Commencement Guest FAQs

Arriving for Commencement

What time should I plan to arrive on campus on the morning of Commencement?

Admittance to Killian Court begins at 7:30 am, and many people choose to arrive earlier than that in order to be in line when the doors open. The Commencement procession begins at 10 am sharp, and since all admittance to the court is halted for about half an hour during the procession, you will want to be seated well before that.

Are you kidding? I should be there three hours early?

Not necessarily. What time you arrive should depend on how important it is to you to see either the procession or the stage during the ceremony, and the needs of the members of your party. Please consider the seating arrangements when making your decision. There is a limited number of seats with unobstructed views.

Will it take long to get through the metal detectors?

No, it doesn't take long. We have a large security team, and you'll find that the line moves quickly. The atmosphere will not be stressful or alarming for elderly relatives.

What am I allowed to take through the metal detectors?

In regard to admittance at security, we recommend evaluating the contents of your bags and pockets before coming to campus. Please consider the appearance of some objects, and leave anything that could be perceived as dangerous at home or in your hotel room.

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Seating

I have a ticket that says, "General Seating". What does that mean?

Killian Court seats about 13,000 people during Commencement. It is a flat, grassy area, and all the seats are at the same level (i.e., not stadium or amphitheatre seating). Most of our guests sit in the general section.

If the seating area is flat, I might not be able to see my graduate cross the stage. What should I do?

If you do not plan to arrive at dawn to grab a front row seat, you may like to position yourself close to the Jumbotron, the large screen on which the whole ceremony is broadcast. The screen is in the back right section of Killian Court.

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Disabilities services

How do I arrange to be seated in the Disabilities Section?

You or your graduate must contact the Disabilities Services Office (DSO) to make arrangements and to register to receive special Disabilities Section tickets. Please do this as soon as possible: seating is limited in this section.

To reserve seating in the Disabilities Section, or if you require special assistance, please contact the Disabilities Services Office at 617-253-1674, TTY 617-253-3194, or email dso-www@mit.edu.

Will my family members be able to sit together, or does the person with the disability sit alone?

The person with the disability does not have to sit alone. Your entire party (maximum of four) may sit together in the Disabilities Section. All graduates receive four tickets, regardless of section.

Are wheelchairs available for the day?

If you think that your family member will need a wheelchair for the entire day, we recommend that you rent one. The DSO can connect you with a company that provides this service. Please call us at 617-253-1674.

My family member has his or her own transport chair. Is it okay to bring that and to use it in place of a chair?

Yes.

Are Segways permitted on Killian Court?

No.

Do those using wheelchairs have to go through security?

Yes, everyone must go through security. For those with mobility or other issues, we can facilitate entry to the court, and it won't be upsetting or stressful. Please register with the DSO so that we have staff on hand to help you.

I don't think my family needs to sit in the Disabilities Section. But one family member does have trouble hearing. Are there assistive listening devices?

Yes, we have those available. Within the entry tent, past the metal detectors, is a table with the devices. Please see us there, or call ahead if you have further questions.

Is there anything I need to be aware of in deciding if this section is right for my family?

There is no standing allowed in this section, since that would obstruct the view of those unable to stand. Please consider this carefully, as you determine whether this section is appropriate for your family.

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During the ceremony

Will I be able to leave Killian Court during the ceremony?

Yes, but please take your ticket with you! For everyone's safety, we must be very strict about security issues, and this includes making sure that everyone entering has a ticket. You may exit Killian Court in the back or the side doors, but the only entry is on Memorial Drive. When you re-enter, you must also go through the metal detectors again.

How are degrees awarded? To what side should families watch to see their graduates cross the stage?

Degrees are awarded in a simultaneous, alternating pattern, with graduates entering the stage from both sides as their names are read. Specific information will be available closer to June.

Can I get up and move around during the ceremony?

Yes. The Commencement Exercises are long, and people do have to stretch and find refreshment. You are welcome to move around in the areas in the back of Killian Court. Please take your ticket with you if you leave the court.

There are some places where guests are not allowed to stand at any time: the aisles, berms, and around the trees and shrubs. We are very protective of our valuable landscaping, especially since the beauty of Killian Court is an asset to the Commencement ceremony. Please be advised that we will be quick to prevent crowding of the greenery or of other guests. Our primary concern is that friends and families of our graduates have equal opportunity to enjoy this special day. Guests who are blocking others or impeding their enjoyment will be asked to move.

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Photography

I want to take a photograph of my graduate as s/he receives his/her diploma. How can I do that?

