Commencement (Graduation)

GRADFest will be held on Thursday, May 7, in the Beacon Hall Event Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Graduates may pick up their cap and gown at this event.

Graduates may pick up their cap and gown beginning Thursday, May 7, 2026, at GRADFest in the Beacon Hall Event Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and at the bookstore from May 8-20 during normal bookstore hours. A valid photo ID must be shown at pickup. There is no charge for caps and gowns.

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

Students must arrive by 8:30 a.m. to get through the Amphitheater’s security and CT State Housatonic’s registration and find their program to line up. All graduates and guests who have chosen to attend and participate in the commencement ceremony must stay for the entire ceremony. Commencement lasts approximately two hours.

The student procession will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

Please note that the following items are not allowed inside the Amphitheater and if brought, staff will ask you to dispose of or return them to your car:

• Large Bags and Backpacks
• Balloons
• Coolers, Beverages, Alcohol or Food
• Concealed Weapons
  The Amphitheater does not allow weapons of any kind on their property. 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 or take responsibility for any weapons left in vehicles.

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

Guests can enter from 8:30-9 a.m. to be seated for the start of the Student Procession. There is no assigned seating. 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.” Commencement lasts approximately two hours.

Please note that the following items are not allowed inside the Amphitheater and if brought, staff will ask you to dispose of or return them to your car:

• Large Bags and Backpacks
• Balloons
• Coolers, Beverages, Alcohol or Food
• Concealed Weapons
  The Amphitheater does not allow weapons of any kind on their property. 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 or take responsibility for any weapons left in vehicles.

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

The CT State Housatonic Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St, Bridgeport, CT 06604. See directions to the Amphitheater

Free parking, including handicapped accessible parking, will be available at the Amphitheater and in CT State Housatonic 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.

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.

Graduates may pick up their caps and gowns at the Follett Bookstore, Student Center, 3^rd Floor, on the Naugatuck Valley Waterbury campus. There is no charge for caps, gowns or tickets.

Pickup Dates:

• Thursday, April  30: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Friday, May 1: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Caps and gowns are NOT available for pick up on graduation day.

You may designate a person to pick up and sign for your cap and gown and tickets.

Please be sure to try on your gown at the bookstore to confirm it fits. Do not wait until the day of the ceremony.

Members of PTK and/or ABG who wish to purchase additional regalia specific to their honor society should contact their advisor as soon as possible to place their order. These items are available only through Professors Bage (ABG) or Harding (PTK). 

ABG: Robin J. Bage, 203-596-8786, robyn-jay.bage@ctstate.edu, Room E602A
PTK: John Harding, 203-596-8763, john.harding@ctstate.edu, Room K604

Graduates may pick up their tickets on the 5th floor of the Naugatuck Valley Waterbury campus only after picking up their caps and gowns on the following dates: 

• Thursday, April  30: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Friday, May 1: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

The number of guest tickets each graduate will receive is determined by the number of graduation applicants. Additional information will be emailed to college-issued student email addresses after April 1. 

Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis when you pick up your cap and gown, so plan to pick up early.

You may designate a person to pick up and sign for your cap and gown and tickets.

Students earning an AA or AS degree with a minimum 3.4 GPA at the end of the Fall 2025 semester will receive a yellow honor cord at the cap and gown pickup. This is not applicable for certificates.

Members of PTK and/or ABG who wish to purchase additional regalia specific to their honor society should contact their advisor below as soon as possible to place your order. These items are available only through Professors Bage (ABG) or Harding (PTK). 

ABG: Robin J. Bage, 203-596-8786, robyn-jay.bage@ctstate.edu, Room E602A
PTK: John Harding, 203-596-8763, john.harding@ctstate.edu, Room K604

The commencement ceremony begins promptly at 2 p.m. Graduates must report to the Palace Theater promptly at 12 p.m. You may park in the Scovill Street Garage and use the stage door on Brook Street to enter the Palace. This is not the theater's main entrance.          

All participants are required to wear the traditional royal blue gown, mortarboard and tassel provided by the college. Facilities will be available at the theater to robe when you arrive.

Graduates with physical disabilities needing accommodations must contact Vince McCann, Campus Disability Coordinator, 203-596-8608 by Friday, May 8 to ensure adequate space is provided. There are no exceptions to this deadline.

