Commencement
Be Ready to Celebrate
Expressive Freedom
Haverford College protects the right to free inquiry, assembly, and expression in the broad context of its educational mission. Expressive freedom includes one’s ability to engage in the open exchange of ideas or the choice not to engage. Expressive freedom comes with the responsibility of respecting the freedom of others, and others’ ability to express or not express their ideas.
Commencement is a joyous occasion that brings together students, families, friends, and guests to celebrate graduates’ remarkable achievements. Commencement is an official College event, and as such, prolonged disruptions are not permitted inside the venue. We ask for your cooperation and understanding in maintaining a celebratory atmosphere throughout the ceremony. Graduates and guests attending commencement may be asked to leave, or be removed from the venue, if they create prolonged disruptions or otherwise impede others’ participation in this celebratory event.
For commencement day, we have designated a ‘free speech zone’ on James House lawn on the west side of the main path, for anyone who wishes to use it, so long as activities do not significantly impede others’ use of the campus or create unsafe conditions.
Permissible/Non Permissible Items
We welcome flowers, cameras, binoculars, cellphones, seat cushions, water bottles, masks, childcare needs, and other personal items that will contribute to your wellbeing and enjoyment of Commencement.
These items, and any additional items that Haverford College determines as a safety hazard or otherwise unacceptable, are not allowed inside the venue*. Thank you!
- Balloons, beach balls, or projectiles
- Cigarettes, vapes, alcohol, illegal drugs/substances
- Artificial noisemakers (e.g. drums, airhorns, bullhorns, thundersticks, whistles)
- Fireworks or flammables
- Laser pointers/flashlights
- Visual obstructions including signs or banners larger than 11” x 14”
- Pets (service animals exempt)
- Drones
- Weapons or items that mimic weapons
*EXCEPTIONS: Those with disabilities, medical requirements and/or special needs can contact llonie [at] haverford.edu (Lisa Lonie) prior to attending the event to arrange for reasonable accommodations.