General Information

Commencement at Williams is a moving and joyous occasion for families and friends as well as for graduating seniors. Here are resources and suggestions to help ensure the experience is comfortable and relaxing, as well as exciting, for all. If you or your guests have accessibility needs, please visit our Accessibility for Guests page or reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Please also see Community Expectations and Emergency Information

Note: Commencement will be outdoors even if there is light to moderate rain. A live stream will be available in Chapin Hall if you prefer to view the ceremony indoors.  No tickets required.


Getting to Williamstown

Various approaches–by trains, planes, automobiles, and buses–follow. If you’re flying into Albany or Hartford, keep in mind that ground transportation from those airports to Williamstown means renting a car or hiring a driver.

Please note that gig transport companies like Uber and Lyft do not routinely service Williamstown or the Berkshires.

Where to Stay

While Williamstown and nearby communities offer a wide range of lodging, venues closest to campus get booked early, so make your reservations as early as possible. It’s very difficult to cancel hotel/motel rooms and receive a refund for this weekend, so if for some reason you don’t need a reserved room, you can try offering it on Williams Switchboard.

General Information