Guest Services
Accessibility Accommodations for Guests with Disabilities
Babson College is committed to providing accommodations for individuals with visual, hearing, and/or orthopedic/mobility-related impairments.
- For individuals with an orthopedic/mobility-related impairment, a special drop-off location is located on the Coleman Hall side of the Upper Athletic Fields and at the Webster Center. Directional signage will be posted. Golf carts will transport guests to the tent from these locations, and the driver of the car will be directed to the nearest parking lot.
- For individuals with orthopedic/mobility-related impairment, seating is available near the front of the tent. Please call Special Events at 781-239-5252 to reserve a seat. Each individual guest is allowed one guest to sit with them.
- For individuals with a hearing impairment, a sign-language interpreter will be provided throughout the ceremony. Assistive listening devices will be provided upon request. Please call the Office of Special Events at 781-239-5252 before April 11, 2008.
If you have questions regarding accessibility issues, or would like an accommodation not listed, contact the Office of Special Events at 781-239-5252.
Babson Hosts
Babson hosts, identified by green ribbons on their name tags, will be stationed throughout the campus on Commencement day to provide any assistance that may be needed.
Bookstore
The bookstore is located in the Donald W. Reynolds Campus Center. For more information on gifts available from the bookstore, including engraved Babson chairs and lamps, and decorative diploma frames, please visit our bookstore in person or online at babson.bkstore.com. The bookstore will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The bookstore will also have an annex near the tent on the Upper Athletic Fields during the ceremonies.
Cellular Phones
As a courtesy to others, we ask that all cellular phones be turned off during the ceremony. Those wishing to use their phones may leave the tent to make calls.
Children
Children are welcome to attend the ceremony; however, due to safety precautions, graduates are not permitted to carry, or be accompanied by children on stage.
Concession Tents
Concession tents selling food and beverages will be open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Diploma frames and Babson clothing and gifts can be purchased on the Upper Athletic Fields as well.
Flower Vendor
Flowers, sponsored by the class of 2008, will be available for purchase at the tent area for your convenience.
Lost and Found
Lost and found articles will be held by the Department of Public Safety at (781) 239-5555.
Medical Services
Medical services will be available at the first-aid vehicle, located on site.
Pay Phones
Pay phones are located in several campus buildings. The phones closest to the tent are in the Webster Center.
Pets
With the exception of visual assistance dogs, pets of any kind are not allowed in the Commencement tent. We ask that you leave pets at home on this day.
Photographs
Two professional photographers will take pictures of each graduate, first when they receive their diploma, and second as they come off the stage with diploma in hand. We ask guests to remain in their seats. Within approximately two weeks, you will receive proofs of the photos and a form to place an order with the photographer, Chappell Graduation Images. If you do not receive proofs and an order form, please call the company directly at 1-800-424-3686 or visit them online at www.chappell.com.
Places of Worship
The Glavin Family Chapel on campus is an interfaith place of worship. The schedule of services during Commencement weekend will be posted at the chapel and on their website. There are several churches and synagogues in Wellesley. Here is a listing that may be of interest:
Baptist: Wellesley Baptist Church
42 Elmwood Road, Wellesley
(781) 235-6025
Catholic: St. Paul's Church 502 Washington Street, Wellesley
(781) 235-1060
Christian Science: First Church of Christ, Scientist
8 Rockland Street, Wellesley
(781) 235-1114
Congregational: Wellesley Hills Congregational Church
207 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills
(781) 235-4424
Episcopal: St. Andrew's Episcopal
79 Denton Road, Wellesley
(781) 235-7310
Jewish: Temple Beth Elohim
10 Bethel Road, Wellesley
(781) 235-8419
Methodist: Christ Church United
2 Brook Street, Wellesley
(781) 235-7569
For information concerning other places of worship in neighboring cities and towns, please call the Office of Spiritual Life at (781) 239-5623. Or visit the Web site www.babson.edu/chapel for more information.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located on both floors of the Webster Center. In addition, there will be portable facilities close to the Commencement tent area. Facilities are accessible to physically challenged guests.
That Special Good-bye
This Babson tradition allows faculty, administrators, undergraduates, graduates, parents, and friends to send congratulatory notes and cards to graduates at the ceremony. Your message should be in a sealed envelope, with the first and last name of the candidate on it and clearly marked Graduate or Undergraduate School. The Special Events staff will place your envelope on the candidate’s chair before the start of the ceremony. Please provide a return address. Only standard-size greeting cards will be accepted. Do not send packages or flowers, as they are difficult to handle. In addition, do not send money. We ask that you present these after the ceremony
Please submit your card or note, no later than May 2, 2008 to:
Babson College
That Special Good-bye
Office of Special Events
Babson Park, MA 02457-0310
Videographer (Undergraduate Ceremony only)
A team of professional videographers will be videotaping the undergraduate commencement ceremony. This edited video also will contain footage from the Senior Ball. You will receive information before Commencement from Collegiate Video on how to purchase a DVD or video. If you do not receive this information please call the company directly at 802-365-4414 or visit them online at www.collegiatevideo.com.
Water Stations
Water stations will be located at several points around the Commencement tent.
Weather Information
Commencement will be held under the tent, rain or shine, in order to accommodate a larger audience. Since New England weather can vary in May, we ask our guests to dress appropriately for the conditions. Candidates and guests must provide their own umbrellas and raincoats. Participants and guests should come prepared if inclement weather is expected on Commencement day.
Regardless of weather conditions, Babson will provide a live broadcast of the ceremony in Sorenson Theater for guest viewing. In addition, the ceremony can be viewed online. Please visit the homepage for more information.
In the event of an extreme weather emergency, please refer to our homepage or the Babson College Information Line, 781-239-INFO (4636), for detailed information.
Questions
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call the Special Events line (781) 239-5265, or email us at specialevents@babson.edu
You may also download the complete 2008 Masters Commencement Booklet or the 2008 Undergraduate Commencement Booklet
