Participation Information
Who may participate?
The May ceremonies will honor students who complete their degree requirements in May, August and December 2013. Students who completed their degree requirements in December 2012 may also participate, if they have disclosed their intent with the Registrar's Office.
Students must officially apply to graduate using myRedDragon. Additional materials may be required. A member of the Registrar's Office will contact you if necessary. The Registrar's Office is located in Miller Building, Room 223. The phone number is (607) 753-4702.
How do I apply for my degree and indicate my intentions to participate in the ceremony?
To obtain a cap, gown, hood and tassel, students should first apply to graduate using myRedDragon by March 1 to have their name appear in the Commencement program..
Once at myRedDragon, do the following:
1. Type in ID and password
2. Select “Student” tab and go to the Registrar Student Channel area
3. Select “Graduation and Commencement Menu”
4. Select “Degree and Diploma Application”
5. Print verification (students only need to print the verification if they have missed the March 1st deadline)
I missed the filing deadline to register for Commencement. What can I do about it?
Applicants who file their completed Application for Graduation Master Degree and Certificate of Advanced Study form on Banner Web after March 31 must access myRedDragon, apply to graduate and proceed to the College Store to purchase Commencement items. Students who miss the March 1 deadline may not have their name appear in the Commencement program.
If I am not on campus this semester (student teaching, study abroad, internships, other circumstances), how do I obtain my cap, gown and tickets?
Students not on campus during the spring semester due to student teaching, study abroad, internships or other circumstances, may obtain a cap, gown, hood and tassel by contacting the College Store or by completing and mailing or faxing the Graduate Cap and Gown Order Form. Students should be prepared to provide their Student ID number. The College Store will mail hoods and gowns or they can be picked up at the College Store prior to the Commencement ceremony.
Students who cannot pick up their own package may send someone to the College Store with a letter authorizing that person to get their Commencement materials. The letter must contain the graduate's signature and Cortland ID number, and the person picking up the materials must produce a photo ID before the items are released.
Students unable to pick up their Commencement package prior to the ceremony should contact the College Store to place the order on hold. The College Store offers extended business hours to accommodate students who need to get their package the day of the ceremony. Please see the College Store hours listed below.
College Store Hours
Monday: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Extended Hours
May 17: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Phone: (607) 753-4621
Fax: (607) 753-5734
E-Mail: collegestore@cortland.edu
http://www.cortlandasc.com/collegestore/
Ceremony Information
When and where is the ceremony held?
The Graduate Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Park Center Alumni Arena. The Arena doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for guests. Students should report at 6:00 p.m. to the Park Center Corey Gymnasium to check-in and assemble by program.
Is there a rehearsal for the Graduate Commencement ceremony?
No, there is no rehearsal. Students should report at 6:00 p.m. to check-in for the ceremony. You will receive instructions on the hooding process while assembling by program. You can also view the hooding instructions prior to the ceremony.
How long will the ceremony last?
The procession will begin promptly at 7 p.m. The length of the ceremony is approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
How will the degrees be conferred?
When lining up in Park Center, Corey Gymnasium, each student will receive a 3" x 5" card with his/her first and last name. When the graduate reaches the base of the platform, he/she will hand the card to the faculty member, who will read the name.
If you have a name that might be difficult to pronounce, please write your name phonetically when you check-in and give the reader the correct pronunciation just before your name is read. In addition, a faculty member from the designated program and a Graduate Studies Office Administrator will hood graduates on the stage as part of the ceremony. Graduates will receive instructions on the hooding process immediately prior to the ceremony. Graduates may also view the hooding instructions online.
Will faculty be there?
Each department is encouraged to have as many faculty members participate as possible. In the past, approximately 50 percent have attended. You can invite faculty or staff members to attend the ceremony in which you are participating by using the graduate faculty and staff invitation form (available in Spring 2013). Simply write the name of the faculty or staff member you want to invite in the designated space on the invitation and then deliver it to them in person or via campus mail.
What should I wear with my cap and gown?
Commencement is a formal ceremony, so dress accordingly. The general rule is light weight, non-restricting clothes. Men do not have to wear jackets, but should wear a shirt and tie. You are requested not to wear shorts, overalls, sandals or sneakers. Mortarboard (cap) tassels should be worn on the left side throughout the ceremony.
General Information
Ambulance
An ambulance will be stationed in the northwest parking lot of the Park Center, near the overhead door to Alumni Arena.
Emergency Exits
In case of an emergency, flag a marshal, student usher or a university police officer and proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly manner.
Flowers and Commencement-Related Gifts
Flowers and Commencement-related items will be available for purchase on the second floor of the Park Center outside Corey Gymnasium prior to and during the cermeony. Flower arrangements include bouquets of half dozen and full dozen roses, as well as open presentation. Cameras, batteries, diploma frames, class rings, watercolor prints of the campus and other Commencement gift items will be available as well. The College Store, located in Neubig Hall, will also be open for additional purchases from until 7:00 p.m.
Guest Assistance
Faculty and staff marshals, student ushers and university police officers are available at all times for assistance and information. Faculty and staff marshals will be wearing Commencement regalia, the student ushers will be in polo shirts and khaki pants, and University Police officers will be in full uniform.
Students with family members with mobility impairments should arrange seating by contacting the Special Events Coordinator for the President's Office at 607-753-5453 or via e-mail at graduate.commencement@cortland.edu. To arrange for mobility impaired parking, contact Parking Services at 607-753-4123 or visit Van Hoesen Hall, Room C-17.
Students or guests with hearing impairments can be accommodated with special seating arrangements and the availability of on-stage sign language interpreters by contacting graduate.commencement@cortland.edu.
Lost and Found
For lost and found items, contact the University Police Department, Van Hoesen Hall, Room C-17, 607-753-4123.
Programs
Official Commencement programs will be distributed at the entrances to the Park Center Alumni Arena. All eligible graduates who apply for their degree by March 1 will have their name listed in the program.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located on all levels of the Park Center Alumni Arena and signs will mark their locations.
Smoking
Effective January 1, 2013, SUNY Cortland became a Tobacco Free Campus. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside campus buildings or on campus grounds.
Telephones
Emergency phones are located throughout the entire campus and are identified by blue lights above the phones. University police are equipped for emergency communication as well. Guests are reminded to turn off all cell phones and beepers during the ceremony.
