Class of 2021 Commencement Celebration

From May 12 to May 14, 2021, SUNY Cortland will host an online recognition event with video presentations, interactive celebration activities and a listing of this year’s applicants for degrees.

• The walk will take place on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 in Lusk Field House. You will have to register for a specific time slot. More information on the sign-up process will be shared shortly.
• COVID-19 safety measures such as face coverings and physical distancing will be enforced during the walk.
• To participate, students must have completed their degree conferral application through the “student” tab on myRedDragon by 4 p.m. on April 21.
• No guests will be allowed, but the walk will be streamed live for families and friends. Details will be provided soon.
• A photographer from Grad Images will be on site and photos will be available for purchase.
• Students can purchase their cap and gown through the Campus Store. If graduating seniors choose not to purchase Commencement regalia, we ask they dress professionally.

• A virtual Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10 a.m.

All confirmed graduates will receive a packet in the mail that includes:

• Class of 2021 celebration booklet
• Honors tassel for those undergraduates who qualify

All packages will be mailed in December 2021.

The following activities have been planned in celebration of the Class of 2021:

1. Virtual celebration week Wednesday, May 12, to Friday, May 14, 2021.
2. In-person "Grad Walk" on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 in Lusk Field House.
3. Virtual Commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 15, 2021.

All graduating students are encouraged to participate in the virtual celebration.

The undergraduate ceremony will recognize students who complete their degree requirements in December 2020, May 2021, August 2021 or Fall 2021.

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 the virtual Commencement ceremony and celebration.

Students apply for their degree in myRedDragon. To be included in the Commencement program, they must have completed by April 21, 2021.

To view your degree conferral application status please complete the following steps:

1. Select the STUDENT tab
2. Select DEGREE CONFERRAL AND GRADUATION on the Registrar channel
3. Choose the REVIEW EXISTING APPLICATIONS link

Students are encouraged to contact their advisor to check eligibility status.

The Class of 2021 is invited to participate in an in-person Commencement Walk on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 in Lusk Field House. Due to safety precautions, guests will not be allowed but the event will be livestreamed. More details are forthcoming.

SUNY Cortland plans to celebrate the Class of 2021's achievements Wednesday, May 12, to Friday, May 14, 2021, through virtual messages and an interactive website.

To find out more about the activities planned, visit our "Get Involved" webpage.

We do not recommend making any non-refundable travel plans or accommodations for the sole purpose of attending Commencement. We encourage you to celebrate remotely and join in for the daily activities planned for the Class of 2021 Virtual Celebration.

You can order your cap, gown, diploma cover and tassel at any time via The Campus Store Commencement Regalia webpage.

• Cap, Gown, Diploma Cover and Tassel Package: $55
• Cap Only:  $9.50 
• Tassel only:  $5

All orders will be fulfilled through The Campus Store.

Phone: 607-753-4621
Fax: 607-753-5734
Email

Students who qualify for an honors distinction based on their grade point averages will receive an honors tassel. The tassel designation is as follows:

• Cum Laude (3.2 to 3.499): White tassel
• Magna Cum Laude (3.5 to 3.749): Red and white tassel
• Summa Cum Laude (3.75 and above): Red tassel

Students who do not qualify for an honors distinction will have the option to purchase a black tassel through The Campus Store Commencement Regalia webpage. For student's whose grade point average at the end of the degree conferral term meets the honors criteria as noted above, the honors distinction will be recorded and displayed on the official transcript and diploma. Details concerning the distribution of the tassels are forthcoming.

Various departments also may have honors distinctions and may distribute cords for Commencement. Students should inquire with department chairs or advisors to verify if there is a specific honors distinction for a major/program.

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:

• Fall 2020, diplomas will be mailed in February 2021
• Winter 2020, diplomas will be mailed in March 2021
• Spring 2021, diplomas will be mailed in August 2021
• Summer 2021, diplomas will be mailed in October 2021
• Fall 2021, diplomas will be mailed in February 2022

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.

If you contributed to the Class of 2021 gift, you will receive an “I Left My Mark” pin, which will be mailed to you directly. Those who are interested in participating in the campaign still have the opportunity to do so. For more information, please visit RedDragonNetwork.org/2021gift.

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 2021:

1. Virtual celebration Wednesday, May 12, to Friday, May 14, 2021.
2. Virtual Commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 15, 2021.

All graduating students are encouraged to participate in the virtual celebration.

The graduate ceremony will recognize students who complete their degree requirements in December 2020, May 2021 or August 2021.

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 April 21, 2021.

To view your degree conferral application status please complete the following steps:

1. Select the STUDENT tab
2. Select DEGREE CONFERRAL AND GRADUATION on the Registrar channel
3. Choose the REVIEW EXISTING APPLICATIONS link

Students are encouraged to contact their advisor to check eligibility status.

The Class of 2021 is invited to participate in an in-person Commencement Walk on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 in Lusk Field House. Due to safety precautions, guests will not be allowed but the event will be livestreamed. More details are forthcoming.

We do not recommend making any non-refundable travel plans or accommodations for the sole purpose of attending Commencement.  We encourage you to celebrate remotely and join in for the daily activities planned for the Class of 2021 Virtual Celebration.

• You can order your cap, gown, hood and tassel at any time via The Campus Store Commencement Regalia webpage.

  • Cap, Gown, Diploma Cover and Tassel Package: $55
  • Cap Only:  $9.50 Tassel only:  $5
  • Hood:  $32

  All orders will be fulfilled through The Campus Store.

  Phone: 607-753-4621
  Fax: 607-753-5734
  Email

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:

• Fall 2020, diplomas will be mailed in February 2021
• Winter 2020, diplomas will be mailed in March 2021
• Spring 2021, diplomas will be mailed in August 2021
• Summer 2021, diplomas will be mailed in October 2021
• Fall 2021, diplomas will be mailed in February 2022

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.