An Essential Guide to Navigating Your Graduation From SHU

Here’s what you need to know to celebrate and enjoy this major milestone

Congratulations, Pioneer! You’ve done the hard work, and now it’s time to celebrate your accomplishments during Sacred Heart’s commencement ceremonies. To ensure everything runs smoothly, here are the key details that the Class of 2025 needs to know before the festivities begin.

From picking up your cap and gown to finding out where to park, here is a guide to prepare for your big day.

When and where am I graduating?

From May 6 to 10, six separate ceremonies will take place for SHU’s five colleges and three schools at two different venues. These include graduate ceremonies at the Martire Family Arena on Sacred Heart’s West Campus and undergraduate ceremonies at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in downtown Bridgeport. The complete list of ceremonies can be found on Sacred Heart’s commencement homepage.

Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

Yes. The ceremonies will be livestreamed and recorded for later viewings. Each ceremony is expected to run for about 90 minutes and can be viewed from the commencement homepage.

How do I get my cap and gown?

Undergraduate students who ordered their caps and gowns can pick them up at the SHU Bookstore from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 14-15. There will be some extra caps and gowns for those who did not order on time. Unable to make the dates? No problem. Here are the details on how you can secure your graduation garb. Caps and gowns will be shipped directly to graduate students and doctoral students who ordered them. More questions? Here are additional details about academic regalia.

Is graduation a ticketed event?

Undergraduate participants receive seven general admission guest tickets for their ceremony, but they do not need one themselves nor do children under 3 years old who are sitting on someone’s lap. Undergraduates can pick up those tickets from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 14-15, at the SHU Bookstore. If you cannot make those dates, email commencement-info@sacredheart.edu. Parking information for undergraduates and their guests can be found later in this guide.

Graduate students will not need a ticket, but they will need to register guests through an emailed registration form (sent to all graduate students on March 10). Up to four guests can attend. Each graduate student gets a parking pass for themselves and one for registered guests. The deadline to register guests for graduate commencement exercises and parking is April 21. No paper tickets or parking passes will be given out to graduate students. Before the commencement ceremony, graduates should watch their SHU email for messages about tickets, parking and other information. Parking passes will be emailed to the graduate’s SHU email address, as well as the first registered guest on the form.

Seating for all ceremonies is first come, first served. Guests may enter the venues two hours before the ceremony starts.

Will there be parking?

Yes, there will be parking. Undergraduate students will receive parking passes when picking up their caps and gowns. The pass will contain a QR code to scan for further parking information for undergraduate ceremonies. Graduate students and their guests will park at the Park Avenue Campus, where they can hop on a shuttle for service to and from Martire Family Arena at West Campus. When using GPS mapping, plug in 225 Jefferson St., Fairfield, CT, as the address. The Park Avenue entrance will be closed to traffic, except for shuttles. Prior to commencement, graduate students and the first guest they registered will receive an email containing parking passes that can be printed out and placed on dashboards. This will help public safety officers direct you and your guests to parking. If you do not have a parking pass, you cannot park on campus or take the shuttle to Martire Family Arena.

Graduate students and their guests with a valid handicap parking permit may drive to and park at the Martire Family Arena. Here is additional information about parking.

Are the graduation facilities accessible?

Yes, the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater and the Martire Family Arena are accessible. For both locations, drop-off areas are in front of the venues and parking staff can assist you. Ushers can help once you are inside the buildings. It’s advisable to arrive as early as possible, given seating is first come, first served. For more specific information concerning accessibility, visit the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater's website and the Martire Family Arena’s website.

What’s the dress code?

While you might prefer cargo or yoga pants, they are not ideal for graduation. Given the significance of the event, aim for a polished, rather than casual, look. Although your cap and gown will cover most of your outfit, consider semiformal or business casual outfits, such as dresses, blouses with skirts or slacks, dress shirts, dress pants and ties.

Comfort is key, especially since you’ll be sitting, standing and walking for stretches of time. Don’t forget to carefully consider your footwear! Pick a pair of shoes that look good but are easy to walk and stand in during the ceremony. We encourage guests to follow suit.

What are the security measures?

Bags will be subject to a search when guests arrive at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater and the Martire Family Arena. Both venues have a list of prohibited items. There is no re-entry to the amphitheater, so bring extra layers in case you get cold.

Are there other events associated with graduation?

There are many commencement-related events including academic pinning and hooding ceremonies as well as the annual undergraduate Senior Week festivities. There will also be commencement Masses for undergraduate and graduate students and their guests at the Park Avenue Campus. The undergraduate Mass will be at 5 p.m., Friday, May 9, in the William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center. Undergraduate students are asked to arrive at 4:45 p.m. to robe, line up and process for the Mass. The graduate Mass takes place at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 4, in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Tickets are not needed at either Mass.

Ushers will be available to help with questions about accessibility during the Mass.

Will graduation pictures be taken?

Professional photographers will take a candid photo of students receiving their diploma on stage during each ceremony. A digital proof, customer number and order card will be sent within three weeks to each student. After commencement, graduates can locate their photos on the GradImages Sacred Heart University landing page by entering their last name and customer number. Graduates may reach GradImages by calling 800-261-2576 or emailing ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. Don’t forget to smile for the camera!

When will I receive my diploma?

Once you have completed all the academic and financial requirements for graduation, your diploma will be sent to you in six to eight weeks after commencement. If you have any questions, contact graduation@sacredheart.edu.

Are there places for my family and friends to stay?

There are many options for overnight accommodations. Here’s information on more than two dozen hotels located near Sacred Heart University.

Are there places for family and friends to gather after graduation?

After the ceremony, you’ll want to celebrate with your family and friends. Whether it’s a formal dinner or an informal gathering, take the time to enjoy your achievement and share memories with the people who have supported you throughout your academic journey.

Surrounding towns and cities feature restaurants for all tastes and dietary needs. Here’s a list of some options in this restaurant guide.

If you still have questions, the central hub for all things commencement can be found on SHU’s commencement homepage or email us at commencement-info@sacredheart.edu.