The two most likely weather states are exceedingly hot or drenchingly damp. Prepare for both states recognizing that if they allow you to bring an umbrella, things have really gone pear shaped. They usually offer an indoor viewing area for the outdoor ceremony where the elderly and smart can take comfort.
[“The ceremony will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Please bring raincoats and umbrellas if appropriate (please note that umbrellas are only permitted when there is heavy rain).”](Commencement | Dartmouth)
@b1ggreenca : Berkeley here. 2013 commencement was very hot. If I had it to do over again, I would park myself under the trees outside Reed and watch one of the big screens. [Pretty sure that was the year that I stopped by the GAP store, which may not be there anymore, to buy a few tees because the clothes I brought with me were … inadequate.]
wow, lot of activity here with several topics. I’ll chime in because I have to admit I learned a ton about DC from this thread…
Graduation: As a parent of 2 kids who attended DC. Both graduations were hot. I spent a lot of time in the shade in the back of the Green, while wearing a coat and tie. Big mistake, but happy when we took photos afterwards.
Double Major: Son was a double major, Physics and Astronomy. I only found out during his senior year. Not surprising that the kids that attend DC figure it out without any input from the parents. I have no idea how he managed his coursework. I think the advisors are fairly good as he was accepted into many top graduate programs.
Homecoming: Mainly attended by Alumni and the students although I must admit I would have loved to attend.
facebook for parents: Funny how they have a facebook site for the newly admitted class but not for parents, because kids have largely abandoned facebook leaving only parents on fb!
Our graduation was cool, cloudy and damp. Was raining the days leading up to the big day, including the night before, but it was mostly dry during the ceremony. It drizzled for a few minutes right before the kids marched in.
Due to the wet forecast, grads had to pickup actual diplomas in a (dry) nearby building later that afternoon. (The grads were handed a ‘participation’ scroll when they walked across the stage.)
@minniemouse143 , my d is a ‘14, and I attended homecoming every year. I’m not an alum, but I loved meeting my d’s friends and seeing the experience. I ended up meeting several parents to hang out with. Fast forward to today, and my d is getting married this summer. Because I attended so many events at the college, I know all of her bridesmaids and friends coming to the wedding. You won’t get much time with your child when you visit on a key weekend, but If you are ok with that, go for it.
Looks like this year’s commencement speaker is going to be Yo-Yo Ma, the cellist! I’m so excited (well, for that and many other reasons). I have to admit I thought they’d have Kirsten Gillibrand, the presidential hopeful, who is a Dartmouth alum. Thrilled with their choice!
Hi all, If your new student is coming form the west coast or international, what do they tend to do between the end of their trip and the move-in day for new students? I think S19’s dad and I will be able to be there but I am not 100% sure. I may have a conflict with that week. Do the students stay in a hotel in town? Will that be weird or will there be other students doing the same thing? Thanks!
My experience was that they schedule folks from the west coast to the last of the trips, so that by the time the trips end, it is time to move in. They understand that there’s not enough time for such students to go back home and then come back to school, so they arrange the trips accordingly.
In fact, I should also tell you that my son arrived the day before his trip started and was able to move his things into his room (but not unpack). So by the time the trip ended his stuff was already there, waiting to be unpacked. @liska21 PM me if I’m not being clear enough about the process.
Thanks! That’s clear. I’ll be there to help getting stuff to Dartmouth and dropping off stuff but likely cannot stay the week and for the first day of orientation. However with my D16, she wasn’t all that interested in me being around after I helped with the initial shlepping.
@junerain@minniemouse143 - Congratulations on your commits to Dartmouth - Your children and you are about to embark upon an experience that will seem like a dream. This coming weekend is Family Weekend for the Class of 22! We can’t wait to share in our son’s successes in friendship and school!!! Enjoy the ride!
Our Daughter committed as well. We are all really excited and looking forward to the fall. Today is Swag day at the HS and she’s ready.
To those current Dartmouth families who live far away and whose flights plus shuttle can’t arrive in Hanover for the First Year Trip by the 4:30pm time they specify, how did they work out logistics with you? Our daughter will have to arrive the day before. Was your child allowed to stay overnight in the dorms the night before or did you have to arrange a hotel room and transportation to the college?
