Senior Events: Cap & Gown Day

by The Cowl Editor on April 12, 2018


Campus


Graduation Cap
Photo Courtesy of Maiconfz/Pixabay

by Sarah Gianni ’18

News Staff

As May quickly approaches, seniors at Providence College are preparing for the events and emotions encapsulated in senior week. The celebration spans from Monday, May 14 to Thursday, May 17, during which seniors will participate in a variety of activities leading up to commencement weekend.

Monday will consist of “Field Day,” a brand new event that has been added to the week by the Senior Week Core. Tuesday is “Special Events Night,” an opportunity for seniors to travel to a secret locale and enjoy a semi-formal dance. Wednesday consists of the “Day Event,” and Thursday is “Formal Night,” a formal dinner and dance held at Foxwoods Resort Casino. 

“I’m most excited for the Special Events Night, because it is in a beautiful location and I think the two committee chairs have done a great job with making it their own,” said Samantha Keating ’18, marketing chair of the Senior Week Core. 

Keating said she is also excited to reveal details of Field Day. “I can’t give any important information away, but I can tell you the Committee is working very hard to make the event fun and exciting,” she said. 

Another significant senior event that precedes senior week is Cap and Gown Day on Wednesday, April 18. “Cap and Gown Day is a huge marriage of several different offices,” said Event Production Coordinator in the Office of College Events Amanda Talbot. “We have College Events for the planning and execution, the Dean’s and Enrollment Services offices for the data and support, and Financial Aid and Bursars for the nitty-gritty.” 

In addition, there is the collaboration of Sodexo, Academic Media Services, Athletics, the campus bookstore, Career Education, Alumni Relations, and Annual Giving offices for support during the event itself. 

The event will be held in ’64 Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seniors will pick up their pre-ordered caps and gowns and honors cords, as well as additional commencement tickets and schedule cards. 

“Students should put aside 10 to 20 minutes of their day to swing by and pick up their commencement materials,” said Talbot. “They can also expect a fun atmosphere with plenty of free food, music, goodies and a perfect place to walk around with friends.” Seniors who are education majors and student teach during the day, may come to room 412 in Harkins Hall the following week. All attire and materials will be available for those students between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

There are a few resources seniors have access to in order to stay up to date on senior week and commencement events. “As Marketing Chair, I am in charge of all of the marketing materials and social media accounts for Senior Week,” said Keating. “Students are encouraged to follow our Instagram page (@pcseniorweek) in order receive details and quick updates on all events.” 

Additionally, seniors and their families can refer to the Student’s Guide to Commencement that was mailed home to all 2018 graduates. This packet is also available to access online at any time. “This year, we are also launching the use of our Event App through Guidebook,” said Talbot. “Students can search for “Providence College Events:” in their phone’s app store, download our app, and stay up to date on all Commencement 2018 specifics, updates, and resources.”