Checklist

A Commencement postcard will be sent to students' permanent addresses. The information provided on the postcard is also listed on the Commencement website.  

Apply for your degree

To graduate, you must apply for your degree regardless of participation in the Commencement ceremony. Visit the Registrar's Office to review the application timelines. Degree application is accomplished through myRedDragon. After logging in to myRedDragon, do the following:

1. Enter your ID and password.
2. Select the "Student" tab.
3. Navigate to the "Registrar" block.
4. Scroll to "Degree and Conferral Information."
5. Select "Undergraduate Degree Application." 
6. At prompt for Commencement participation, indicate whether you plan to attend a ceremony.
7. If additional information is needed, please refer to the Degree conferral application process.

The Campus Store is now accepting orders for the following Commencement related items:

Required items

• Cap and gown

Optional items

• Class ring
• Diploma frame
• Personalized graduation announcements
• Flowers
• Alumni memorabilia

*Diploma covers do not need to be purchased and will be provided at the ceremony courtesy of The Alumni Association/Cortland College Foundation and Division of Academic Affairs.

Students who have missed the March 1 deadline can still apply, but their name will not appear in the printed program. Students who have yet to apply should do so ASAP.

Details on how to reserve tickets will be shared.

1. Check email account, myRedDragon announcements and the Commencement website frequently for the latest Commencement news.
2. Clear up any outstanding obligations (holds) with the university, such as term balance due, parking tickets, recreation/athletic fees, library fees, etc.
3. If applicable, pick up honors tassels from Campus Event Management on select dates in April and May 2024 or on the day of the ceremony.
4. Visit the "Get Involved" page for instructions on how sign up for activities and contests such as Senior Sendoff and the cap decorating contest. 

A diploma can not be issued unless all obligations are cleared.

Attend rehearsal Friday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m. in the Park Center Alumni Arena. Instructions for the day of the ceremony, including line-up procedures, will be provided. All candidates for graduation are encouraged to attend. Rehearsal will last approximately 30 minutes.

Report to Park Center with your GradPass and wearing your cap and gown.

• Ceremony A: Report at 8:30 a.m. 
• Ceremony B: Report at 1:30 p.m. 
• Ceremony C: Report at 6 p.m.