Sunday, May 23, 2010
10 a.m. – noon
Undergraduate Ceremony
Where is the ceremony taking place?
Old Main Quad, SUNY New Paltz.
Where and when do I line up before the ceremony?
Line up for the ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. The line up location will be according to the College/School that you belong to. Line up is by College/School and major. Marshals will assist in lining up the candidates. The line up locations are as follows:
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences – Elting Gym
The School of Business – Lobby of LC South (Library side)
The School of Education – Elting Gym
The School of Fine & Performing Arts – Lobby, Parker Theatre
The School of Science & Engineering – Lobby of LC North (Humanities side)
How do I sign up to participate in the ceremony?
Candidates need to participate in the Graduating Senior Survey on my.newpaltz.edu. At the end of the survey, you will receive a confirmation number. You need this number to purchase your cap and gown.
I am not able to sign up using my.newpaltz.edu; what is wrong?
In order to register for the ceremony candidates must have made application for graduation with the office of Records and Registration by the deadline. Individuals who are unable to register to participate in the Commencement ceremony should check with their advisor and the Registrar.
Is there a rehearsal?
Yes, there will be two different opportunities for candidates to attend a rehearsal. Candidates should plan to attend one of these rehearsals. The one hour rehearsal will explain how the day will unfold, answer questions and be the only opportunity for candidates to obtain guest tickets and their participation ticket before the day of the ceremony.
Rehearsals will be held in Lecture Center 100
Tuesday, May 5th: 5-6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6th: 7-8 p.m.
What is the Graduating Senior Survey?
The survey is an interactive approach to see how improvements can be made to better ones experience here at SUNY New Paltz. Your responses will be assessed and used by faculty and staff members to make a New Paltz education even better for incoming students.
When can I take the Graduating Senior Survey?
The survey will be open at my.newpaltz.edu: Monday, April 13th
Do candidates need a ticket to participate?
YES! Each candidate will receive their ticket when they pick up their guest tickets. They will fill out the back section of the ticket and bring the ticket with them when they check in at their line up location. The student participation ticket is separate from the five guest tickets that candidates may register for. Your student ticket is the name card and information card for the photographer, so please write legibly.
How many tickets may I register for?
All candidates are allowed four (4) tickets. Guest without tickets may bring their own chairs and sit or stand in the lawn area outside the reserved seating area.
I am expecting more than 4 guests; will there be any additional tickets for reserved seating?
No. If a candidate is expecting to have more than four guests may sit or stand outside the reserved seating area on the Old Main Quad. These guests will not require a ticket.
If I am bringing an infant or small child, may they sit on my lap?
Yes, they may sit on your lap. However ALL guests are required to have a ticket. No guest will be admitted into the reserved seating area without one, including infants and small children due to safety regulations.
Who decides how many tickets we get?
The number of tickets allocated to candidates is determined by the participation of the candidates. These ceremonies work within a limited seating space and the number of candidates that apply to graduate.
How do I get my reserved tickets?
You must present your New Paltz photo i.d. and confirmation number.
Ticket pick up will begin after rehearsals on May 5th & 6th. Starting May 8th through the 15th tickets will also be available for pick up at the Welcome Center in the HAB lobby, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5pm. Guest tickets can also be picked up at the Will-Call table on the day of the ceremony. The Will-Call table will be at the Wooster parking lot #21, located at the South-Eastern entrance to the Old Main quad.
Can a December 2008 candidate walk in May 2009?
Candidates who registered for December 2008 Commencement that were unable to attend the ceremony due to weather conditions can walk this May.
December 2008 candidates will be use their original confirmation number and do not need to take the Graduating Senior Survey again.
Can someone else pick up my tickets for me?
Yes! If someone other than the candidate is picking up the tickets, that individual will need a photo ID and a signed note from the candidate with their conformation code.
I am unable to pick up my tickets during the scheduled rehearsals; will you mail them to me?
No! Candidates who have not picked up their tickets at a rehearsal or at the Welcome Center can pick them up at the Will-Call table the day of the ceremony, or have their guests do so.
What happens if I lose guest tickets? Can I get replacements?
The Commencement Office will not provide replacements for guests who lose their tickets. If you or your family are concerned about losing your tickets, you have the option of picking them up at the Will-Call table the day of the ceremony.
Do candidates rent or purchase gowns?
Caps and gowns must be purchased; there is no option for renting your attire. The Campus Bookstore will be selling caps and gowns. Check the Calendar of Events for exact dates.
What should I wear with my cap and gown?
Commencement is a formal ceremony; please dress accordingly. The general rule is light weight, non-restrictive clothing. Men do not have to wear jackets, but should wear a shirt and tie. Please do not to wear shorts, jeans, or sweatpants. Shoes should be securely fastened to your feet and women should avoid high heels due to uneven ground.
It is recommended that candidates try on their cap and gown before the day of the ceremony to make sure they fit correctly and are presentable. Candidates are not permitted to accessorize their gowns other than cords or sashes from recognized organizations and departments on campus.
Should I wash/iron my gown beforehand?
No. To get the wrinkles out, just take the gown out of the bag and hang it up for a few days before the ceremony. This allows time for the fabric to relax. DO NOT iron the gown. The direct heat will destroy the fabric.
What if I lose my tassel?
You will need to buy a replacement at the Campus Bookstore. The Bookstore is open Monday- Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Will the Campus Bookstore be open the day of the ceremony?
No! You must purchase the cap and gown before the day of the ceremony. In addition, cap and gowns will not be sold at the ceremony.
Where are graduation announcements sold?
The Campus Bookstore sells announcements. You may also send electronic announcements via the Commencement Web site. Personalized announcements may be ordered at www.herffjones.com/college.
How do I know what degree I am getting?
If you are unsure of the titling of your specific degree, check with Records and Registration at extension 3100, or contact your advisor.
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, the official diploma is not presented at Commencement. A diploma cover and a certificate of participation are presented instead. Diplomas and final transcripts will be mailed to the candidate’s permanent address approximately six to eight weeks after the degree date from the office of Records and Registration. A diploma cannot be issued unless all obligations are cleared. Clear up any outstanding obligations (holds) with the College, such as library fees, parking tickets, etc.
What do I do if there is confusion about my degree when purchasing my tassel?
Any questions about your degree can be answered by your advisor or Records & Registration.
If I am an August candidate, do I walk in May?
Yes, August candidates participate in the following May's ceremony.
Can a December candidate walk in May?
December Commencement has been discontinued. All candiates may participate in the May ceremony following their degree completion.
What kinds of honors can I receive?
Check with your department for any specific honors you could apply to receive.
Where may guests with disabilities park?
Guests with disabilities park in the Wooster Parking Lot #21 (directly behind the Old Main Quad), Resnick Parking Lot #20 and Mohonk Parking Lot #24. There are designated handicap spaces in the lot available for people with the appropriate parking hangtags displayed and/or license plates.