This year's Commencement is an in-person ceremony only for the graduating seniors at the usual Macmillan Circle location. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate any family members or other guests; we are also making contigency plans for a virtual ceremony in the event that New York State issues additional COVID-19 restrictions. All attendees must provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or negative test prior to entrance, and must wear a face mask and follow the standard COVID safety protocols including social distancing.
You can watch live at the Wells College YouTube channel, or right here on this page. The ceremony will available for later viewing at both locations.
You may download the printed program from this year's ceremony at this link.
The Registrar's office staff communicates throughout the year with students eligible to graduate regarding degree requirements. All requirements must be fulfilled to receive a diploma during the ceremony. Contact the Registrar's office with any questions: 315.364.3215, registrar@wells.edu.
Student accounts must be paid in full in order to receive a diploma during the Commencement ceremony. Transcripts are also held until full payment is made. As a reminder students may check their account balance on the Globe.
The campus store, located on the first floor of Zabriskie Hall, will be open on Commencement day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All seniors wear the traditional black gown, black cap, and black tassel to the ceremony. Wells is one of the few colleges that still awards undergraduate hoods during the ceremony. The hood is included in the academic regalia.
Information regarding class rings is available on the Jostens website. Prices vary.
The 10:00 a.m. ceremony will be held in the circle outside the front of Macmillan Hall. At this time, unfortunately, are not able to accommodate any family members or other guests due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Order Wells College diplomas frames from Church Hill Classics.
In case of emergency, dial 911 or contact Campus Safety at 315.364.3229.
Flowers will not be available for purchase this year, as we are unable to accommodate guests on campus for the ceremony.
2022: Saturday, May 21, 2022
2023: Saturday, May 20, 2023
2024: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Students can order personalized graduation announcements from the Jostens website.
Check with Campus Safety for items lost or found during Commencement. Bellinzoni Building, 315.364.3229.
The mailroom will be open on Commencement day from 10 a.m. to noon for students who need to make any last-minute mail or package pickups.
Members of the media are encouraged to contact the Office of Communications and Marketing by emailing communications@wells.edu.
Pets are not welcome at the ceremony. Please do not bring your pet on campus or to any Commencement activity. Of course, service animals will be permitted.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Schwartz Athletics Center. No tickets will be required.
There will be a mandatory rehearsal for seniors participating in Commencement on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. on the front steps of Macmillan Hall. Students should check their Wells email before leaving for rehearsal for any additional information.
Katie Fong '06 has been selected as the 2021 Commencement keynote speaker. A familiar face to many on campus, Katie graduated from Wells in 2006 with a major in women's studies and minor in history, and went on to build a career as an executive search consultant. In 2016, she decided to refocus her career on guiding organizations toward healthier, more equitable culture and practices, and in doing so obtained a master's degree in organizational change management last year. She has served as an alumna trustee on the College's board for the past six years, and was also instrumental in guiding the creation of the new strategic plan over the past year. Read More about Katie Fong '06 >>
Katie will be joined by Kaylen Furr '21, who was selected as this year's student speaker. A double major in psychology and in women's and gender studies, Kaylen has been active in numerous aspects of campus life, including as a writer/correspondent for the College’s chapter of Her Campus and as a member of the orchestra (on violin), the Prodigy dance team and the Oddline team. On the athletics side, Kaylen has participated in both cross country and swimming. They also have participated in several alumnae/alumni Reunion events and in other capacities as a student-alumni ambassador, and as well as acting as a tour guide for the Admissions office. This fall, Kaylen will continue their studies in the University of Rochester’s graduate program in mental health counseling. Read More about Kaylen Furr '21 >>
Despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, we are planning to hold the usual stagecoach rides on Thursday, May 20, from noon to 4 p.m.
