2025
commencement
Schedule
Pre-commencement
Commencement Day
class of 2025
Social media
Places to Stay Near the University
- If you're joining us for the University of New Haven's 2025 commencement and seeking accommodation, we've got you covered! Whether you prefer a cozy stay close to the campus or wish to explore the vibrant atmosphere of downtown New Haven, there's something for everyone. You'll find a variety of hotels conveniently situated within a
15-minute radius of the university. - Don't forget to inquire about the exclusive University of New Haven rate when booking your stay!
List of Hotels
Commencement Venue Guidelines
- Graduates and guests look forward to this milestone with excitement and anticipation. For many guests, Commencement is their first visit to our campus. The ceremony and appropriate behavior by the graduates and their guests will create positive memories for all who attend.
- All guests require a ticket. Tickets can be printed or shown electronically. Children aged two (2) and under do not require a guest ticket, but they cannot occupy a seat and must sit on the lap of a ticketed guest.
- Guests will not be able to gain access to the Commencement venue without a ticket. There are no exceptions. Tickets are not transferable, and each ticket barcode is unique to your student record.
Public Safety Bag Policy
- The University of New Haven has implemented a small bag/purse policy to provide a safer environment for the public and expedite entry into Zolad Stadium for Commencement. This policy limits the size and types of bags permitted. Items must be carried or fit into a permissible bag.
Security
- All graduates and their guests are asked to arrive early and kindly cooperate with our staff during the required security checks. Please follow instructions given by police and security personnel to make your entry into the venue as smooth as possible.
- All guests and their bags will be inspected upon entering for the safety of those attending. No large bags or backpacks will be allowed into the venue. Baby strollers need to be kept in the designated stroller parking area within Zolad Stadium and must be checked prior to entering as well.
- University Police Officers and Security personnel will be posted throughout the event. In the case of an emergency or any suspicious activity, please contact a University of New Haven Police Officer immediately or call 203-932-7014.
- Flags, balloons, banners, large signs, laser pointers, and other objects that may block or disrupt the view of other guests are not permitted.
- No bottles of any kind will be permitted beyond established security check points. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase in Bergami Hall and at food trucks located next to Bergami Hall.
Prohibited Behavior & Items
Unruly, threatening, or disruptive behavior that may disrupt the ceremony is prohibited. Any individual violating this rule will be asked to leave the event.
The following items are prohibited:
- Large bags or backpacks
- Firearms, knives, weapons, or any item deemed hazardous by University of New Haven Police & management personnel.
- Umbrellas
- Drones (unless authorized by the University)
- Incendiary devices (fireworks, smoke bombs, etc.)
- Artificial noisemakers, including fog horns, and musical instruments.
- Flags, balloons, banners, signs, laser pointers, and other objects that may block or disrupt the view of other guests.
- Illegal drugs
- Alcohol
- No Smoking (including e-cigarettes)
- Outside food or drinks, unless medically necessary
- Open bottles, cans, flasks, thermoses, ice bags, and coolers
- Professional photography of any kind, as well as tripods or monopods
- Selfie sticks
- Hover boards, skateboards, drone aircraft, or remote-control vehicles
- All packages are subject to search
In addition to the small bag/purse policy, there will be electronic screening equipment (metal detectors) in use at all venue entry gates. Before entering Zolad Stadium, guests will be asked to remove cell phones, keys and other large metal objects and must pass through the metal detectors (all bags/purses are subject to search).
- All attendees are encouraged to keep items to a minimum. There are no secure places to store personal items before or during the ceremony. Small personal items, such as phones and wallets, must be carried in a pocket or a small bag under regalia.
- Graduates are not permitted to carry items across the stage other than their diploma cover.
Be Prepared
- Commencement ceremonies are scheduled to occur rain or shine. The stadium is an open space, and little to no shade is available during the ceremonies. Dress for the heat; light clothing is advisable. Hats, visors, and sun block are also highly recommended. Umbrellas are not allowed.
Smoking Prohibited
Smoking is prohibited on University grounds, including all indoor locations and outdoor areas.
These policies are subject to change without notice.
Parking and Transportation
Coming Soon.
We recommend you arrive early to avoid delays. General Commencement parking will be available in the following parking lots near Zolad Stadium:
Permitted areas
On Campus
Off-Site Locations
Only graduates and Commencement personnel will be permitted in graduate areas. No children or guests will be permitted in the graduate seating or on stage.
- Maxcy Lot
- Anemone and Steven Kaplan Hall Lot
- Peterson Library Lot
- Celentano West
- Celentano South
- Winchester
- Bergami North
- Beckerman Recreation Center
- Gerber Lot
- German Club
- Railroad Salvage - shuttle available
- North Campus - shuttle available
- Hoffman - shuttle available
- Pruden
Fire Department, Emergency
Medical Services
The West Haven Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services will be located under the Public Safety Tent at Zolad Stadium.
Disability parking and drop-off
- Parking for guests with state-issued disabled parking permits will be available on Main Campus.
- Guests with limited mobility or other assistive needs may also be dropped off near the main entrance.
- Handicap parking is available at the Beckerman Recreation Center Lot (enter campus through Main Entrance off Boston Post Road). All off-campus parking locations will also be serviced by ADA-compliant shuttles.
INTERACTIVE COMMENCEMENT MAP
Click above to launch interactive commencement map in a new window.
Campus Transportation
On-campus transportation and special shuttle routes for parking will take place to and from Commencement. A shuttle service will be provided to and from off-site parking locations.
- Golf carts will be used by public safety to assist with transportation and reduce foot traffic on campus during Commencement.
- Shuttles: Propark will be used to transport guests from off-campus parking lots to the main campus Commencement area and back after Commencement is over
- Courtesy Vans: University of New Haven courtesy vans will be used to transport guests.
- Emergency Medical Services will be at Commencement for the entire duration of the event. They will be stationed under the Public Safety Tent at Zolad Stadium