Sunday, May 18 2008
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 – Multipurpose Room, SUB
The School of Business – Lobby of LC South (Library side)
The School of Education – SUB 100
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 must register at my.newpaltz.edu to participate in their ceremony by midnight Sunday, April 13. There, candidates will be able to request up to five (5) guest tickets.
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 four 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.
How many tickets may I register for?
Candidates may register for up to five (5) tickets. Guests without tickets may bring their own chairs and sit or stand in the lawn area outside the reserved seating area.
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.
I am expecting more than 5 guests; will there be any additional tickets for reserved seating?
No. If a candidate is expecting to have more than 5 guests, the additional 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 register for the ceremonies determines the number of tickets they may register for. Due to the limited number of seats, it is important for candidates to make sure they register at my.newpaltz.edu to ensure they receive their tickets.
How do I get my reserved tickets?
Tickets for the specific ceremony will be distributed at the end of each rehearsal. In addition, the day of the ceremony there will be a Will-Call table located under the pine trees near College Hall for candidates and their guests to pick up their tickets. Ticket pickup at the Will-Call table will begin at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the ceremony. The tickets will be under the candidate’s name. No tickets will be mailed to candidates or their families.
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 confirmation code. Tickets for students not on Campus: Students not on campus during the spring 2008 semester due to student teaching, internships or other circumstances should register for the ceremony by the Sunday, April 13 deadline. They may obtain their tickets at the Will-Call table under the pine trees near College Hall starting at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the ceremony.
I am unable to pick up my tickets during the scheduled rehearsals; will you mail them to me?
We will not be mailing any tickets. Candidates who have not picked up their tickets at a rehearsal 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 & 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. You are requested 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 & gown before the day of the ceremony. In addition, cap & 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?
No. August candidates walk in the December ceremony and their names will appear in the December Commencement Program.
Can a December candidate walk in May?
No. May Commencement is only for May candidates.
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.