If you are seated with an unobstructed view of the stage, you will be able to take a photograph from your seat. Otherwise, you will want to be sure to order a professional photograph or dvd. There is not a designated area at the front of the court where photos can be taken. Further, guests are not permitted to stand in chairs or in the aisles at any time, both for reasons of safety and because to do so would block the views of others. We strongly recommend the professional photographs and videos.

Okay, I can wait until the ceremony is over. But then are we allowed up front for photos with families?

Yes! For about an hour after Commencement, the stage, flowers, and MIT seal will remain in place so that families may take photos together. A line forms on the left. Please work quickly so that everyone who wants photos has a chance to take them.

Why only an hour? That doesn't seem like a lot of time.

The flowers used in Commencement are sold afterward for the benefit of the Community Service Fund. The sale begins at 3:45, and is open to all. The rest of the stage set-up must be dismantled and Killian Court cleaned up quickly. The campus is in use all weekend for Reunion and community activities.

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Services available in Killian Court

Refreshments

Considering the early entrance time to Killian Court for the Commencement Exercises, guests could be in the seating area for up to six hours. Although water will be provided, it is suggested that guests bring snacks enough to sustain them until the reception. Each guest entering Killian Court must pass through a metal detector, but security checks will accommodate prepackaged refreshments (in non-glass/metal containers).

Light refreshment (coffee, etc) will be available for purchase within Killian Court. Please visit the Information Booths for more information on campus facilities that may be open that day.

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Children

Is there a place to change a baby?

That depends on what you would like to change the baby into. For diaper changing, we have a Hospitality tent toward the back of Killian Court, close to the entry on Memorial Drive, on the right side (facing the river).

My child will be in a stroller. Can I leave him/her in the stroller in place of a chair?

No…strollers must be left in the stroller corrals on either side of the court. However, you may take the child to the seat in the stroller, then ask a guest services representative for help in removing it once you are settled.

There is no way my child is going to be able to stay seated for four hours. How am I going to handle that?

At MIT, the Commencement ceremony is unlike many others you may have attended. Because of its size and length, almost no one stays seated the whole time. Toward the back of Killian Court there is space for children to stretch and play a little, and you can feel free to get up to walk in that area whenever you like. It is not as formal an atmosphere as other graduations, where people may not leave their seats at all. You can get up (without blocking others' views or damaging landscape), leave the court, move around, but please note that guests are not permitted to stand, nor children play, in the aisles at any time.

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After the ceremony

What time will Commencement end?

The exact time depends on the number of graduates, and sometimes on the length of each speech: usually, it is between 1-1:15 pm.

Is there a reception after the ceremony?

Yes, a community reception is held after Commencement, on Kresge Oval. All are invited. There is no charge, and no tickets are required for the reception.

Also, some departments (not all) hold individual receptions. Please check with the graduate's department to see if and where your reception will be held.

My (grandmother, father, sister) has mobility issues and needs help to get to the reception. What can I do?

Please contact the Disabilities Services Office in advance for assistance. They will help you ascertain the level of assistance you need, and how to arrange it. DSO: 617-253-1674, TTY 617-253-3194, or email dso-www@mit.edu.

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Area services

Commencement guests and those new to Cambridge will find it helpful to review MIT's visitors pages. Hotels, restaurants, parking, and campus maps may all be found there.

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Weather

What if, as in 2006, it rains for weeks on end and the weather is miserable? Will Commencement still be held outside?

If Commencement Exercises must be moved inside due to severe weather (i.e., electrical storms or hail) the speeches will be held in Rockwell Cage for the stage assembly and graduates only. Guests will be able to view the speeches in closed-circuit television viewing locations throughout the campus. In this case, diplomas will be mailed to graduates.

Information regarding the possible cancellation of the Commencement Exercises in Killian Court will be available beginning at 7:00am on Friday, June 6 via a recorded message at 617-253-SNOW.

Exercises are removed from Killian Court only very rarely. Commencement will be held outside in rain, cold, or heat. While this is a festive time and party clothes are appropriate, guests are urged to dress for the weather conditions. A rainy day in Massachusetts can be cold, and the grass on Killian Court could be slippery. In the event of uncomfortable weather, hot or cold, you may prefer to watch the ceremony from an indoor location. Lists and maps of these locations are available from the Information Tents in Killian Court, and also here.

But the forecast says it will be clear and in the 70's! That sounds perfect. Why should I worry about the weather?

Killian Court is an open area with almost no shade. Even a perfect summer day can become uncomfortable if you are sitting in the sun for four hours or more. This is especially hard on children and the elderly. Further, umbrellas against the sun are not permitted during the ceremony because they block the view of those behind you. Please remember sunblock, hats, and the needs of the more vulnerable members of your party.

Do you have a question that has not been answered here? Please email commencement2008@mit.edu or contact the MIT Information Center.

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