Venue and Ceremony

Commencement 2024

Norwich University will celebrate Commencement Weekend in Shapiro Field House on the Northfield, Vermont campus. Graduates from both bachelor’s and master’s programs from residential and online will be celebrated, along with ROTC Joint Commissioning. The ceremony may also include graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021, who did not have the opportunity to walk with their classes due to COVID-19. They’ll be joining members of the Class of 2024 for an in-person Commencement celebration.

ROTC Joint Commissioning

Norwich University will commission graduates from the Class of 2024 into the U.S. armed services in a Joint Commissioning Ceremony for Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC and Naval ROTC.

We ask that all graduates and guests adhere to the following policies pertaining to the campus:

• No food or drink is permitted in Shapiro Field House except for water and baby food/formula.
• Per Vermont state law and Norwich University policy, no alcoholic beverages are permitted on campus grounds. Alcoholic beverages may be served in Partridge Pub and at catered events. Anyone violating this code will be asked to leave campus.
• Pets are not allowed in venues, and lots are not shaded, so please don’t leave your pet in the car. Service animals are allowed.
• Umbrellas are allowed inside ceremony venues but must remain closed.
• There will be a bag policy coming soon that will be posted and in effect the day of the ceremony.
• Strollers should not be in aisles or within seating rows in Shapiro Field House. Please place strollers along the building’s back wall.

Maps and Directions

Seating

Tickets will be required to enter the building and will be scanned by campus security upon entry. Once in Shapiro, there is general seating. Anyone without a ticket will be asked to view a live stream of the ceremony from Kreitzberg Arena, which is next door to Shapiro and where seating is not limited.

Note: At the close of the Commencement ceremony, Norwich Artillery Battery will fire a Pack Howitzer cannon outside of the venue. For guests with noise sensitivities, please consider sitting on the right side of the venue furthest from the main doors.

Accessibility and Special Needs

Accessible seating: Guests using wheelchairs will be assisted to aisle end caps for seating. Families will be seated together.

A limited number of wheelchairs are available for transport needs but they will be first come, first served.  We strongly advise that guests needing mobility assistance bring their medical equipment.

Note: One section of seating is bleacher seating. Although these seats provide guests with a higher vantage point to view the ceremony, bleacher seating is not easily accessible by guests with limited mobility, and bleacher seats do not have back support. Seating in bleachers requires climbing which is not always convenient to dress clothing. Students should plan and communicate accordingly with their guests.

Hearing-impaired guests: An American Sign Language interpreter will be present to translate the Commencement ceremony for guests who are deaf or hearing-impaired. The interpreter will be located on the main stage and visible on large screens and on the live stream.

Special requests: If you require additional services or have questions, please email commencement@norwich.edu.

Attire for Commencement and Commissioning Ceremonies

Commencement and Commissioning are formal ceremonies to honor our Norwich graduates. Please dress in a manner that is respectful and appropriate for these occasions. Many service members will be uniformed, and those in civilian clothing should ensure they are comfortably dressed to both get around and be seated for long periods. It is also recommended to dress in layers due to the chilly spring weather in Vermont.

Photo finish

Official graduation portraits will be taken to the left of the stage, directly after graduates receive their diplomas. Both senior and graduate portraits are available for order directly from Ericson Photography.