Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not find the answer to your questions below, please reach out to the Commencement staff at commence@holycross.edu or 508-793-3475.
There is no limit to the number of guests who may attend Commencement. However, this year, all guests (graduates do not need tickets) will be required to have a ticket for entry into the DCU Center. Tickets are free and will be delivered digitally. Graduates will receive a link to claim their tickets via the Tassel system and then be able to electronically distribute them to their guests. Graduates should claim tickets by Friday, May 16.
Please note: due to the ticketing software, ticket registration is limited to 10 guests at a time. If graduates plan to have more than 10 guests in attendance, they can submit this information when they register for Commencement in the Tassel system. All additional requests for tickets will be granted.
Children 4 years of age and older need a ticket to enter the DCU Center for Commencement.
The College is introducing ticketing to aid in event preparation and better ensure those in attendance are invited guests of graduates.
We cannot say for sure what time the ceremony will end; however, we anticipate it concluding around 12:45/1 p.m.
Graduates claim their tickets for their guests through the Tassel system. E-tickets are then automatically emailed to graduates. Graduates can then electronically distribute their tickets to guests as needed.
No. Tickets can be scanned electronically. If guests prefer, they can print their tickets.
Graduates can make changes to their tickets by logging into the Tassel system.
Yes, the College has hired a photographer to take photos throughout the ceremony. Ceremony pictures will be posted to the College website following Commencement. Additionally, photos will be taken of graduates with the President as they walk across the stage and after exiting the stage. These will be available for review and purchase from . Graduates will receive additional information about this.
Per DCU Center policies, guests may not bring in helium balloons, signs, umbrellas, bags, or outside food/beverages. Small purses/wristlets of a MAXIMUM SIZE of 8x10 inches will be permitted. Medical bags and diaper bags will be allowed and must be checked prior to entry. Please see the .
We are committed to the safety and security of all attendees at our Commencement ceremony. Using metal detectors is a proactive measure to prevent any potentially harmful items from entering the venue, which will enhance the overall safety for everyone present. This practice is consistent with other colleges in Worcester.
Guests on Thursday may park in the following locations: Hogan lots, Freshmen Field (weather permitting), and the parking garage. Shuttles will be available to assist with transportation on campus from lots to event locations.
The College is able to provide some transportation assistance for on-campus events via shuttles, but we are not able to supply wheelchairs. For those in need of wheelchairs for the day on Thursday or Friday, we recommend you bring your own or rent one. in Sterling, MA can be contacted for rentals.
No, this event is offered free to students and families.
Please contact the Purple Patcher Yearbook at patcher@g.holycross.edu or their advisor, Jennifer Feraud '21 at jferaud@holycross.edu with questions.
Senior Week programming, sponsored by the Student Government Association Senior Class Council, will begin on Sunday, May 18, 2025. More information regarding other student celebrations will be sent to seniors from your Student Government Association Senior Class Council when it is available. Please contact the Office of Student Involvement at osi@holycross.edu with questions.
The College works with Herff Jones for the ordering of class rings. Class rings can be ordered . Periodically, Herff Jones is on campus outside of the College Store in the Hogan Campus Center. For more information, please contact hcstore@holycross.edu.