We are very pleased to offer an in-person ceremony for our graduates this year. Commencement is a landmark experience, which is why we have made every effort to ensure this event can safely take place.

After consultation with student leadership, administration, health and safety officials, and in coordination with the Vigo County Health Department, we have determined that each graduate can invite two guests to our ceremony. 

Health and safety considerations have placed many limitations on our actions again this year, and this is certainly one we wish did not exist; however, in light of the alternatives, we are thrilled to be offering this ceremony and know it will be a wonderful day.

For those unable to attend the ceremony, you may live stream the event here. Live streaming will begin at 9:30 a.m. You can also get a ground-level view of the Walk on Facebook Live beginning at 9:20 a.m.

Updated 5/28/2021

No, we are unable to offer a waiting list for tickets. While we are thrilled to be able to offer an in-person Commencement this year, health and safety considerations dictate that we limit each graduate to two guest tickets.

Our inability to offer "day of" tickets or a waiting list is certainly a limitation we don't welcome, but, in view of the numerous colleges and universities offering only virtual commencements again this year, we are very pleased to be offering an in-person event for the Class of 2021.

We look forward to a wonderful day for as many guests and graduates who are able to safely attend.

Updated 4/21/21

Yes. You can view the ceremony, including the Walk Across Campus and the Walk Down the Hill, via live stream beginning at 9:30 a.m. You can view the live stream by clicking here.

 You can also get a ground-level, first-person view of the Walk beginnig at 9:20 a.m. on Facebook Live by clicking here.  

Last updated 5/28/2021

Yes. You can get a ground-level, first-person view of the Walk on our Facebook Live feed starting at 9:20 a.m. The Walk will also be shown on large monitors for our guests inside Cook Stadium.

Live streaming of Commencement 2021 will begin at 9:30 a.m. You can view the live stream by clicking here. 

Updated 5/28/2021

The Walk will be shown on large video monitors inside Cook Stadium for guests to observe from their seats. Also, the Walk will be live-streamed on Facebook Live starting at 9:20 a.m., which guests can watch on their mobile devices.

Because tickets are required to enter the ceremony area, it's important that all guests remain in their seats within the stadium after arriving at their designated time.

You can view all of Commencement 2021 by viewing the live stream here starting at 9:30 a.m.

Updated 5/28/2021

For your safety and to prevent possible damage to our synthetic turf football field, we are encouraging all guests to wear flat shoes or shoes with wide or wedge heels. Student walk-throughs on the field revealed it is very difficult (if not impossible) to walk on the field in narrow-tipped heels. Damage to the field is also possible and would not be covered by our warranty, so we ask for your consideration.

Updated 5/26/21

Face coverings are no longer required outdoors on campus for individuals who are fully vaccinated; therefore, masks will not be required at our outdoor Commencement 2021 for fully vaccinated individuals. 

Masks must continue to be worn in all public, indoor spaces on the Rose-Hulman campus, so please bring a mask in case you need to be indoors at any time.

An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second Pfizer or Moderna dose or two weeks after the single Johnson and Johnson dose.

In keeping with our current campus policy, we will be practicing social distancing at Commencement 2021. Seats, or two-seat pods, will be spaced six feet apart. Graduates were asked to indicate when reserving their guests' tickets whether their two guests could be seated together or needed to be spaced.

Socially distanced seating will also be available in the grandstands.

Updated 5/28/21

Each graduate will be given a bag of gifts, including champagne and plastic champagne flutes for a post-event toast. Because only water will be permitted inside Cook Stadium, guests are invited to share a toast with their graduate outside of Cook Stadium in the parking area or the grassy area between the parking lot and Lost Creek. Due to excise laws, toasts will be limited to those designated areas.

Updated 5/13/21

All registered guests will receive an email the week of Commencement with parking and other instructions.

Updated 4/21/21

Commencement 2021 will take place on Saturday, May 29, rain or shine, so please come prepared with an umbrella or poncho.

In the event of hazardous weather conditions, Commencement may be delayed until later the same day. In the worst-case scenario and the event cannot take place outdoors, guests will receive alternate instructions as early as possible.

To avoid conflicts with travel arrangements and other events, Commencment 2021 will not be rescheduled for another day.

Updated 4/21/21

Please search your email for an email from Eventbrite. 

Tickets were sent to the email addresses provided by our graduates for each registered guest. 

The ticket confirmation would have come from Eventbrite (noreply@order.eventbrite.com) with the subject of "Order Confirmation for Commencement 2021."

Updated 5/28/2021

Our best estimate is that the ceremony will last between two and two-and-a-half hours.

Updated 5/27/2021