Events

Commencement Weekend
May 15 & 16, 2010

Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 13
6:30 pm
Great Hall
Director’s Reception in honor of the Spring Semester Master’s Degree Candidates

Friday, May 14

6:45 pm
Great Hall
President’s Reception for the Senior Class and Tutors

7:30 pm
Dining Hall
President’s Dinner for the Senior Class and Tutors

Saturday, May 15
2:30 pm
Front Lawn
Rehearsal for Degree Candidates

4:00 pm
Great Hall
Senior Class Day Exercises

5:15 pm
Library Plaza
Reception for Degree Candidates, Families, and Tutors

10:30pm
Great Hall
Waltz Party

Sunday, May 16
10:30 am
Front Lawn
Commencement Ceremony
Reception for Graduates, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Guests Immediately Following on the Front Lawn

back to top

Hotel Information for St. John's College Commencement

We recommend making reservations as early as possible.  Accommodation options can be found at www.annapolis.gov and click on “Visitor Info,” then “Hospitality.”

Guests from St. John’s College will be given a special rate for a standard room at the Annapolis Hampton Inn & Suites, 124 Womack Drive just off of Riva Road (about 10 minutes from the college).  Mention that you’d like the St. John’s rate when making your reservation at 410-571-0200 (www.hampton-inn.com/hi/annapolis).

back to top

Transportation from BWI Airport/Train Station
BWI Super Shuttle: 800-258-3826 or www.supershuttle.com
The Airport Shuttle: 800-776-0323 or www.theairportshuttle.com

back to top

Disability Access

What if I have a family member with special needs?
Please call the Assistant Dean’s Office at 410-626-2512 to make special arrangements.

back to top

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when will the Commencement ceremony be held?
Commencement is at 10:30 am on Sunday, May 16, 2010.  The ceremony is traditionally held on the Front Lawn where there is plenty of seating for all.

Are there limits to the number of guests who may attend graduation?
 We do not officially limit seating for the event. However, if you are planning on bringing more than ten people, please let us know by e-mailing registrar@sjca.edu or by phoning 410-626-2509.

What happens if it rains?
If it rains, the ceremony will be in the Francis Scott Key Auditorium, with limited overflow seating in the FSK Lobby and the Conversation Room in Mellon Hall.  Admission to the auditorium and to overflow seating will be by ticket only.

Each graduate will receive four auditorium and two overflow tickets, for use in the event of rain.  The tickets will be included in the packet containing the commencement invitations.  If you do not need all of the tickets you receive, we ask that you kindly return any unneeded tickets to the Office of the Registrar.  Please note that the tickets are allocated per graduate—we ask the understanding of those with extended or separated families.

How long is the commencement ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately two hours.

Do I need to R.S.V.P. for other events that weekend?
We do not require a formal response for any commencement activities.

Are there invitations for commencement?
Beginning in late March, all students who are preparing to graduate can get up to ten commencement invitations from the Office of the Registrar. If needed, a limited amount of additional invitations may be obtained for an additional charge after April 15.

What events may family and friends attend?
Families and friends of graduates are invited to Class Day Exercises at 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 15th; a reception follows on the Library Plaza.  That evening, the Commencement Waltz crowns the spring social season.  Families and friends of graduates are also welcome at the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 16th; a reception follows on the Front Lawn. 

What is appropriate dress for commencement ceremonies?
Commencement exercises are held outside on the Front Lawn.  Because of the intensity of the sun, we suggest that you wear sunscreen and/or sun protection. Water will be provided. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the Francis Scott Key Auditorium.

Is there a reception following the commencement ceremony?
A reception on the Front Lawn will follow the commencement ceremony.

How do I get photos of the ceremony?
A professional photographer will be at the ceremony taking pictures of each senior receiving his or her diploma.  The group senior class picture will be taken in May.  Additional information about how to order photos will be available in the spring.

Where do we park?
Campus parking is limited.  Handicapped parking is available in most campus lots.  Beginning at 5:00 pm on Friday, and throughout the weekend, parents and guests may park in all available campus lots, on a first-come, first-served basis.  Free parking is available at the State garage on the corner of St. John’s and Calvert streets on weekends and from 6:00 pm until 6:00 am on weekdays.  The entrance to the garage is on St. John’s Street.  There is also parking for a fee at the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Rowe Boulevard and Taylor Avenue, just off Route 50, where a free downtown shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes.

Where may we purchase College memorabilia?
The bookstore will be open on Saturday, May 15th for most of the day, and many students and parents take advantage of those extra hours.  The bookstore is also open for about an hour before and after the ceremony on Sunday.

back to top