Important Notes:

• Alcoholic beverages, smoking of any kind (including electronic cigarettes) and balloons are not permitted inside the theater.
• Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the ceremony. 
• Infants/children are not allowed in the graduation area; they must arrive with your guests and require their own tickets. 

Seating for guests begins inside the theater at 1:30 p.m. Guests must use the front entrance to the theater (100 East Main Street). Tickets are required for all guests, including infants and small children.

The commencement ceremony begins promptly at 2 p.m. Guests arriving at or after 2 p.m. must wait until the opening procession has concluded before seating will be permitted.

Guests with physical disabilities who need accommodations for the commencement ceremony must contact Karen Blake, Director of Student Engagement, at 203-575-8269 by Friday, May 8, to ensure adequate space is provided. There are no exceptions to this deadline.   

Fresh flowers will be available for purchase in the lobby of the theater on the day of graduation. Online orders placed in advance may be picked up at the booth before the ceremony begins.

Please note that there is no place to store valuables during the ceremony (e.g., large purses, cameras, etc.), so please bring only what will fit under your seat. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be periods of standing during the ceremony.

Alcoholic beverages, smoking of any kind (including electronic cigarettes) and balloons are not allowed in the theater. Additionally, behavior deemed unacceptable will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the ceremony. 

The CT State Naugatuck Valley Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Palace Theater,
100 East Main Street, Waterbury. 

Free parking is available for graduates and guests in the Scovill Street Parking Garage. All other areas may charge for parking. Due to limited parking availability, alternate parking options may be found at waterburyparking.com.

Directions to Scovill Street Parking Garage

NOTE: There are Green/Yellow signs to Event Parking at the Palace.

From Route 8 North/South:

• At exit 31, follow signs toward I-84 East (Hartford)
• At exit 22, take ramp right toward Baldwin St / Downtown Waterbury
• Turn left onto S Main St
• Take second right onto Scovill Street
• Entrance to Scovill Street Garage is on your left

From 1-84 East:

• At exit 22, take ramp right toward Baldwin St / Downtown Waterbury
• Turn left onto S Main St
• Take second right onto Scovill Street
• Entrance to Scovill Street Garage is on your left

From 1-84 West:

• At exit 22, take ramp right for Union Street toward Downtown Waterbury
• At the end of exit go straight onto Brass Mill Drive (thru light)
• At second light, turn left onto East Main St
• At second light, turn left onto South Elm
• At light, turn right onto Scovill Street
• Entrance to Scovill Street Garage is on your right

Photographs will be taken by GradImages, a professional photographer, during the ceremony. They will contact you directly regarding purchasing your photos. All contact will be done directly through GradImages, not CT State Naugatuck Valley.  

You will receive a diploma cover as you cross the stage during the ceremony. Your actual diploma will be available for pickup within approximately eight weeks. Diplomas are not mailed.

Graduates and guests with physical disabilities who need accommodations for the commencement ceremony must contact the following persons by Friday, May 8, to ensure adequate space is provided. There are no exceptions to this deadline.

Graduates, contact Vince McCann, Campus Disability Coordinator at 203-596-8608. 

Guests, contact Karen Blake, Director of Student Engagement at 203-575-8269.

Graduates may pick up their cap, gown and guest tickets at our Grad Fair on Thursday, May 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the East Campus Atrium and parking lot.

For further information about cap, gown and ticket pickup if you're unable to attend the Grad Fair, see sections below.

Caps and gowns are free for all students. Graduates may pick up their cap and gown at our Grad Fair, which will be held on Thursday, May 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the East Campus Atrium and parking lot.

Thereafter, tickets, caps and gowns will be available at the Everett I.L. Baker Library (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) as well as the Bookstore (Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.).

All graduates may receive up to 15 free tickets to the commencement ceremony. Tickets are required for all guests, including small children. 

Graduates may pick up their tickets at our Grad Fair, which will be held on Thursday, May 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the East Campus Atrium and parking lot.

Thereafter, tickets will be available at the Everett I.L. Baker Library (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) as well as the Bookstore (Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.).

