Commencement (Graduation)

The following information is separated into five (5) different sections. Please read all the following sections carefully.  There is no charge for caps/gown or tickets.

Section 1: Cap and gown pickup (Waterbury campus) – you must start at the bookstore
Section 2:  Guest tickets and requesting extra tickets (Waterbury campus)- (no advance requests)
Section 3:  Instructions for the day of the ceremony
Section 4:  Parking
Section 5:  GradImages (photos)

Section 1:  Cap and Gown Pickup – Follett Bookstore (Start here)

The cap and gown distribution will be held at our:

 Follett Bookstore, Student Center, 3^rd Floor Waterbury campus.

Dates for Pickup:

Thursday, April  30, 2026: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, May 1, 2026: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Please be sure to try on your gown at the bookstore to confirm it fits. Do not wait until the day of the ceremony.
• Caps and gowns are NOT available for pick up on graduation day.
• Students earning an AA or AS degree with a minimum 3.4 GPA at the end of FALL 2024 will receive a yellow honor cord at cap/gown pickup. (Not applicable for certificates)
• You may designate a person to pick up and sign for your cap and gown/tickets.
• 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 or Harding. 

Advisors for:

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

Section 2: Guest Tickets – Student Center Prism Lounge

Waterbury campus (take the elevator in front of the bookstore to the 5^th floor) PLEASE NOTE: Your cap and gown must be picked up first.

• Your guest tickets will be distributed the same day and time you pick up your cap/gown along with the opportunity to request extra tickets if they become available (see below).
• Tickets will be determined based on the number of applicants that have applied by April 15, 2025. Please watch your email for more information after April 1, 2026.  
• Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis when you pick up your cap and gown, so plan to pick up early.
• Extra ticket requests WILL NOT be taken prior to the date you pick up your cap and gown.
• ONLY WHEN you pick up your original guest tickets can you sign up for extra tickets. Please note: to save time download the QR app on your phone prior to picking up.  The code will be shared only during this time.  
• Beginning the week of May 11, 2026, an email will be sent to the address you enter on the QR code/form to let you know if we can honor your extra ticket request.  We cannot mail tickets.
• You may designate a person to pick up and sign for your cap and gown/tickets. Please provide them with your student ID# and email address so that we may contact you if your extra ticket request can be honored.
• NOTE: Due to fire code regulations, a ticket is required for guest admission, including infants and small children. There are no exceptions to this rule.
• Graduates do not need a ticket.
• Guests who require handicap seating must contact Karen Blake, Commencement Coordinator, at 203-575-8269 during ticket pickup. Please do not wait for the day of the ceremony.
• Seating at the Palace is odd/even so please do not switch tickets; they are grouped so that your guests are seated together.
• NOTE: Due to fire code regulations, a ticket is required for guest admission, including infants and small children.
• Children are not allowed in the graduation area; they must arrive with your guest(s). 

Section 3: Instructions for the Day of Commencement

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Time: 2 p.m.                                                               
Place: Palace Theater
Location: 100 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 

Graduates: Report at 12 p.m. Promptly - park in the Scovill Street garage and use the stage door on Brook Street to enter the Palace (not the main entrance to the theater).

Guests: 1:30 p.m. - Seating begins inside the theater. Guests arriving at 2pm or later will have to wait until the procession has concluded before seating is allowed.

Guests: Use only the front entrance to the theater (100 East Main Street).

Ceremony: 2 p.m. - Commencement promptly begins

NOTE: There is no place to store valuables during the ceremony (i.e., large purses, cameras, etc.), so please bring only what is necessary that will fit under your seat. Also, please wear comfortable shoes as there is standing involved.

Physical Disabilities

Graduates:  Contact Vince McCann, Campus Disability Coordinator, 203-596-8608

Guests: Contact Karen Blake, Commencement Coordinator, 203-575-8269

This will ensure that adequate space is provided. 

Arrangement deadline: Friday, May 8, 2026 (no exceptions)

• All participants are required to wear the traditional royal blue gown, mortarboard and tassel provided by the college.
• Facilities will be available at the Palace to robe when you arrive at 12 p.m.
• Please remember a ticket is required for admission for all guests, including infants and small children. Also, children are not allowed in the graduation area; they must arrive with your guest(s).
• Diplomas: You will receive a diploma cover as you cross the stage during the ceremony. Your actual diploma will be available for pickup within eight weeks (approx.). 
• Pictures: Photographs will be taken by Grad Images, a professional photographer, during the ceremony. They will contact you directly regarding purchasing your photos. 
• Flowers: Fresh flowers will be available for purchase in the lobby of the theater the day of graduation. Please see the link below:

https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/naugatuckvalley/ 

NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE THEATER:  alcoholic beverages, smoking of any kind (including electronic cigarettes) and balloons. 

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the ceremony. 

Section 4: Parking

Free Parking:   Graduates/Guests: Scovill Street parking garage.  All other areas may charge.

Directions to Scovill Street (Student/Guest)

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE:  due to limited parking availability, please see the alternate parking options at: 

www.waterburyparking.com

Section 5: GradImages

Pictures will be taken the day of the ceremony.  All contact will be done directly thru them, not CTState Naugatuck Campus.  

Commencement is a celebratory occasion and we should 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.