Graduate Ceremony
Friday, May 16, 2008
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where is the ceremony taking place?
The ceremony will be held in the Athletic and Wellness Center’s New Gym, on campus.

Where and when do I line up before the ceremony?
Line up for the ceremony begins at 5 p.m. The line up location will be in Elting Gymnasium. Line up is by College/School and degree. Marshals will assist in lining up the candidates.

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.  Candidates may also register for a lottery where they may receive up to two (2) additional 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 should check with their advisor and the Registrar.

Is there a rehearsal? 
Yes, there will be three 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 ceremony will unfold, answer questions and be the only opportunity for candidates to obtain guest tickets and their participation ticket before the ceremony.

How many tickets may I register for?
Each candidate may request up to five (5) tickets and may register for a lottery where you could possibly obtain two (2) additional tickets. The candidate must go to my.newpaltz.edu to register to participate, request tickets and register for the lottery. Candidates MUST register and request tickets online by the April 13 midnight   deadline. If the candidate misses the registration deadline there will be no tickets available for their guests.  Guests without tickets will not be permitted to enter the Athletic & Wellness Center.

Do candidates need tickets to participate?
Yes! All candidates are required to have a Participation Ticket. This ticket will allow you to enter the Athletic & Wellness Center the day of your ceremony and will act as your candidate name card for the name announcer. Be sure to include an accurate address on the card. The participation ticket is not counted as one of your five (5) allotted guest tickets. You will be able to pick this ticket up at your rehearsal or beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the Graduate Ceremony. 

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 Athletic & Wellness Center without a ticket, including infants and small children due to Fire Code and Safety Regulations (as determined by the Fire Marshal).

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. Any remaining tickets will be distributed randomly by a computer in a lottery that candidates sign up for when they register for the ceremony.

I am expecting more than five (5) guests; will there be any additional tickets?
All candidates seeking more tickets may register for a lottery at the time they register for their five (5) guest tickets. They could possibly obtain two (2) additional tickets.
           
How do I get my tickets?
Tickets for the Graduate ceremony will be distributed at the end of Graduate rehearsal.   In addition, the day of the ceremony there will be a Will-Call table located in the lobby of the Athletic & Wellness Center for candidates and their guests to pick up their tickets. Ticket pickup at the Will-Call table will begin at 4:30 p.m. the day 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 in the foyer of the Athletic and Wellness Center beginning at 4:30 p.m. the day 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. 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.

Will the Campus Bookstore be open the day of the ceremony?
Yes. However, cap gowns, hoods and tassels will not be sold at the ceremony. 
The Campus Bookstore is open Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where are the graduation announcements sold?
The Campus Bookstore sells announcements. You may also send electronic announcements to your guests and family via the Commencement website. Personalized announcements may be ordered at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation.

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 get 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.

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.

I am a Graduate student. Why haven’t I received an honor cord?
Graduate students require an honor grade point average to enter the graduate program; therefore, Honor Cords are only for Undergraduate candidates. Various departments have honors programs. The individual departments may distribute cords or sashes for you to wear during Commencement. Please inquire with your department chair or with your advisor to verify if there is an honors distinction specifically for your major or program.

Where may guests with disabilities park?

Guests with disabilities park in Lot #37. There are designated handicap spaces in the lot available for people with the appropriate parking hangtags displayed and/or license plates.