailed to your home.

NOTE: All emails are sent to your college email address: Please check it regularly.

Regalia can be picked up in our College Bookstore located on the second floor of Greenwoods Hall, 119 North Main Street, Monday through Thursday, May 6 through 22, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please be aware that the bookstore closes for lunch on Mondays and Wednesdays (times vary) so please call 860-379-6226 before coming in during lunchtime hours on those days. Information regarding regalia will be included in the email that will be sent to your student email account in early May.

Regalia is free for students who are graduating; (paid for by CT State Northwestern).

Contact the Director of Student Activities, Andrew Wetmore at andrew.wetmore@ctstate.edu.

You can bring up to eight guests. No tickets are required.

Commencement starts promptly at 6 p.m. You should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m.

There are several municipal parking areas and local business lots in downtown Torrington. Plan ahead - as parking could be limited.

NOTE:Main Street in front of the theatre will be closed off to all traffic for Commencement.

You should proceed to the studio theater lobby, which is adjacent to the main stage. There will be theater personnel to guide you. You must check-in when you arrive to receive your name and degree card and any other information you may need. You will prepare for the procession line-up in this area as well. Your guests must enter the theater through the main entrance.

The house does not open to guests until 5:30 p.m. Guests will not be allowed in the theatre until that time. Your guests must enter the theater through the main entrance. They are allowed to wait in the theater lobby if they arrive early. Seating for guests is not reserved; first-come, first-serve.

There will be a professional photographer available to take two photos when graduates are on stage; one with the president and one individual shot at the opposite side of the stage. If you are interested in the photography service, you have to sign up by May 20. A session fee of $20 is required at the time of sign-up, which can be redeemed toward a purchase. For more information, please either contact the photographer directly at Bailey@littleFoxPortraits.com, or jessica.maiolo@ctstate.edu. Any purchase costs of photographs bought through this service after the event are the responsibility of the graduates.

CT State Northwestern will have a staff member taking random and candid photos and/or videos before, during, and after the ceremony at the theater for CT State marketing and publicity only. These photographs will not be available for purchase. Please see the language below concerning CT State marketing policy regarding photography and video recording at public events.

CT State’s Strategic Marketing and Communications department, as well as other areas of the college, including individual campuses, often take photos and videos of students, faculty and staff, visitors, and event attendees. These images are taken in public spaces, classrooms, and labs. CT State reserves the right to use these photographs/videos as part of its publicity and marketing efforts. Students who enroll in CT State courses, and community members attending CT State events at any location, do so with the understanding that these images might include them and might be used in college publications, both printed and electronic; social media; print and digital advertising; direct mail; electronic media, and other forms of promotion.

Please contact Rebecca Russo at rebecca.russo@ctstate.edu by May 21.

Student marshals will guide graduates to their seats during the procession and out of the theater during the recession after the ceremony is over.

NOTE: If you require accessible seating, the marshals will guide you as well.

You should expect the ceremony to last one and half to two hours long.

Student marshals will guide graduates by row to stand and then proceed to the front of the stage, where they will come up on stage one at a time. Graduates will hand their name/degree card to the Dean at the first podium to be read off. Graduates will then walk across the stage, receiving their degree or certificate cover and congratulations from the president. (If a graduate has registered with the professional photographer, the first photo will be taken then.) Graduates will continue across the stage receiving congratulations to the opposite side of the stage where they will exit and be assisted by the marshals to return to their seats. (If they have registered with the professional photographer, the second photo will be taken at this side of the stage before they exit.)

No – diplomas and certificates will not be handed out during the commencement ceremony. Your diploma and/or certificate will be available mid-summer. Graduates will receive an email when diplomas have arrived on campus and are available for pick-up in the One Stop Enrollment Center located on the second floor in Greenwoods Hall, 119 North Main Street. Be sure to continue checking your college email account!

NOTE: If you owe the college money and have an Accounts Receivable Hold on your account, you will not be able to pick up your diploma until the balance is paid. Please take care of any Accounts Receivable Holds prior to Commencement.

Your diploma and/or certificate will be available mid-summer. Graduates will receive an email when diplomas have arrived on campus and are available for pick-up in the One Stop Enrollment Center located on the second floor in Greenwoods Hall, 119 North Main Street. Be sure to continue checking your college email account.

Caps and gowns, along with any applicable cords, will be distributed at Grad Fest on May 20. There is no fee for your cap and gown, and measurements are not needed in advance.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m..

In the event of rain, Commencement will be held at Eastern Connecticut State University – Shafer Hall.

If the ceremony is held at CT State Quinebaug Valley, there is no guest limit. However, if moved to ECSU due to weather, only 2 guests per graduate will be allowed due to venue capacity.

Graduates should arrive by 4:30 p.m. and report to their assigned rooms. If the ceremony is relocated to ECSU, please enter via the Windham Street entrance, where staff will guide you to the appropriate lineup area.

Graduates will receive a diploma cover at the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed in August to the address on file. If you need to update your address, log into myCTState and complete the Change of Personal Information form.