Important information about graduation
Invitations
Every Class I student will receive five graduation invitations in addition to the invitation that we will send next week. Please note, however, that invitations are not necessary to attend graduation, so students may invite as many guests as they choose. Seating is unlimited and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Sun plan
If the weather is good – and it will be – the graduation ceremony will take place on the lawn in front of the Robert Saltonstall Gym. The stage will be located on the grass closest to the Chapel steps, and Class I students will sit in the front facing the audience. Students in Classes II-IV sit in sections on the sides, invited guests, trustees and faculty sit in the first section of audience seats, and graduates’ families and friends use the seats immediately behind the faculty.
Rain plan
The ceremony will take place in the Fitzgibbons Convocation Center (FCC) if it rains. The seating arrangements will replicate the arrangements for the outdoor ceremony. The size of the FCC allows ample seating for relatives and guests.
Luncheon
A light buffet lunch will follow the ceremony.
Photographs
Milton’s tradition of awarding diplomas in random order may complicate some parents’ efforts to take their own pictures. We therefore arrange for a professional photographer to take pictures of each graduating senior. You will receive proofs over the summer, at which time you can decide whether or not to order copies. You are under no obligation to make a purchase.
Parking and traffic
We will make special arrangements for parking and traffic for graduation. All parking will take place on Upton Field and in the Junior Building parking lot. Our staff, with assistance from the Milton police, will direct you. Please do not park on Voses Lane, Randolph Avenue or Centre Street.
Because of the number of people on campus, Academy Road, which runs in front of the Robert Saltonstall Gym and the main campus dormitories, will be closed from 3:30 p.m. on Thursday until about 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Parents who wish to load belongings from dorm rooms during these times should use the access road behind the dormitories.
Handicapped and elderly access
If a member of your party needs to be dropped off close to the ceremony site or requires handicapped access, please communicate with a campus safety officer on the morning of graduation and he or she will make appropriate arrangements. Please remember that no cars will be let down Chapel Hill after 10:15 a.m.
Graduation parties
We have entered the season of celebrations. It is a good thing for us to gather, and for students to gather, to mark this time, but these events should not risk the well-being of the young people whom we wish to celebrate. In their youthful enthusiasm, some graduating seniors may decide that alcohol and drugs are an appropriate way to mark the transition to the next stage in their lives, and they may exert strong pressure on parents to accept this impulse. We ask you to discourage this thinking and to resist this pressure. Underage drinking is both ill-advised and illegal. Please act responsibly if you host a gathering, and please help your sons and daughters make good and healthy choices.
