Commencement 2013
Wells College Commencement 2013
Saturday, May 18th 10:00 am
Lakeside at the Aurora Inn
The Wells College community looks forward to welcoming families and guests of the Class of 2013 for the College’s 145th Commencement. The elegant ceremony is held on the shores of Cayuga Lake at the historic Aurora Inn and has been described as the most beautiful commencement ceremony in America. A range of information has been provided via the links below. If any unanswered questions remain please refer to the Questions link.
Academic Obligations
The Registrar's Office staff has communicated throughout the year with students eligible to graduate regarding degree requirements. All requirements must be fulfilled to receive the diploma during the ceremony. Contact the Registrar's Office with any questions. 315.364.3215, registrar@wells.edu. As a reminder, requests for final transcripts for graduate school or employers must be submitted in writing and require a signature. The form is on the Globe and the cost is $7 per transcript. Accounts must be paid in full prior to transcripts being released.
Announcements
Information regarding special order graduation announcements is available at www.balfour.com. Prices vary. http://ww2.balfour.com/gradprod/default.aspx
Billing – Student Accounts
Student accounts must be paid in full in order to receive the diploma during the graduation ceremony. Transcripts are also held until full payment is made. Payment deadline is Friday, May 17th at noon. As a reminder students may check their account balance on the Globe. If needed, please contact Lu Anne Weeks, student accounts manager, 315.364.3205, lweeks@wells.edu to make final payment.
Caps and Gowns (Academic Regalia)
All seniors wear the traditional black gown, black cap, and black tassel to the ceremony. Women graduates also wear a white collar that comes with the regalia rental. Total package rental is $96.00 plus tax. The deadline for ordering without penalty has passed so you will incur penalties, if assistance is needed contact Rich Kloster, bookshop manager, immediately at 315.364.3261. Wells is one of the few colleges that still awards undergraduate hoods during the ceremony. The hood is included in the academic regalia rental.
Commencement Ceremony
The 10:00 a.m. ceremony will be held on the lakeside lawn of the Aurora Inn. There is ample seating, no tickets are required for the outdoor ceremony, and seating cannot be reserved. Guests may begin being seated at 9:00 am. Please note ushers will not allow "early-birds" to save blocks of seats.
In the event of inclement weather, a rain ticket is required to attend the ceremony in Phipps Auditorium. Each senior will have two rain tickets to distribute to guests. However, additional rain tickets will be distributed to seniors through a lottery. Lottery details will be sent to seniors in early May. We also provide closed circuit television coverage of the ceremony in the Art Exhibit Room in Macmillan Hall so additional guests will have the opportunity to view the ceremony.
Class Rings
Information regarding class rings is available at www.balfour.com. Prices vary. http://products.balfour.com/College/CollegeHome.aspx?CollegeId=NY46599
Class Photo
Following rehearsal on Friday, May 17 an informal class photo is taken. 5x7" copies are available for $5. Orders may be placed at rehearsal.
Dining Options
The Express Café in Main Building is open Friday, May 17 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Diploma Frames
Diplomas frames are available at the Bookshop, 315.364.3261, bookshop@wells.edu.
DVD Recordings
A DVD recording of the graduation ceremony is available for $25 and should be ordered in advance by returning the order form found here. Orders will be shipped by June 30th.
Emergency
In case of emergency, contact Campus Safety at 315.364.3229.
Flowers
Flowers will be available for purchase at the Aurora Inn the day of Commencement.
Lost and Found
Check with Campus Safety for items lost or found during Commencement. Bellinzoni Building, 315.364.3229.
Parking
Cars may be parked in all of the residence hall parking lots and Woods Lot. In preparation for the stagecoach rides parking will not be permitted on the Main Circle. For the convenience of guests and graduates shuttles will run from campus (departure location is Glen Park residence hall) to the Aurora Inn prior to and following the ceremony.
Pets
Pets are not welcome at the ceremony. Please do not bring your pet on campus or to any Commencement activity.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted from designated areas during the ceremony. Ushers will direct guests to the appropriate locations. Guest activity should not interfere nor distract from the ceremony.
Portraits
Professional portraits are available by appointment on Friday, May 17th & Saturday afternoon on May 18th at Trillium Graphics studio located at the Aurora Arts & Design Center, 371 Main Street in Aurora. Outdoor candid shots are also available on Saturday morning outside Main Building. A Wells hood and diploma cover will be available at the studio, the senior should take their cap and gown. Appointments can be made by contacting Jacci Farlow via email at jaccifarlow@gmail.com or 315.364.5408 or by returning the form found here.
Rain Location and Tickets
In the event of inclement weather, a rain ticket is required to attend the ceremony in Phipps Auditorium. Each senior will have two rain tickets to distribute to guests. There will be additional rain tickets that will be distributed to seniors through a lottery. Lottery details will be sent to seniors in early May. We also provide closed circuit television coverage of the ceremony in the Art Exhibit Room in Macmillan Hall so additional guests will have the opportunity to view the ceremony.
Rehearsal
Mandatory rehearsal for seniors participating in Commencement is held on Friday, May 17th at 10:00am at the Aurora Inn. Rehearsal is closed to graduates and staff assisting with the ceremony.
Stagecoach Rides
Traditional senior rides in the Wells Fargo Stagecoaches will begin at 7:30 a.m. in front of Main building and will continue until 9:00 a.m. Time permitting, family members may ride in the coaches after all seniors have enjoyed the traditional ride.
Transportation
Airport and Bus Transportation
Shuttle service from the Rochester, Syracuse, or Ithaca airports and bus stations is available on Thursday, May 16th and Friday May, 17th. Shuttles are available to pick up friends and families of graduates at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm. On May 18th shuttles will depart from Wells campus at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm for the Rochester, Syracuse, and Ithaca airports and bus stations. Should you wish to make a shuttle reservation, please call Alan Connors at 315.364.3321 or by email transportation@wells.edu. Deadline for reservations is Friday, May 10th.
Commencement Shuttles
Starting at 8:45 am on Saturday, shuttles will transport guests and graduates from campus to the Aurora Inn. Shuttles depart from Glen Park Residence Hall. Following the ceremony, transportation will be provided from the Aurora Inn to campus. It is strongly recommended that guests park on campus.
Wheelchair Seating
Reserved seating is available for guests with wheelchairs and special needs. Ushers will direct guests to the reserved seating.