For Seniors

Memo to Seniors from the College Marshal, August 2023

Pick up your cap and gown

If you are marching in Convocation, you may pre-order your Convocation regalia from The Williams Bookstore beginning September 2. Please note that there will be plenty of robes available, however pre-ordering will make the pick-up run much more quickly, so you are encouraged to do this. Ceremony participants can use their student ID to charge regalia to their term bill. The cost is $25. (Students receiving financial aid will be credited via EphPay for their regalia.) At checkout, choose “store pickup” and check the radio button for “Williams College Campus ID”. Select the Cap and Gown account and enter your student ID number (without the “W”) to complete the transaction. (Where it says,“Enter your degree”, you can put “Bachelor of Arts”.) You will get an email confirming your order and another notification when it’s ready to pick up. You can then go to The Williams Bookstore during one of the times listed here to pick up your cap and gown:

Wednesday, September 6, 1 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 7, 2 –5:30 p.m.
Friday, September 8, 1 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, September 9, 9 – 10 a.m

Seniors must show ID to get their cap and gown.

Academic tradition prescribes dark clothing for wear under the gowns. The tassel should be worn on the right-hand side.

After Convocation and before proceeding to lunch (in the dining halls), seniors are encouraged to take off their caps and gowns. Seniors must hang onto their caps and gowns until Commencement. All seniors will be charged a replacement fee if you require another cap and gown in the spring.

If you are not participating in Convocation you will have an opportunity to pick up a cap and gown in June.

Line up for the academic procession

Where: In the Frosh Quad! (a change from previous instructions)

When: Saturday, September 9, 10:15 a.m.

What to wear: Your cap and gown

Your Class Marshals will get you lined up. The procession steps off at exactly 10:40. The ceremony in Chapin Hall starts at 11 and lasts about an hour.