Commencement Communication

October 2026

Dear Students, Parents, and Family Members of the Class of 2027,

Commencement will be here before we know it! We’re looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2027 at the College’s Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 23, 2027, at 10:15 a.m. 

While that may seem like a long way off, now is a good time to start planning for this special weekend. Hotel rooms in the greater Clinton area fill up quickly, so we encourage families and friends to make accommodation arrangements as soon as possible. Hamilton’s accommodations page includes a list of lodging options in the area.

Commencement Ceremony
The Commencement ceremony will take place in the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House, which seats 5,300 people. We anticipate space for approximately eight guests per graduate. Tickets will not be issued. 

Friends and family who can’t join us in person can celebrate from afar by watching the ceremony livestream on the Commencement webpage. A full recording will be available later that day.

Following the ceremony, you and your guests are invited to join the Hamilton community for a complimentary picnic.

Baccalaureate Ceremony
Baccalaureate, a multi-faith celebration honoring the graduating class, will be held on Saturday, May 22, at 3 p.m. Seniors process in academic regalia, and families are warmly invited to attend.

Caps and Gowns
It’s almost time to order caps and gowns! Seniors, including those returning to participate in Commencement, should submit their name, height, and weight via this order form by Tuesday, December 1, to reserve their environmentally friendly “GreenWeaver” academic regalia through the Bookstore. 

There is no cost for a student’s cap and gown. Regalia can be picked up at the end of Senior Week in May. If you have questions, please contact the Bookstore at 315-859-4242, hambooks@hamilton.edu, or www.hamilton.edu/bookstore. 

Please note that only Hamilton students may complete the cap and gown order form. 

Planning for Commencement Weekend: General Information

You can find general information and a tentative schedule on our Commencement webpage to assist you with planning. A complete Commencement weekend schedule and additional information will be emailed to seniors and their families in early 2027. 

In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact the College Events and Scheduling Office at 315-859-4529 or collegeevents@hamilton.edu. We’re happy to help! We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with you and your family.

Best wishes,
Lisa Magnarelli ’96
Director of College Events and Scheduling