Class of 2021 Commencement Celebration
Class of 2021 Commencement Celebration Events
The special days we set aside for celebrating and recognizing your achievements, cannot be held in person this May. Although a hopeful end to the pandemic is on the horizon, bringing thousands of people from around the country together in one location is dangerous both for our campus and the greater Cortland community. The university will continue to recognize each other’s accomplishments, but we must do so safely.
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 2021 Commencement Celebration consists of the following four elements:
Virtual Class of 2021 celebration
From May 11 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.
To find out more about the activities planned, visit our "Get Involved" webpage.In-Person "Grad Walk"
The Grad Walk will take place on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 in Lusk Field House.
The experience will feature a formal crossing of the stage in which each graduate's name will be announced. Although guests cannot attend, family and friends can celebrate and watch their graduate cross the stage via the live stream "Commencement Cam." Details on how to watch the live stream will be shared on our "Get Involved" webpage.
- COVID-19 safety measures such as face coverings and physical distancing will be enforced during the walk.
- 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.
Virtual Commencement Ceremony
The Class of 2021 virtual Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10 a.m.
All graduates, families and friends are invited and encouraged to attend virtually. Details on how to view the ceremony will be shared soon.
SUNY Cortland Class of 2021 commemorative mailing
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.
Undergraduate FAQs
How will the undergraduate Class of 2021 be celebrated?
The following activities have been planned in celebration of the Class of 2021:
- Virtual celebration week Tuesday, May 11, to Friday, May 14, 2021.
- In-person "Grad Walk" on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 in Lusk Field House.
- Virtual Commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Who is eligible?
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:
- Select the STUDENT tab
- Select DEGREE CONFERRAL AND GRADUATION on the Registrar channel
- Choose the REVIEW EXISTING APPLICATIONS link
Students are encouraged to contact their advisor to check eligibility status.
Will there be an on-campus Commencement ceremony?
The Class of 2021 is invited to participate in an in-person Grad 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 can be found on our “Get Involved” page.
How do I sign up for the Grad Walk?
The sign-up for the Grad Walk will be available through the Commencement tab in myRedDragon. Sign-up will be available from April 27 through April 29, 2021.
What COVID-19 testing and prevention measures do I need to comply with to participate in the Grad Walk?
Visit the Grad Walk section on our “Get Involved” page for more details regarding COVID-19 compliance and requirements to attend.
Please note that proof of vaccination will not be accepted in lieu of COVID-19 testing status.
What is a virtual celebration, how do I participate and when will it be held?
SUNY Cortland plans to celebrate the Class of 2021's achievements Tuesday, May 11, 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.
What is a virtual ceremony?
The Class of 2021 Virtual Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10 a.m.
The virtual ceremony will include many of the same components as a live ceremony, with messages from academic leaders as well as students and guest speakers, academic traditions, and most importantly recognition of graduates.
The virtual ceremony will include many of the same components as a live ceremony, with messages from academic leaders as well as students and guest speakers, academic traditions, and most importantly recognition of graduates.
Should my family keep accommodations and travel plans to Cortland for graduation in May 2021?
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.
How can I purchase my cap, gown, diploma cover and tassel?
You can order your cap, gown, diploma cover and tassel at any time via The Campus Store 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
When and how will I receive my honors tassel?
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.
When will I receive my diploma?
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.
When will I receive my Class of 2021 gift pin?
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.
I'd like to be included in the Class of 2021 Commencement ceremony and program, but I have additional credits to complete.
Can I still participate?
The undergraduate ceremony and Commencement program will recognize students who complete their degree requirements in December 2020, May 2021, August 2021 or Fall 2021. Therefore, there will not be a "Petition to Walk" process this year.
Whom can I contact with additional questions?
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.
Graduate FAQs
How will the graduate Class of 2021 be celebrated?
The following activities have been planned in celebration of the Class of 2021:
- Virtual celebration Tuesday, May 11, to Friday, May 14, 2021.
- In-person "Grad Walk" on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 in Lusk Field House.
- Virtual Commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Who is eligible?
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:
- Select the STUDENT tab
- Select DEGREE CONFERRAL AND GRADUATION on the Registrar channel
- Choose the REVIEW EXISTING APPLICATIONS link
Students are encouraged to contact their advisor to check eligibility status.
Will there be an on-campus Commencement ceremony?
The Class of 2021 is invited to participate in an in-person Grad 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 can be found on our “Get Involved” page.
How do I sign up for the Grad Walk?
The sign-up for the Grad Walk will be available through the Commencement tab in myRedDragon. Sign-up will be available from April 27 through April 29, 2021.
What COVID-19 testing and prevention measures do I need to comply with to participate in the Grad Walk?
Visit the Grad Walk section on our “Get Involved” page for more details regarding COVID-19 compliance and requirements to attend.
Please note that proof of vaccination will not be accepted in lieu of COVID-19 testing status.
Should my family keep accommodations and travel plans to Cortland for graduation in May, 2021?
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.
What is a virtual celebration, how do I participate and when will it be held?
SUNY Cortland plans to celebrate the Class of 2021's achievements Tuesday, May 11, 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.
To find out more about the activities planned, visit our "Get Involved" webpage.
What is a virtual ceremony?
The Class of 2021 Virtual Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10 a.m.
The virtual commencement ceremony will include many of the same components as a live ceremony, with messages from academic leaders as well as students and guest speakers, academic traditions, and most importantly recognition of graduates.
The virtual commencement ceremony will include many of the same components as a live ceremony, with messages from academic leaders as well as students and guest speakers, academic traditions, and most importantly recognition of graduates.
How can I purchase my cap, gown, hood, tassel and diploma cover?
-
You can order your cap, gown, hood and tassel at any time via The Campus Store 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
When will I receive my diploma?
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.
Whom can I contact with additional questions?
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.