Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, the location of the commencement ceremony will change from Memorial Field (the Quadrangle) to the Field House at Schwartz Athletic Center on the Main Campus. Since seating is limited, guest admission to the Field House is by ticket only. Each graduate will receive TWO tickets. Tickets are distributed with the caps and gowns.

To accommodate guests without tickets, the ceremony will be broadcast live via closed-circuit coverage in the gymnasium, as well as in Founders Hall and Alumni Auditorium.

Special Needs Seating passes cannot be used for admittance to the Field House. Guests who want to sit in the special seating area in the Field House will need both an Inclement Weather ticket and a Special Needs Seating pass. Please also review the "Special Needs Seating" information.

There will be no student procession in the event of rain. Students should go directly to the Field House and take their assigned seats by 9:15 a.m.

Please tell guests that early arrival at the Field House is important. Tickets will not be honored between 9:30 a.m. and the conclusion of the faculty procession.

The determination to follow the inclement weather procedure will be made by late Friday, May 17, or early Saturday, May 18. The information line (610) 499-4600 and the Widener website will be updated as soon as a decision is made, and KYW News Radio 1060 will broadcast the announcement.

HOT WEATHER

It is possible that the weather will be unseasonably warm. Students and guests are advised to dress appropriately if this is the case. The university will set up water coolers around the seating areas.

APPROPRIATE SHOES

If there has been a lot of rain the week before commencement, the ground may be soft. Heels are not recommended.

INDOOR CLOSED-CIRCUIT COVERAGE

Rain or shine, the commencement ceremony will be broadcast live through closed-circuit coverage in the air-conditioned Alumni Auditorium and Founders Hall. Light refreshments will be available in University Center. If there is inclement weather, the ceremony will also have closed-circuit coverage in the gymnasium.

INTERNET WEB COVERAGE

Widener will webcast the entire commencement ceremony live on the Internet on this commencement website. Family and friends who cannot attend in person should log-on early to ensure a good connection.