There is no charge for caps and gowns 

Information is coming soon. Please check back.

Information is coming soon.  Please check back.

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.