Villa Maria College will celebrate the Class of 2022 in an in-person ceremony on Saturday, May 21, 2022!
Graduating seniors are expected to attend all Commencement-related activities, including rehearsal, the hooding ceremony and liturgy and the formal exercises. Students should plan to attend as an active participant and in support of their fellow classmates.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 21, 2022 – Graduate Gathering: 4-6 PM in the College Dining Hall
Get all the information about graduation in one place! Talk with Service Directors to make sure you are as prepared for graduation as you can be! Get information on class rings and joining the Alumni Association. Enjoy food, libations and entertainment—all free! This event is exclusively for graduates.
Tuesday, May 3 – Friday May 20, 2022: Cap, Gown, and Hood pick-up in Felician Hall.
Academic attire can be picked up between May 3 & May 20 at the front desk of Felician Hall between the hours of 8 AM and 3:30 PM.
Thursday, May 19, 2022 – Commencement Rehearsal: 2 PM outside of the College Dining Hall
The seating chart and final instructions will be distributed at this time. Dress is casual. Do not bring your associate or bachelor hood, cap and gown. Please be on time.
Thursday, May 19, 2022 – Graduate Reception: Immediately following the rehearsal in the College Dining Hall
Reception in the Dining Hall and one last opportunity to celebrate with other graduates, faculty, and staff. Refreshments will be served.
Saturday, May 21, 2022 – Hooding Ceremony and Commencement Liturgy: 9 AM in the Villa Maria Convent Chapel
Graduates will gather in your academic gowns (no cap) by 8:30 AM in the entrance to the convent chapel, 600 Doat Street. Bring your academic hood with you—you will be hooded during a special ceremony. Family members are to go directly to their seats.
Saturday, May 21, 2022 – Commencement Exercises: 11 AM in the College Auditorium
Graduates are to assemble in the Dining Hall by 10:30 a.m. Wear your cap, gown, and hood. Procession is to be ready by 10:45 a.m. The formal exercises begin at 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 21, 2022 – Reception: Immediately following Commencement Exercises on front lawn of the College (weather permitting)
Light refreshments will be served.
COVID-19 Policies
Villa Maria College will follow all guidelines outlined by New York State and Erie County. The College’s COVID protocols can be found here: www.villa.edu/coronavirus. Effective March 2, masks are optional while on campus. The College strongly encourages people who are not vaccinated and/or boosted to wear a mask on campus, and to get vaccinated and/or boosted.
Guest Policy
Students may invite as many guests as you wish to the Commencement Liturgy, Hooding Ceremony, and Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 21. Guests do not need tickets for the graduation ceremony.
Seating
Graduates will be lined up by degree type and will process to their seats assisted by ushers. Seating in the auditorium is available for all guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Families and friends are welcome to sit in any section that is not marked as reserved. A section of the auditorium will be reserved for guests who prefer to continue social distancing.
Tuition and Fees
All tuition and fees must be cleared before participation in the May Commencement activities. Graduates may not be permitted to attend Commencement if financial obligations are not settled. Please settle all financial obligations by May 6, 2022.
If you have any questions about Commencement and the related activities, please contact DJ Schier, dean of students, at 716-961-1878 or [email protected]. For all Commencement details, please visit www.villa.edu/commencement.
