{"id":140051,"date":"2021-05-21T14:39:44","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T18:39:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/?p=140051"},"modified":"2023-01-24T14:44:43","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T19:44:43","slug":"infrequently-asked-question-about-commencement-2021-on-may-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/2021\/05\/21\/infrequently-asked-question-about-commencement-2021-on-may-2\/","title":{"rendered":"21 frequently (and infrequently) asked questions about Bates Commencement on May 27"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In what promises to be another highly distinctive Bates graduation, following last year\u2019s virtual edition<\/a>, this year’s Commencement will feature two complete, in-person ceremonies on May 27.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each ceremony will accommodate half of this year’s 469 seniors, and audience members will be admitted by ticket only, with each Bates senior who participates in person receiving two guest tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The morning ceremony, for seniors with last names A\u2013K, will begin at 9 a.m., and the afternoon ceremony, for last names L\u2013Z, at 3 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For our Class of 2021 seniors, here are 21 frequently, and infrequently, asked questions about this year’s Commencement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. What\u2019s different about this year’s ceremony?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The processional, from Lane Hall to the Historic Quad and Coram Library, will take a more direct route rather than heading around the Quad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will not involve the tradition of the graduates pausing on either side of the walkway while the president, honorands, and faculty march between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. What\u2019s the same?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nearly everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At each ceremony, President Spencer will offer a welcome, followed by the Senior Speakers, presentation of honorary degrees, and seniors celebrating their individual moments of accomplishment by crossing the Coram Terrace as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty Malcolm Hill announces their names. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each ceremony will conclude with a benediction by Multifaith Chaplain the Rev. Brittany Longsdorf, after which seniors and guests will have meals available to them near their residences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. How do I watch the ceremonies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two 2021 Commencement ceremonies will be publicly livestreamed for all to watch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n