Frequently Asked Questions

Ceremony Information

Student Information

Guest Information

General Information

Ceremony Information

When and Where?

Friday, May 16, 2008
Park Center Alumni Arena.
7 p.m.

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 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.

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 members to attend the ceremony in which you are participating by using the graduate faculty invitation form. Simply write the name of the faculty member you want to invite in the designated space on the invitation and then deliver it to them in person or via campus mail.

Student Information

Who may participate?

The May ceremonies will honor students who complete their degree requirements in May, August and December 2008. Students who completed their degree requirements in December 2007 may also participate, if they have disclosed their intent with the Graduate Studies Office.

Students must officially apply to graduate using Banner Web. Additional materials may be required. A member of the Graduate Studies Office will contact you if necessary. The Graduate Studies Office is located in Brockway, Room 216. The phone number is (607) 753-4800.

How do I indicate my intentions to participate?

To obtain a cap, gown, hood and tassel, students should first apply to graduate using Banner Web by March 31 to have their name appear in the Commencement program..

Once at this location, do the following:

Type in ID and password
Select “Academic Services/Registrar”
Select “Graduation and Commencement Menu”
Select “Degree and Diploma Application”
Print verification

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, 2008 must access Banner Web, apply to graduate and proceed to the College Store to purchase Commencement items. Students who miss the March 31 deadline may not have their name appear in the Commencement program.

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.

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 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 16, 2008: 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/

What time should I be at the Park Center, Corey Gymnasium, on Commencement Day?

Graduates attending the ceremony should report to Park Center, Corey Gymnasium, in gowns at 6 p.m. The four corners of the gymnasium will be marked designating where academic programs will line up. Please pay close attention to the signage and the detailed instructions given to you as you check-in.

Map/Directions for Park Center

Guest Information

When can guests be seated for the ceremony?

Seating begins at 6 p.m. for the ceremony

Will refreshments be available for guests?

Light refreshments, flowers for graduates and gift merchandise will be sold on the second floor of the Park Center outside Corey Gymnasium from 5-8:30 p.m. A post-ceremony reception will be held inside the Corey Gymnasium for all graduates and their guests. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Commencement.

General Information

Ambulance

We will have an ambulance stationed in the northwest parking lot of the Park Center.

Emergency Exits

In case of an emergency, please flag a Marshal, Student Usher, or a University Police Officer and proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly manner.

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. University Police officers will be in full uniform as well.

Students with mobility impaired family members should arrange seating by contacting Darci Bacigalupi, Special Events Coordinator, at (607) 753-5453 or graduate.commencement@cortland.edu. If there is a need for mobility impaired parking, please contact University Police 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 Darci Bacigalupi.

Lost and Found

For lost and found items, please contact the University Police Office, Van Hoesen Hall, Room C-17, (607) 753-4123.

Programs

Official Commencement programs will be distributed at the entrances into the Park Center Alumni Arena. All eligible graduates who apply for their degree by the March 31, 2008 deadline, will have their name listed in the program. If a student applies for their degree after the March 31, 2008 deadline, their name may not appear in the program.

Restrooms

Restrooms are located on all levels of the Park Center Alumni Arena. There is signage to identify the restrooms and signage will be displayed on all levels directing you to the location of these facilities.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside campus buildings.

Telephones

Emergency phones are located throughout the entire campus and are identified by blue lights that hang 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.