Commencement Information & Steps to Graduation

Commencement is the highlight of the year at CCV, when more than 3,000 Vermonters come together to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates.

2025 Commencement

Norwich University, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, Vermont • Saturday, June 7, 2025, 2 pm

Watch a recording of the ceremony provided by ORCA Media or view our slideshow on Flickr.

Photography
Before Graduation:
Island Photography, a professional photography company, will be taking photographs of each graduate as they are recognized during the ceremony. Graduates who know they would like to order these professional photos may pre-register using the Island Photography form, or scan this QR. Island Photography will email photo proofs to all graduates in the week after graduation.

After Graduation:
Graduates will receive an email with a secure link and PIN to view and order your photos in the week following graduation. You can also add your friends and family so they may receive a direct link to your proofs. This information will be sent to the graduate’s personal email address on file.

Caps and Gowns
Caps and gowns are no longer available to order. A limited number of extras will be available at the ceremony on a first-come, first-served basis.

ADA Accommodations and Needs
Please let us know if you or a guest need special accommodations on graduation day. Accommodations can be requested through Angie Albeck at angela.albeck@ccv.edu, or 802-654-0505.

Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed to graduates the Monday following graduation.

Graduation Gift
Graduates will receive a gift with their mailed diploma.

Guests
You may invite as many guests as you wish; we encourage you to invite your family, friends and faculty. Grads can download/save this file to your computer and send the electric invite via email.

On Graduation Day

Timeline
12:15 pm  Graduates arrive at Andrews Gym
1:15 pm  Instructions and announcements for graduates
1:25 pm  Graduates line up for procession
1:40 pm  Procession leaves staging area
2:00 pm  Ceremony begins in Shapiro Field House
4:00 pm  Ceremony ends

Live Streaming
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can watch a live stream of the 2025 commencement ceremony provided by ORCA Media.

Directions & Guest Parking

From Route 12, turn onto University Drive and proceed up the hill to the Shapiro Field House parking lot.

Guests should park in the two lots near Shapiro Field House and proceed to Shapiro Field House. Graduates should make their way to Andrews Gym. Please carpool whenever possible.

Google Map Norwich University

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRADUATES
Directions to Norwich University & Graduate Drop off:

If you’re arriving via I-89, take Exit 5 and follow Route 64 toward Northfield. Continue to the bottom of the hill and turn right onto Route 12 North. After about 2 miles, turn left onto ID White Avenue, keep right onto University Drive, and follow the signs for graduate drop off.

If you’re coming from Montpelier via Route 12 South, drive through the traffic light in Northfield and continue straight through the center of town. About a mile past the town center, you’ll see the Norwich green with a gazebo on your left and Plumley Armory on your right. Turn right onto ID White Avenue, keep right onto University Drive, and follow the signs for graduate drop off.

For Graduates Driving Themselves:

Follow the above directions to the campus of Norwich University. Follow the signage for event parking, park your vehicle, and make your way to Andrews Gym to join your fellow graduates. CCV staff will be there to direct you.

Arrival
We expect students to arrive at Andrews Gym by 12:15 pm to participate in the ceremony. This allows time for robing, informal photos, ceremony directions, and processional line-up. When you arrive, you will complete a brief graduate survey and will receive a name card.

Food
There are no food vendors on the Norwich campus on graduation day, and Norwich prohibits all food and drink in Andrews and Shapiro Field House. We strongly encourage you and your guests to eat prior to arrival on the Norwich campus. There will be water available in both Andrews and Shapiro Field House.

Personal Items
Please don’t bring any valuables or personal items (handbags, clothing, umbrellas, etc.) with you to Andrews Gym; you may not leave anything there and should not carry things with you once the processional departs. There is no opportunity to store these items in the arena.

Photography
Island Photography, a professional photography company, will be taking photographs of each graduate as they are recognized during the ceremony. Within 48 hours of commencement, you will receive an email with a secure link and PIN to view and order your photos. You can also add your friends and family so they may receive a direct link to your proofs. This information will be sent to your CCV email account.

Informal photos will be available on the graduation page of the CCV website approx. one week after graduation. These are free of charge for you to download and share.