Where and When is the Graduate Ceremony?

Friday, May 18, 2012

 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Old Main Quad at SUNY New Paltz

How do I sign up to participate in the ceremony?  6 Steps

1. Complete 2012 Application for Graduation Due Dates/Academic Eligibility:

 All candidates must first complete an Application for Graduation with the Office of Records and Registration by the deadline dates listed below. If you have missed this date, please go directly to Records and Registration or contact them at extension 3100.

Application Due Dates if your Planning to Graduate in:

May, 2012: February 1, 2012

August, 2012:  February 29, 2012

December, 2012: September 1, 2012

2. Complete the Graduate Exit Survey

You must next complete the Graduate Exit Survey to obtain your confirmation number. This confirmation number is needed to pickup your master's unit, four (4) guest tickets and your participation ticket. 

August and December 2011 graduates:

You were invited to respond to the Graduate Exit Survey on Friday, January 20, 2012.  Go to your primary email and find a message sent from Jacqueline Andrews. The subject line is: Take the Graduate Exit Survey! Get Your Commencement confirmation number!

There is a link at the end of the survey. When you click on it, you will go to a screen and check a box, enter your user name and password and press SUBMIT. Your confirmation number will then appear. Please click here to view visual example of the Graduate Exit Survey.

All commencement communication will continue to be sent to your New Paltz e-mail account through May, 2012.

May and August 2012 candidates:

You must complete the Graduate Exit Survey to obtain your confirmation number. This confirmation number is needed to pickup your master's unit, four (4) guest tickets and your participation ticket.

You will be invited to respond to the Graduate Exit Survey, which opens on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.  Go to your primary email and find a message sent from Jacqueline Andrews. The subject line is: Take the Graduate Exit Survey! Get Your Commencement confirmation number!

There is a link at the end of the survey. When you click on it, you will go to a screen and check a box, enter your user name and password and press SUBMIT. Your confirmation number will then appear. Please click here to view visual example of the Graduate Exit Survey.

3.  Pre-order your Master's Units  

All candidates are highly encouraged to preorder their master's units.  The due date is before March 24th. Please click here and you will be directed to the Herff Jones website.  You will be able to pick these up beginning Wednesday, April 18, 2012 in the campus bookstore.  2012 master units are $61.00  (Cap, Gown, Tassel, Hood). The Campus Bookstore will be selling master's units if you do not pre-order, beginning Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

Do candidates rent or purchase master's units?

Master's units are purchased and must be worn by all participants.  We do not rent master's units. 

4.  Attend a Rehearsal

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 an opportunity for candidates to obtain their four (4) guest tickets and their student participation ticket before the day of the ceremony. Your attendance is highly encouraged, but if you are unable to attend a rehearsal, please see # 5 below.

Rehearsals will be held in Lecture Center 100 as follows:
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - 7:00 - 8:00 pm and Thursday, May 3, 2012 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

5. Obtain YourTickets (Guests and Student Participation)

Please note: Only four (4) guest tickets will be provided and it is school policy that we cannot provide additional tickets.  If a candidate is expecting to have more than four guests, they may bring their own chairs and sit or stand in the lawn area outside the reserved seating area. These guests will not require a ticket.  If you're looking for additional tickets, we recommend that you check with a friend who is not using his/her tickets.

Guests and the candidate will need tickets to partcipate. Each candidate will receive one (1) student participation ticket when they pick up their four (4) guest tickets. The ticket will have your name preprinted on the front. Simply fill out the back section before the ceremony and bring the ticket with you to your line up location. This is necessary so the photographer can send you a proof, so please write neatly. The student participation ticket is separate from the four (4) guest tickets and you MUST have this ticket with you at the lineup location and when you cross the stage. Please do not lose your tickets as they cannot be replaced. 

How do I get my reserved tickets?

There are 3 ways to obtain your four (4) guest tickets and student participation ticket and you will need your confirmation number. Please see "How Do I Participate in the Ceremony" above for details on locating the Graduate Exit Survey and obtaining your confirmation number.

1. Ticket pick up will begin after rehearsals, Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - 7:00 - 8:00 pm or Thursday, May 3, 2012 7:00 - 8:00 pm.  You must present your New Paltz photo ID and confirmation number generated upon completion of the Graduate Exit Survey.

2. Tickets will also be available for pick up at the Welcome Center in the Haggerty Administration Building lobby, beginning Friday, May 4 - Friday, May 18, 2012.  Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-4:45 pm. Note: On Friday, May 18, tickets may only be picked up until 3:00 PM. You must present your New Paltz photo ID and confirmation number generated upon completion of the Graduating Senior Survey.

