Commencement FAQs

Please be advised that we make every effort to conduct Sunday's Commencement exercises outdoors and that New England weather in early June can be fickle. Guests should be prepared to dress for conditions ranging from cold drizzle to intense heat and humidity. Umbrellas are a good idea, and sensible shoes are a must!

Note: If in doubt as to the location of Commencement exercises Sunday morning, due to the weather, call 978-684-7300 after 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

What are commencement invitations?

In April, commencement invitations are sent from the school to the parents or guardians of each senior. commencement invitations also include a schedule of events during commencement weekend. In addition to these commencement invitations to parents or guardians, each senior will be given four commencement invitations that he or she can send to other family members or friends whom they expect will be coming to campus for commencement.

Do I need to bring a commencement invitation in order to be permitted to attend the commencement Weekend events?

No.

How are commencement invitations distributed?

In April, each senior will be given four commencement Invitations and four envelopes for mailing them.

What if we need more commencement invitations ?

Any senior wishing to have additional commencement invitations should contact Duncan Will, commencement coordinator at 978-684-7300.

Who may attend commencement?

Seniors may invite as many guests as they wish to all events during Commencement Weekend except to the Baccalaureate Service or if Commencement Exercises are held indoors in the Cage (see below).

About the Baccalaureate Service (and limited seating).

The Baccalaureate Service is held in Cochran Chapel the Saturday night before commencement. For safety reasons, occupancy is limited. Every senior may attend the Baccalaureate Service, and each senior may also bring three ticket-bearing guests. (Each senior receives three guest tickets on Friday.) The Baccalaureate Service will be simulcast in Kemper Auditorium for guests who do not have tickets.

What if it rains?

While we make every effort to conduct Commencement exercises outdoors in front of Samuel Phillips Hall, there is always the possibility that rain will force us to conduct the ceremony in the Case Memorial Cage, where seating is limited. If that occurs, and to ensure fairness for all, only ticket-bearing family members and guests will be admitted into the Cage. Seniors and faculty will be admitted into the Cage without tickets. Each senior will receive three guest tickets for admission to the Cage (just as they receive three guest tickets for the Baccalaureate service). All guests without tickets are welcome to attend a simulcast of the ceremony in the Smith Center adjoining the Cage.

Note: If in doubt as to the location of Commencement exercises Sunday morning, due to the weather, call 978-684-7300 after 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

What meals are included?

Saturday

8 – 11:45 a.m. - breakfast in Paresky Commons.

8 a.m. - 3 p.m., take a break from packing your child's room and visit the Commencement Welcome Center in the lower left dining hall of Paresky Commons for information, conversation and light refreshment.

5 to 7:30 p.m, buffet dinner for seniors, guests and faculty.

Sunday
8 - 9 a.m. - Continental breakfast in Paresky Commons.

12 Noon, Light Refreshment: following the distribution of diplomas, all graduates and guests are invited to enjoy a light snack as they celebrate the moment and prepare to depart campus.

What should seniors wear during the commencement ceremony?

Commencement is one of Phillips Academy's most formal ceremonies. Traditionally, girls wear white dresses and boys wear light-colored slacks, button down-shirt and tie, and a dark blazer. Sloppy attire, including baseball caps, is inappropriate.

What about people with special needs?

Phillips Academy makes every effort to accommodate people with differing needs and abilities. All Commencement Weekend events are fully accessible. Please contact Duncan Will, dwill@andover.edu or 978-684-7300 for more detailed information.

Where do I park?

Phillips Academy is a very "walkable" campus. We suggest that you find a parking place convenient to your child's dorm and leave your car there. Parking will be severely limited during Commencement Weekend to areas away from the central campus. Parking is available next to the Cochran Chapel, on Phillips and Bartlet Streets, and on campus roads on the west side of Route 28.

Where do guests sit during the Commencement Exercises?

If the ceremony is conducted in front of Samuel Phillips Hall, or in the Cage in case of rain, seating is reserved for seniors and faculty only. All other seating is open on a first-come basis. Using signs or objects for the purpose of "seat saving" is strongly discouraged. We recommend that guests arrive, take a seat, and remain in it until the ceremony has concluded. Faculty and staff ushers, Phillips Academy Public Safety officers, Town of Andover police, and an EMT are on-hand to assist guests and to help maintain proper decorum.

Whom do I contact with other questions?

Please call Duncan Will, commencement coordinator, at 978-684-7300 or dwill@andover.edu, with all other questions.

What sort of accommodations are there?

See the section on Overnight Accommodations for various options.

Important Notice

Although Phillips Academy understands the desire of some families to celebrate their child's graduation with a bottle of champagne, we must insist that you do not bring champagne or any alcoholic beverage to campus. Thank you.