Measures required to protect the health and safety of our students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic have postponed SUNY Cortland’s traditional, on-campus spring Commencement for the Class of 2020. The university, however, feels that, during this uncertain time, recognizing the accomplishments of our bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates is more important than ever.
To that end, we hope to accommodate the varying needs of our future alumni by providing multiple opportunities for them to celebrate their success with friends and family.
SUNY Cortland's Class of 2020 Virtual Celebration consists of the following three elements:
From Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2020, SUNY Cortland will host an online recognition event with video presentations, interactive celebration activities and a listing of this year’s applicants for degrees.
Activities include:
Visit the Get Involved page for more information about the week's activities and learn how to participate. The Commencement Graphics page has resources you can use to enhance your images.
All confirmed graduates will receive a packet in the mail this fall that includes:
The following activities have been planned in celebration of the Class of 2020:
All graduating students are encouraged to participate in the virtual celebration.
The postponed undergraduate ceremonies will recognize students who complete their degree requirements in December 2019, May 2020 or August 2020.
Degree conferral and participation in Commencement ceremonies are different. To graduate, students must apply for their degree regardless of whether they plan to participate in a Commencement ceremony.
Students apply for their degree in myRedDragon. To be included in the Commencement program, they must have completed by March 1, 2020.
To view your degree conferral application status please complete the following steps:
Students are encouraged to contact their advisor to check eligibility status.
Yes. The postponed spring 2020 Commencement ceremonies will occur in spring 2021. Additional details regarding the date, time, location and how to participate are forthcoming.
SUNY Cortland plans to celebrate the Class of 2020's achievements Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2020, through virtual messages and an interactive website. Details on how to participate are forthcoming.
All are encouraged to join in the daily activities planned for the Class of 2020.
Please email college.store@cortland.edu for returns.
This $11.50 charge was for your diploma cover when you reserved your student line-up and guest e-ticket(s).
If you would like to be reimbursed for your diploma cover, complete the Diploma Cover Fee Return Request Form by Monday, June 8, 2020.
Students who qualify for an honors distinction based on their grade point averages recorded as of Feb. 1, 2020, will receive an honors tassel. The tassel by grade point average are shown below:
Students who do not qualify for an honors distinction will wear a black tassel. However, if the student's grade point average at the end of the academic year meets the honors criteria as noted above, the honors distinction will be recorded and displayed on the official transcript and diploma.
Various departments also have individual honors programs. The departments may distribute cords or tassels to wear during the Commencement ceremony as well. Students should inquire with department chairs or advisors to verify if there is a specific honors distinction for a major/program. Tassels will be sent as part of the Class of 2020 commemorative mailing.
Diplomas are mailed to students approximately 10 to 12 weeks after all degree requirements are met, including student teaching, internships, fieldwork and comprehensive exams. Students who completed degree requirements in:
Degrees post to official transcripts on the date the degree is verified. If you order transcripts prior to your conferral date, they will only list the courses you have taken without the degree date and the awarded degree. You have the option of "holding transcripts" until the degree is awarded when ordering online. There is a header title called "Degrees Awarded" on the official transcript and the online academic history (unofficial transcript). For additional information, please contact Student Registration and Record Services.
The Alumni Association and Student Alumni Association (SAA) are currently assessing viable options to hold a celebration for our seniors. We look forward to welcoming them into the alumni family when it is safe to do so. Please visit RedDragonNetwork.org/2020 for future updates.
If you contributed to the Class of 2020 gift, you will receive an “I Left My Mark” pin, which will be mailed to you as part of the Class of 2020 commemorative mailing. Those who are interested in participating in the campaign still have the opportunity to do so. For more information please visit RedDragonNetwork.org/2020gift.
Questions regarding the degree conferral application, including those regarding a current application, may be directed to Student Registration and Records Services.
All additional questions may be emailed to Undergraduate Commencement.
The following activities have been planned in celebration of the Class of 2020:
All graduating students are encouraged to participate in the virtual celebration.
The postponed graduate ceremony will recognize students who complete their degree requirements in December 2019, May 2020 or August 2020.
Degree conferral and participation in Commencement ceremonies are different. To graduate, students must apply for their degree regardless of whether they plan to participate in a Commencement ceremony.
Students apply for their degree in myRedDragon. To be included in the Commencement program, they must have completed by March 1, 2020.
To view your degree conferral application status please complete the following steps:
Students are encouraged to contact their advisor to check eligibility status.
Yes. The postponed spring 2020 Commencement ceremony will occur in spring 2021. Additional details regarding the date, time, location and how to participate are forthcoming.
SUNY Cortland plans to celebrate the Class of 2020's achievements Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2020, through virtual messages and an interactive website. Details on how to participate are forthcoming.
All are encouraged to join in the daily activities planned for the Class of 2020.
Please email college.store@cortland.edu for returns.
This $11.50 charge was for your diploma cover when you reserved your student line-up e-ticket.
If you would like to be reimbursed for your diploma cover, complete the Diploma Cover Fee Return Request Form by Monday, June 8, 2020.
Diplomas are mailed to students approximately 10 to 12 weeks after all degree requirements are met, including student teaching, internships, fieldwork and comprehensive exams. Students who completed degree requirements in:
Degrees post to official transcripts on the date the degree is verified. If you order transcripts prior to your conferral date, they will only list the courses you have taken without the degree date and the awarded degree. You have the option of "holding transcripts" until the degree is awarded when ordering online. There is a header title called "Degrees Awarded" on the official transcript and the online academic history (unofficial transcript). For additional information, please contact Student Registration and Record Services.
Questions regarding the degree conferral application, including questions about a current application, may be directed to Student Registration and Records Services.
All additional questions may be emailed to Graduate Commencement.
