Dear Graduating Students and Families:

The 2013 graduating class of the William F. Connell School of Nursing is a class with many distinctions including being the first to receive diplomas outside in front of the newly built Stokes Hall. As you might know from earlier graduations we have been very constrained by space in our past site (Carney Dining Facility in McElroy Commons). We are all hoping for gorgeous weather so that unlimited seating is available. If we do have to go inside we will follow the University policy of issuing tickets for rain venues. Three tickets will be available for CSON grads participating in the diploma ceremony to be held in the Carney Dining Facility located in McElroy Commons. However, if our prayers are answered and we have the CSON diploma ceremony outside, seating is unlimited and we are very pleased for you to be the first class that will be able to invite all your family and friends to be on the lawn of BC’s lovely new building. Given this recent change I am writing to update you on all the activities surrounding the 2013 graduation.

Sunday, May 19

Baccalaureate Liturgy
Noon, Conte Forum
Open seating for all undergraduates and guests

CSON Baccalaureate Convocation/Pinning Ceremony
3:00 p.m., Burns Library Lawn
Open seating for all undergraduates and guests. This event includes a Convocation speaker, chosen by the students, and the presentation of awards. Family and friends will have the opportunity to enjoy seeing each baccalaureate student receive his or her nursing pin.

Convocation Reception
Following Pinning Ceremony, Burns Library Area
Open to all undergraduates and guests.

GNA Graduate Dinner
5:30 p.m., Lyons Hall, Welch Dining Room
Event sponsored by Graduate Nursing Association and co-sponsored by the William F. Connell School of Nursing to honor both masters and Ph.D. degree recipients.

Graduates and their guests, as well as faculty and administrators, are welcome to attend this dinner where graduate awards are presented. Further information about the GNA dinner and obtaining required tickets will be forthcoming from the GNA elected representatives.

Monday, May 20

University Commencement Ceremony
10:00 a.m., Alumni Stadium
Open seating for all students and guests. In the event of rain the University will issue rain tickets to graduates for the ceremony in Conte Forum.

CSON Commencement Ceremony
Approx. 12:15 p.m., Stokes Lawn
Unlimited seating for guests. This ceremony immediately follows the University graduation. Guests and graduates should proceed from alumni statement to the Stokes lawn in a timely fashion.

In the event the University opts to implement rain procedures each graduate will be issued three (3) Rain Tickets for entry into Carney Dining Facility, McElroy Commons and indoor seating will be available at 11:30 a.m. The Administration, Faculty and Staff are looking forward to seeing you during graduation weekend. We are confident our planning will result in a weekend that honors this life accomplishment for our graduates, ensures successful ceremonies, and creates wonderful memories for all participants.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at sondean@bc.edu.

Best,

Susan Gennaro RN, DSN, FAAN
Dean and Professor

Boston College | William F. Connell School of Nursing
140 Commonwealth Avenue | Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 | T: 617-552-4250
www.bc.edu/cson