Guest Information for Spring Commencement

The spring commencement ceremonies will take place at Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre, located at 95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford, CT.

Directions From the North or South

From Connecticut Turnpike (I-95)

• If traveling North, take Exit 48 for I-91
• From I-91 North or South, take Exit 13
• At end of ramp, get into the right lane and turn left. Then, immediately move to the far right lane.
• At first traffic light, turn right onto Toelles Road (across railroad tracks).
• Follow to end and take a right turn onto Hartford Turnpike Road.
• Oakdale Theatre is located 1.5 miles on the left.

From Merritt/Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15) North or South

• Take Exit 64
• At the end of the ramp, take a left onto Hartford Turnpike Road
• Oakdale Theatre is located one mile on the right

From Route 10 North or South

• Proceed to Cheshire
• Turn onto Cook Hill Road traveling East
• The Route 10/Cook Hill Road intersection is located near the Cheshire Nurseries
• Follow Cook Hill Road to the end
• Take right onto Hartford Turnpike
• Oakdale Theatre is located 200 yards on the right

Directions From the East or West

From Route I-84

• Take Exit 27 for I-691 East
• From I-691, take Exit 10 for Route 15 South – Merritt Parkway
• Take Exit 64
• At the end of the ramp, take a left onto Hartford Turnpike Road
• Oakdale Theatre is located one mile on the right.

Please plan to arrive early - the doors to the theater open 1.5 hours before the ceremony. Heaviest volume of traffic arrives in the half-hour prior to the start of the Commencement ceremony. Parking attendants will direct guests to available parking. Your patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

For more information, please visit Oakdale Theatre's website.

Please visit the Commencement Day Schedule page for full schedule information.

• All guests, including children two years of age and older, will require a ticket to enter the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut. There are no exceptions.
• We ask that all students participating in the Commencement ceremony and their guests remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.
• Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be removed from the area.
• Please silence all electronic devices.
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
• Beach balls, balloons, signs, banners, horns, and other noise makers will not be permitted in Oakdale Theatre.

It is strongly recommended to make reservations as soon as possible to ensure accommodations for out-of-town guests. Please visit the following pages when planning your visit:

• Places to Stay Near the University (West Haven, CT)
• Places to Stay Near Oakdale Theatre (Wallingford, CT)
• Dining

• Oakdale Theatre and its facilities are fully ADA accessible.
• Elevator access is available to all levels of the facility.
• A limited number of infra-red hearing devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must request in advance when completing the Commencement Participation Form.
• A limited number of wheelchair-accessible seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must request in advance when completing the Commencement Participation Form.
• Guests must bring their own wheelchair.
• Parking for the disabled is located in the spaces directly in front of the main entrance to Oakdale Theatre and is available to patrons who possess a handicapped parking sticker, hang tag or license plate.

If you anticipate needing any type of handicapped accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Commencement office at commencement@newhaven.edu or (203) 479-4500.

Commencement is a momentous occasion as it is culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. As one of the truly important memories of a lifetime, the University of New Haven has selected GradImages to capture the moment.

A photographer from GradImages will be at the ceremony to photograph each graduating student at their special moment of recognition.

As professional photographers will be available, the graduate seating and stage areas are off-limits to audience members throughout the Commencement ceremony. Guests are strongly encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy. Once the Commencement ceremony has concluded graduates and their guests will then be invited to take photographs in front of the stage.

An email, including a digital proof, will be sent to each graduating student within a week of the Commencement ceremony.

Students may order these photos online at gradimages.com or by calling (800) 261-2576. Students who pre-register their University email and up to six additional emails at GradImages.com/registration will receive a coupon for $5 off any order of $25 or more. 

For additional information or questions, please email giservice@gradimages.net.

To order a beautiful bouquet of roses and a commemorative t-shirt for your graduate:

SHOP HERE

• Bouquets and t-shirts will be available for pick-up at the entrance to Oakdale Theatre on Commencement day.
• Bouquets and t-shirts will also be available for purchase at the Commencement ceremony.
• Proceeds will benefit campus programs sponsored by the University's Alumni Association.

For more information, please contact the Alumni Office at (203) 932-7270 or alumni@newhaven.edu.