Accommodations
Off Campus Housing
Motels, hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts in the Gambier and Mount Vernon area are usually fully booked several months prior to Commencement Weekend. Kenyon College is one of several institutions in the area to hold commencement exercises on the weekends in mid-May.
The Office of Alumni and Parent Programs has compiled a list of accommodations in our area. In addition, Experience Columbus, the convention and visitors bureau serving the city of Columbus and surrounding areas, has recommended hotels forty-five minutes to an hour southwest of Kenyon which, while a little further from campus, are situated near numerous restaurants and entertainment options—particularly useful if you are bringing a large and varied group to Commencement.
On Campus Housing
Area accommodations are extremely limited, making on-campus housing a convenient option. Residence hall housing is informal, accommodating parents, graduating seniors, and student workers. Although the college can house a large number of guests, the number of rooms available is finite. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; nearly all rooms are doubles with twin beds. If you or a member of your party are unable to climb stairs, please indicate this on your reservation; we will try to accommodate such special needs.
Reservations are required for dormitory hall rooms. Reservations will be accepted beginning Monday, March 1, 2011. Reservations may be made online or by mail with the form parents will receive in late February. Rates for Commencement 2010 are $45/night for a single room (one twin bed) and $55/night for a double room (two twin beds.)
All dorm rooms must be vacated by both students and guests by 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21.
RV Camp Sites
There are designated sites on campus to park recreational vehicles. Indicate your RV requirements on the reservation form. Other RV and tent sites are also available at Kokosing Valley Camp and Canoe in nearby Howard, Ohio. Contact the Commencement office for more information.