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Helpful Information for the 2009 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
SUNY Cortland is proud to have a large number of students participating in the 2009 Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16. The Commencement Committee is anticipating a large number of guests and expects two full ceremonies for our undergraduate students.
Please consider the following as you plan for the most enjoyable Commencement Weekend at SUNY Cortland.
- Guests should limit the amount of items that they bring with them into the arena. Extra seats cannot be saved or used to hold flowers, jackets, etc. Each and every seat in the arena will be needed.
- Expect that guests will be sitting next to you. Please do not leave a seat or two between you and the next family. All families want to sit together and allowing seats in between groups prevents families from having the most positive experience. As guests are filing into the arena, marshals and ushers will be asking all guests to move accordingly to accommodate those who are still entering the facility.
- Purchase flowers after the ceremony or place them under your seat, if sitting in a chair. Flowers are available throughout the day - before, during and after the ceremonies in two locations of Park Center.
Impact of the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
Although there are no confirmed cases of the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) connected to SUNY Cortland, we have decided to take some precautions at commencement because it is such a large gathering of people - many of whom are traveling from different locations to attend.
First, we will have hand sanitizer available at both the morning and afternoon ceremonies. Feel free to use this as needed, particularly before and after you have direct contact with others.
Second, we ask that people respect the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control regarding spread of the flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm. For example, if you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms we request that you not attend the ceremony. We ask this out of respect for the health of others attending.
Third, since direct contact is one of the ways flu viruses spread, we have decided to forgo the traditional congratulatory handshake as you come forward to receive your diploma and have your photo taken with the President and your dean.
While we are taking what we believe to be appropriate precautions, these steps do not diminish the excitement of this occasion or the tremendous accomplishments you have achieved as students.
Additional Viewing Locations
Unfortunately, with our large numbers this year, the College does not have any additional tickets to hand out. The Commencement Committee has made the following arrangements for those wishing to view the ceremony without a ticket.
For guests in the area, the following options are available:
- The following rooms at SUNY Cortland will be accessible and have a live video projection of the ceremony. Tickets are not required for admission into the following overflow locations: Park Center, Room E-201 or Park Center, Room D-305.
- Time Warner Cable Channel 17 will have a live video feed of the ceremonies in the local Cortland area.
- All commencement ceremonies will be available through a live webcast.
For individuals who are unable to travel to Cortland on May 16, please direct them to the above mentioned link for the webcasting option.
Parking Information
Due to volume of guests, please plan accordingly, allowing for ample time to park and find seating in the venue.
Special Accommodations
Any guests who need special accommodations, such as sign language interpreters or mobility impaired seating should contact Darci Bacigalupi, Special Events Coordinator, at undergraduate.commencement@cortland.edu or 607-753-5453 by May 8 to ensure adequate arrangements can be made.