Pinning ceremonies will be held prior to the commencement ceremony for the following programs:

Exercise Science
Monday, May 18, 5 p.m.
Location: Culinary Arts Dining Room or H007

Nursing
Monday, May 18, 6 p.m.
Location: City Hall

Respiratory
Tuesday, May 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: West Campus, Culinary Arts Dining Room

PTA
Tuesday, May 19, 2:30-4 p.m.
Location: West Campus, Culinary Arts Dining Room

Veterans Ceremony
Wednesday, May 20, 9 a.m.
Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, Jimmy's Room

Graduation check-in will begin at 10 a.m. Please arrive promptly with your cap and gown (allow plenty of time for traffic and parking). After you check in at the Amphitheater gates, you will be guided to line up alphabetically with your academic program. The ceremony begins promptly at 11 a.m. Graduating students are expected to stay for the entire ceremony.

Guests should proceed directly to the main entrance for seating. All bags are subject to search.

The following items are not allowed inside the Amphitheater: food, beverages, flags/banners, flowers, confetti, helium balloons, gifts or packages and strollers.

The CT State Norwalk Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St, Bridgeport, CT 06604. See directions to the Amphitheater

Free parking, including handicapped accessible parking, will be available at the Amphitheater.

A photographer will take your picture as you receive your diploma cover. An order form and proofs will be mailed to you by the photographer so that you can place your order directly with the studio. Guests are not permitted to take photographs in the aisles during the ceremony.

Graduates will be handed diploma covers on stage at the commencement ceremony. You will receive further information regarding the pickup of your actual diplomas through your student email during the summer.

In order to help us better plan for the ceremony, provide students and families/guests with accommodations and celebrate your achievements, please take some time to complete this important questionnaire.

For more information or questions about accommodations, please contact Kenny Dalton at  Kenny.Dalton@ctstate.edu.

Graduates should report to Alumni Hall in the Student Center for lineup by 5 p.m. fully robed with Reader Card in hand. The Reader Card (supplied to you at check-in) is used to announce and appropriately pronounce the graduate's name. Graduates should not bring anything with them that they cannot carry with them to the ceremony. Once individuals leave the Student Center in line, they will not be allowed to reenter the building to retrieve personal possessions.

The ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

How to Properly Wear the Cap (Mortarboard)
The inside of the cap will denote which part is worn in front. The top of the hat should be worn level on the head, horizontal to the ground. Undergraduate students should wear the tassel on the right side of their face until instructed during the graduation ceremony to move it to the left side.

Doors for guests will open in Welte Hall at 5:30 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come first-serve basis. Individuals utilizing the services of the ASL interpreters are directed to sit on the left-hand side of the hall facing the stage. 

The ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

Please note that balloons are not permitted in Welte Hall.

The CT State Tunxis Commencement Ceremony will be held at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), Welte Hall in New Britain. See directions to Welte Hall

Parking on the CCSU campus for graduates and guests is in any of the visitor "red" marked parking areas (lots or garages). Please note that Welte Garage, the Student Center Lot, Student Center Garage and Kaiser Lot are the designated areas for parking located closest to Welte Hall. Additional overflow parking is available in Copernicus Garage, Bichum Lot and the Willard-DiLoreto Garage on the south side of the campus. CCSU police officers, along with additional security staff, will be present. Please follow their directions for parking.

Map of Parking Availability

Family and friends are encouraged to take pictures of their graduate. Once regalia is picked up, please consider taking pictures and sharing them with fellow graduates. Share them by utilizing the following: #CTStateTunxis2026 or #CTState2026. As always, if you have any questions, please email Magaly Correa (magaly.correa@ctstate.edu).

Additionally, Island Photography will be photographing each student with the President as they receive their diploma.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding the graduate's photos, please contact the Customer Service Department at 1-516-767-1234 or email custserv@islandphoto.com.

Students will be given the cover for their diploma/certificate during the ceremony. Students finishing requirements for graduation in May, diplomas/certificates will be available in July for pick-up at the One Stop. If you're finishing your requirements during the summer, diploma/certificate(s) will be available in October 2026. Students will be notified when to pick up their diplomas through their student e-mail accounts.

If you need any accommodations, please contact Magaly Correa at magaly.correa@ctstate.edu.