3. Guest tickets can also be picked up at the Will-Call table on the day of the ceremony on the academic concourse at the Jacobson Faculty Tower by the stone benches. You must present your New Paltz photo ID and confirmation number generated upon completion of the  Graduate Exit Survey.

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, which includes their confirmation number generated upon completion of the Graduate Exit Survey. Please see "How Do I Participate in the Ceremony" above for details on locating the Graduate Exit Survey and obtaining your confirmation number. 

I am unable to pick up my tickets during the scheduled rehearsals; can you mail them to me?

We do not mail tickets. We do not mail tickets. Please see "How Do I Get My Reserved Tickets" above for alternate pick up opportunities.

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.

If a guest is bringing an infant or small child, may they sit on their lap?

Yes, they may sit on your lap. However ALL guests are required to have a ticket. No guests will be admitted into the reserved seating area without one, including infants and small children for safety reasons.  Strollers or buggies cannot be brought into the reserved seating area.

6. Know Your Line Up Location and Arrival Time

 Line up for the ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. The line up location will be in the lobby of the Lecture Center 100 - 104 and Lobby. Line up is by College/School and degree. Marshals will assist in lining up the candidates. Please don't forget your student participation ticket.

Information for Guests with Disabilities

Where may guests with disabilities park?

Guests with disabilities may park in the Shango Parking Lot #32. College Hall Parking Lot #19, Plattekill Parking Lot #18, Hamner Parking Lot #19 and Administration Parking Lot #15. There are designated handicap spaces in the lot available for people with the appropriate parking hangtags displayed and/or license plates. First come-first serve parking. Guests who have trouble walking may be dropped off in the Old Main Circle for a short walk to the disability seating area.

Is there special seating for guests with disabilites?

Yes. You will be sent an e-mail about reserving a spot(s) for guests with disabilities. Groups including guests in wheel chairs should contact the Commencement Office at commencement@newpaltz.edu by May 4, 2012 to reserve seating in disability seating area.  Please visit  information on guests with disabilities  to obtain the exact information we will need to reserve a spot for your guest. 

What if the status of a guest changes and they either need to be added or removed from the disability guest list?  

Please send the Commencement Office an e-mail at commencement@newpaltz.edu as soon as you know of any changes.

What about a sign language interpreter? 

Sign language interpreters will be on-site to translate the entire commencement ceremony.

Miscellaneous FAQ's

Can an August or December 2011 graduate and August 2012 candidate walk in May 2012?

Yes! Candidates who reserved August, December 2011 and August 2012 degrees can walk in May, 2012. Please check with the Office of Records and Registration  directly for questions concerning credits and your degree.

What is the Parent Guide?

In March, we will be sending parent or guardian addresses we have on file a Parent Guide.  This brochure will explain the details of commencement including date/time/location/tickets/maps and information pertaining to the commencement process.  If we do not have a parent/guardian address on file, the guide will be sent directly to the student.

What should I wear with my masters unit?

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 master's units 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.

Will my individual class be recognized? 

SUNY New Paltz will separately recognize your graduating class.  These classes will be listed individually by school, graduation month and year in the 2012 commencement program booklet.  There will also be a point in the script where each group of graduates and candidates will be formally recognized by the President during the ceremony.  The bookstore will also be offering graduation year "charms" that can be worn on the graduate cap tassle. 

How do I get a sash if  I studied abroad?

The Bookstore will be ordering sashes for the study abroad students. The students will need to either call or stop into the bookstore to order their sash and pay for it no later than 2012  date TBA to ensure delivery by graduation. The price for the Study Abroad sash is 2012 pricing TBA. The Bookstore is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Can I order a class ring?

Rings will be available for sale at the bookstore on Feb 28th: 12pm-4pm / March 6th: 12pm-4pm / March 29th: 12pm-4pm / April 20th: 12pm-4pm. 

What if I lose my tassel?

You will need to buy a replacement at the Campus Bookstore. The Bookstore is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Will the Campus Bookstore be open the day of the undergraduate 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. Personalized announcements may also be ordered at the Herff Jones Web site.

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. Diplomas will be mailed to the candidate’s permanent address approximately six to eight weeks after Commencement from the office of Records and Registration. A diploma cannot be issued until all obligations, such as library fees, parking tickets, etc., are cleared.

What do I do if there is confusion about my degree when purchasing my tassel?

Any questions about your degree can be answered by Records & Registration.