2021 Commencement Week Event Schedule
All times and scheduled events are subject to change due to weather.
MONDAY, MAY 3
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. UNDERGRADUATE GRAD FEST & CAP and GOWN PICK UP
Hendrickson Gym, Chrouser Sports Complex
Undergraduate seniors currently studying on campus
TUESDAY, MAY 4
- 5:00 p.m. GRADUATE STUDENT PICNIC
BGH Plaza
Graduate School students currently studying on campus
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5
- 10 a.m - 2 p.m. LATE CAP & GOWN PICK UP
CVC Conference Room, SSB Suite 110
Undergraduate seniors currently studying on campus - 7 p.m. HNGR CERTIFICATE CEREMONY and RECEPTION
Barrows Auditorium (note location change from Armerding Concert Hall)
HNGR staff and students
THURSDAY, MAY 6
- 12 p.m - 5 p.m. COVID-Safe CHECK-IN & CAP and GOWN PICK UP for RETURNING GRADUATES
Westgate House (Corner of Washington and Union)
Graduate and Undergraduate students returning to campus
Bring one of the following documents to check-in:
- Vaccination card demonstrating that you’ve received your final required dose (Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson), dated at least two weeks prior to check-in.
- A negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test dated within 72 hours of check-in.
- A positive COVID-19 test dated at least 10 days prior, but within 90 days of check-in.
FRIDAY, MAY 7
- 9 a.m - 10:30 a.m. COVID-Safe CHECK-IN & CAP and GOWN PICK UP for RETURNING GRADUATES
Westgate House (Corner of Washington and Union)
Graduate and Undergraduate students returning to campus
Bring one of the following documents to check-in:
- Vaccination card demonstrating that you’ve received your final required dose (Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson), dated at least two weeks prior to check-in.
- A negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test dated within 72 hours of check-in.
- A positive COVID-19 test dated at least 10 days prior, but within 90 days of check-in.
- 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. REHEARSAL GRADUATE STUDENTS
Meet at Bean Soccer Stadium,
Arrival times:
A-K 9:50 a.m
L-Z 10:10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. GRADUATE STUDENT CAP & GOWN PICK UP
McCully Stadium
Graduate students currently studying on campus only - 1 p.m. PsyD HOODING CELEBRATION
Barrows Auditorium, BGH - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. REHEARSAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Meet at Bean Soccer Stadium,
Arrival times:
A-D 1:00 p.m.
E-K 1:15 p.m.
L-Ri 1:30 p.m.
Ro-Z 1:45 p.m. - 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. SENIOR WORSHIP NIGHT
McCully Stadium
Undergraduate seniors currently studying on campus
SATURDAY, MAY 8
- 10 - 11:30 a.m. RACIALIZED MINORITY RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Edman Chapel
Especially for undergraduate students, staff, and faculty of color; all students are welcome to attend, with limited seating - 3 p.m. GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT | Watch Commencement Live >
McCully Stadium
Graduating students, two guests for each graduating student, and faculty (tickets required)
Please report for lineup at your given time to Bean Soccer Stadium on Saturday, May 8. We are tentatively planning for the following arrangements, and will notify students via email of the final time slots.
By Last Name:
A - K - 2:15 p.m.
L-Z - 2:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 9
- 10 a.m. UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT | Watch Commencement Live >
McCully Stadium
Graduating students, two guests for each graduating student, and faculty (tickets required)
Please report for lineup at your given time to Bean Soccer Stadium on Sunday, May 9th. We are tentatively planning for the following arrangements, and will notify students via email of the final time slots.
MONDAY, MAY 10
By Last Name:
A-K - 9:20 a.m.
L-Z - 9:40 a.m.
- 10 a.m and 12 p.m. ROTC COMMISSIONING CEREMONIES
Cantigny Park
Attendees will be limited to cadets, Army ROTC faculty, and invitees
The Commencement programs will be live-streamed at www.wheaton.edu/watchcommencement and will also be available for viewing after the event on www.youtube.com/wheatoncollege.
Please continue to be COVID-Safe, Thunder-Strong during all Commencement events. Mask required at all events.
Email Communications
Dear Graduates,
We are counting down the days until we can celebrate Commencement with you at McCully Stadium on Saturday, May 8. As you probably know, Wheaton College has spent the last year following State of Illinois and DuPage County guidance to protect our students, faculty, and staff from the pandemic. Because you will be entering Wheaton’s COVID-Safe, Thunder-Strong in-person community this spring after having been away from campus, we have a few COVID-related steps for you to take upon your return.
Before visiting any other part of campus, you will need to go first to the check-in station at Westgate Alumni Center, at the corner of Washington Street and Union Avenue, on Thursday, May 6, from 12-5 pm.
Please bring one of the following forms of documentation applicable to you:
- Your COVID-19 vaccination card demonstrating that you received your final required dose, at least two weeks earlier;
- A positive COVID-19 test result taken within the last 90 days; or
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within the previous 72 hours.
You will also be required to complete the COVID-Safe Thunder-Strong Commitment form during the check-in process; and abide by the safety requirements of the College during your time on campus.
Upon successful check in, you will receive a blue wristband to identify your participation in the COVID-Safe Thunder-Strong community. You will also receive your cap and gown for the ceremony.
For those unable to check in Thursday for travel reasons, the check-in station will also be available on Friday morning, from 9-10:30 a.m. However, because of the volume of returning graduates and our need for COVID-Safe procedures, we strongly encourage graduates to check in during the larger window of time on Thursday.
If you have any questions, please contact commencement@wheaton.edu or visit our Commencement webpage for more information.
Sincerely,
Diane
Commencement Team
Dear Returning Graduates,
We are looking forward to having you back on campus for Commencement! Before you come, please take the following steps to ensure we keep campus safe over the weekend.
1. Complete this form to let us know you’re coming.
Before visiting any other part of campus, you must check in at Westgate (far west side of campus at 326 N. Washington St.) on Thursday, May 6 between 12 – 5 p.m. or Friday, May 7 between 9 – 10:30 a.m. If you are not able to attend any of these check-in times, or graduation rehearsal, and you haven’t already let us know, please reply to this message with more info about your situation.
2. Bring one of the following documents to check-in:
- Vaccination card demonstrating that you’ve received your final required dose (Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson), dated at least two weeks prior to check-in.
- A negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test dated within 72 hours of check-in.
- A positive COVID-19 test dated at least 10 days prior, but within 90 days of check-in.
Please note: Antibody tests will not be accepted.
3. Sign the COVID-Safe, Thunder-Strong Commitment for Commencement by midnight on Wednesday, May 5.
Upon successful check in, you will receive a blue wristband to identify your participation in the COVID-Safe, Thunder-Strong community. You will also receive your cap and gown for the ceremony (including regalia for graduate school grads).
See you soon!
The Commencement Team
