We are excited to welcome the guests of the graduates to Dean College's Commencement Ceremony. The questions below are meant to answer the many frequently asked questions about the Commencement ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO GUESTS NEED TO HAVE TICKETS TO ATTEND COMMENCEMENT?
No. Tickets are not required for Commencement.
WHERE DO GUESTS GO AND WHAT TIME SHOULD THEY ARRIVE?
Ceremony guests should go straight to Dean Hall. Seating becomes available at 9:00 a.m. Guests should plan to be in their seats by 10:40 a.m. as the processional will begin at 10:45 a.m. After the ceremony, please have your graduate meet you at a prearranged location.
AM I ALLOWED TO BRING A BAG TO GRADUATION?
To enhance the safe and quick entrance of all guests, the only bags permitted are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (not to exceed 12"x 12" x 6"). All clear bags will be checked upon entrance.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT COMMENCEMENT?
Any item deemed inappropriate by Dean College Campus Police and Safety will not be allowed on the grounds of Dean College, including but not limited to:
- Umbrellas
- Luggage
- Briefcases
- Large Bags
- Wrapped gifts
- Any alcoholic beverages
- Weapons of any kinds (including knives)
- Segways/Hoverboards/Skateboards/Scooters
- Illegal drugs or substances [no vape pens allowed]
- Coolers or containers, including cans and bottles.
- Fireworks or pyrotechnics
- Folding and/or standalone chairs
- Noisemakers, bullhorns or air horns
- Drones, unmanned aircraft
- Selfie sticks
No prohibited items will be accepted at the entry points for safekeeping. Please leave all prohibited items secured in your vehicle.
MAY MY FAMILY BRING THEIR PET TO COMMENCEMENT?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets during the Commencement Exercises. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
ARE THERE AREAS TO SMOKE DURING THE CEREMONY?
Smoking on the Dean College campus is only permitted in the designated smoking huts located throughout campus. None of these huts are in sight of the Commencement ceremony. Thank you for not smoking at the ceremony.
WHAT DISABILITY RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?
Disability Resources
Headsets are available for those guests with hearing impairments. Requests must be made to Nancy McIntyre, nmcintyre@dean.edu by April 19, 2024. A formal request is needed to provide this service.
Special Accommodations
Accessible seating will be available for guests with mobility difficulties or physical disabilities in a reserved seating section. A formal request is needed in advance to reserve special seating for guests with physical challenges. Please contact Nancy McIntyre by Friday, April 19.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking will be allowed for all cars with a handicap placard or license plate. Please go to the Dean Hall Parking Lot where you will be directed where to park. ONLY cars with handicap placards or license plates will be allowed to park in this designated parking lot. All other cars should park in the Campus Center or Jones Parking Lots.
WILL COMMENCEMENT BE LIVE STREAMED?
Yes, a link to the live stream of the Ceremony is available on the Commencement homepage. View the livestream.
WHAT IS THE POLICY REGARDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND USE OF CAMERAS AT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
Professional photographers will take a picture of each graduate: once the graduate receives their diploma from the president. We ask guests to remain in their seats or to use the photography area set-up for families.
GRADIMAGES is the official photographer for Commencement. In May, parents will receive a mailing from GRADIMAGES with instructions for ordering. If you have any questions, contact them at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
WILL THE COLLEGE BOOKSTORE BE OPEN DURING COMMENCEMENT EVENTS?
The bookstore will not be open but will have a tent on Awpie Way the day of Commencement.
WHERE CAN GUESTS PARK FOR COMMENCEMENT?
Parking is available for family and friends of the graduates in the Jones Parking Lot and the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center Parking Lot.
Handicap Parking: If you have a handicap placard or a handicap license plate you are welcome to park in the Dean Hall Parking Lot. This is our closest lot to the ceremony. We will have staff at the entrance of the lot to confirm this. If you have any questions please contact Nancy McIntyre at nmcintyre@dean.edu.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DIRECTIONS TO COMMENCEMENT.
GPS address to Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center Parking: 109 West Central Street, Franklin, MA
DIRECTIONS TO DEAN
Take Route 495 to Exit 43 and take Route 140 South toward Franklin.
Continue on Route 140 S for 1.5 miles until you pass the fourth traffic light (the intersection of Route 140 S and Union St.).
If you are parking in the Jones Lot, it is adjacent to Grant Field. Enter from Emmons St. or School St. in Franklin.
DIRECTIONS TO FRANKLIN FROM OTHER LOCATIONS
Approximately 1 1/2 hours
From Massachusetts on Mass. Turnpike (US 90)
Take Exit 106 to Route I-495 S. Take Exit 43 toward Route 140 S. Follow directions above to parking.
FROM LOGAN AIRPORT
Approximately 1 hour
Follow Southeast Expressway to Massachusetts Turnpike (US 90). Take Exit 106 to Route I-495 S. Take Exit 43 toward Route 140 S. Follow directions above to parking.
FROM CONNECTICUT
Approximately 2 hours
Follow I-84 E to Massachusetts Turnpike. Continue with directions for Massachusetts Turnpike above.
FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MAINE
Approximately 3 hours
From Route 1 or I-95 S take I-495 S to Exit 43 to Franklin on Route 140. Follow directions above to parking.
FROM LONG ISLAND
Approximately 4 hours
Take the Long Island Expressway to I-495 N to Clearview Expressway (I-295 N) to the Throgs Neck Bridge to I-95 N. Follow I-95 N through Connecticut and Rhode Island to I-495 N to Franklin. Take Exit 43 and follow Route 140. Follow directions above to parking.
FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY, SOUTHERN NEW YORK STATE, NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
Approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours
Follow I-95 (as above) or follow I-684 E to I-84 E to the Massachusetts Turnpike. Follow Turnpike to Exit 106. Follow I-495 S to Exit 43 to Route 140 South. Follow directions above to parking.
*Special parking will be reserved for 50th Society members behind Dean Hall with transportation available to Memorial Hall. Any questions or to register to attend, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@dean.edu or 1-888-711-3326.
ARE THERE AVAILABLE HOTELS NEAR DEAN COLLEGE?
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BOSTON MILFORD
11 Beaver St., Milford, MA 01757
(508) 478-7010
HAMPTON INN FRANKLIN/MILFORD
735 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 520-2999
RESIDENCE INN BOSTON FRANKLIN
4 Forge Pkwy, Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 541-8188
* Residence Inn Boston Franklin offers Dean College a discount (currently 15%) to students families or other guests attending events throughout the year. Use the link above to book (discount will be applied at checkout).