Messages and Updates

Congratulations! As the big day approaches, we wanted to share some of the most important information you’ll need to make Commencement a memorable occasion for you, your friends, your family, and the entire college community. We encourage you to review the information below, share the information with your guests, and save this message for future reference. Please be sure to visit Ithaca College’s Commencement website for the latest updates regarding various Commencement-related festivities. Additional questions can be shared to commencement@ithaca.edu.

May 19, 2024 • 10:00 a.m.
Our current records show that you have submitted an RSVP to attend Commencement. Please follow the instructions below:

• Line-up for the graduate procession will take place on the east side of the A&E Center (the Higgins Stadium side) near the Gardens parking lot. Line up for the procession begins at 9:00 a.m. (See more information below on this year’s procession celebration!)
   
• In order to check in for your graduation ceremony you’ll need to have your Marching Order GradPass QR code with you and readily available; please print out your pass and have it on your charged phone as a back-up. You will need to show it again when you go up to the stage during the ceremony. (You should have received an email on April 24 with instructions on how to access your GradPass!)
   
• While lining up for the procession, please stand with the individuals you would like to be seated with. You will not cross the stage in alphabetical order or by school, so be sure to text your family when it's close to your time to cross the stage!
   
• In the event that severe (defined as potentially dangerous) weather is forecast, a decision will be made on Saturday afternoon (May 18) regarding the procession. Any changes will be communicated via the IC website and social media. If the procession is canceled, all graduates will be asked to proceed directly into the A&E Center to check-in and be seated.
   
• Please remember that, once you enter the A&E Center, you will be expected to remain inside until the conclusion of the ceremony, which is expected to last approximately three hours. There is no re-entry to the A&E Center if you need to leave for any reason.
   
• To further facilitate the entry process, please wear your graduation regalia to the A&E Center. (Regalia—cap and gown—is REQUIRED for entrance to the A&E Center for Commencement.)
   
• No personal bags (unless required for carrying personal medication) are permitted. You may bring an empty water bottle or sealed commercial water bottle; however, other drinks and snacks are not permitted. Concessions will be available.
   
• Your name will be read as you cross the stage during the latter part of the ceremony. Ushers will let you know by row when it’s your turn to head toward the stage for your graduation moment.
   
• While on the stage, you will receive your diploma cover. If you have completed your First Destination Survey (more information below), your actual diploma will be mailed in late June to the address you provided on your application for degree. You will receive your class medallion when you check-in for the ceremony.
   
• Professional photos will be taken while you are crossing the stage and after you exit the stage. (More information below.)
   
• If you are posting photos to Instagram or other social media on the day of the event, be sure to use the hashtag #ICGrads.

If you opted to have your cap and gown order sent to the College Store, distribution days will start May 6 and run until May 17. Pick-up will be available during the normal operating hours of the Campus Store. Please have your student ID with you and note that you can only pick up your own order; you may not pick up regalia for another student. In addition, the College Store will have regalia available for purchase in the store starting May 1.

A full schedule of Graduate Hooding and Commencement weekend events can be found on the Commencement website.

Line up for the graduate procession begins at 9:00 a.m. We encourage you to arrive early to enjoy the festivities. Start by stopping at the check-in table (look for signs) to show your GradPass and receive your class medallion. Then, check out the fun! Justin Bertolero ’19, owner of JB Party Sounds and program director at Z95, will be spinning tunes for the big day. We’ll also have other surprises!

A casual reception will take place immediately following the ceremony on the academic quad (weather permitting). Look for your school’s designated area and take this opportunity for one last farewell with your dean and favorite faculty members.

Ithaca College has partnered with a local vendor, Island Photography, to provide comprehensive coverage of this year’s Commencement ceremony. As you cross the stage, a professional photographer will take a candid image. As you exit the stage, ushers at the bottom of the ramp will guide you to take a second, posed professional photograph. These photos will be made available for purchase within two weeks following the ceremony with instructions provided in an email sent directly to your Ithaca College address.

This year we will be offering our Commencement program in a variety of ways.

• You will find a professionally printed version of the program at your seat in the arena.
   
• All guests will receive a printed version of the order of events for the ceremony that includes a QR code and link to access the full program online.
   
• Guests may also purchase a full copy of the program in the A&E Center the day of Commencement. The cost is $5 plus tax per program and purchases are by credit card only.
   
• In addition, the full program will be available to download and print at no charge through the May Commencement website.

Every year we ask our graduates to complete the First Destination Survey to share their post-graduation plans. The information we receive helps our campus enhance experiences and curriculum that benefit our students. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and, as of 2024, it is a graduation requirement. (You will not receive your diploma until you have completed your survey!)

Not sure what you’re doing yet? It’s okay to tell us that and go back later to update your survey once your plans are in place. Complete the survey today!

• Your family and friends should plan to be in their seats no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. The A&E Center will open to guests at 8:00 a.m. Guests will be required to pass through a security screening checkpoint to have all their bags checked before entering the A&E Center. No guest reentry will be permitted to the building.
   
• Guests are strongly encouraged not to bring any type of personal bag, but if needed they may carry a bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” In addition, small clutch bags (5" x 7" or smaller) with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the A&E Center. Guests may also bring an empty water bottle or sealed commercial water bottle; however, other drinks and snacks are not permitted. Prohibited items also include but are not limited to: purses larger than what is outlined above, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size. More details for guests can be found on the Security page of the May Commencement website.
   
• The south and west entrances of the A&E Center will be available for guest use. Accessible drop-off and entry are available through the east entrance, and you will receive additional instructions if you register for accessible parking.
   
• Guests should have their ticket QR code with them and readily available, either as a printout (recommended) or on a charged phone. Guests must have a ticket for entry to the A&E Center.
   
• Flowers will be available for sale at the Commencement ceremony. (The College Store will also be open in Phillips Hall on both Saturday and Sunday.)
   
• Concessions will be available for purchase on-site.

• Please remember that traffic will be much heavier than usual on Commencement Day, and you will need to prepare accordingly. We recommend you double your normal travel time to campus on Sunday to allow ample time for travel, parking, and walking to the A&E Center. We also highly encourage using local hotel shuttle services, if available, and carpooling with family or other graduates.
   
• Parking during Commencement weekend does not require a special pass. Guests may park in any legal space or as directed by Public Safety officers. Please note that fire lanes, no parking zones, timed spaces, accessible spaces and other reserved spaces and lots will be enforced, as they would be during the academic year.
   
• If you are planning to arrive at the Athletics and Events Center by motor vehicle you should plan to park anywhere on campus other than Lots A and M, as those lots are fully reserved for accessible parking. All other campus parking lots will be available, and we encourage those without mobility issues to park further from the A&E Center if possible.
   
• For those who need accessible parking, there is a form to fill out on the Commencement website. The accessible parking permit request form must be completed by 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, in order to receive an IC issued permit for the reserved lots.
   
• Further questions may be directed to the Office of Public Safety at (607) 274-3756.

Alternative viewing locations will be set up on campus in Textor 102, as well as Clark and Klingenstein lounges in Egbert Hall for any guests who cannot join us in the Glazer Arena. In addition, the Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed.

The Ithaca Bakery retail food service venue located in the Campus Center will be open on Saturday, May 18, from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. On Saturday, May 18, the Towers Eatery and Social will also be open from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Please remember that campus retail food service requires purchasing through GrubHub, either using the app or via a kiosk at the venue.