Dear Class of 2022, Families, and Supporters,
We are excited to reach out to you today to share additional information about our plans to celebrate our Class of 2022 at an in-person Commencement on the Ithaca College campus on South Hill on Sunday, May 22. As we move through this spring semester healthy and strong, we are preparing a ceremony like no other, in true IC style—with spirit, joy, and a deep sense of community.
Commencement Information
As previously announced, on Sunday, May 22, 2022, Ithaca College will host two Commencement ceremonies in Glazer Arena, in the Athletics and Events Center. One ceremony will be at 9:00 a.m. ET; the other at 3:00 p.m. ET. Each student may choose one ceremony to participate in and there is a limit of 650 students per ceremony.
Graduating students will have the opportunity to walk alongside, sit next to, and graduate with their friends from across campus. Each student who wishes to participate will walk across the stage in the Glazer Arena in full regalia and have their name called individually. Professional photographers will be on hand to take pictures of each graduate both on the stage and after leaving the stage.
RSVP Through Marching Order
On Monday, February 28, all graduates will receive a personalized email to their IC email account with instructions on the registration process for the Commencement ceremonies. These events will have a modified look again this year as we continue to manage the public health challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With our graduates’ health and safety central to our planning for these events, completion of the RSVP form is REQUIRED for all Class of 2022 graduates.
The email on February 28 will also share additional information for the 2022 Commencement planning process, including instructions for:
- Creating and setting up the graduate’s Marching Order account (this must be done before March 8 in order to choose a ceremony time)
- Selecting the 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. ceremony time - OPENS March 8 at 12:10 p.m. ET
- Completing and editing the graduate’s personalized appreciation slide (image, chosen name, and personal message) which will be displayed on commencement day
- Recording the graduate’s name as it will be pronounced during the ceremony
- How and when to reserve and distribute guest tickets. Current plans, based on Ithaca College's green COVID operational status, are to provide each graduate with six guest tickets. Alternative viewing locations will be set up on campus for any guests who cannot join us in the Glazer Arena or who need special accommodation. Both ceremonies will be livestreamed.
The firm deadline for each graduate to submit a completed RSVP is 11:59 a.m. ET on Monday, April 4, 2022. Due to the extensive planning required to host these two events, it is necessary that we receive a completed RSVP by that date. There will not be a second opportunity to submit a completed RSVP once this deadline elapses.
Additional Important Upcoming Dates
March 31, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Graduation Fair at Emerson Suites
Please join us for the annual Graduation Fair. This is an opportunity for graduates to gather information and ask questions about Senior Week and Commencement weekend festivities. Representatives from various areas will be there, including parking services, Marching Order, and the Registrar's office.
April 30, 5:00 p.m. | Deadline for Ordering Grad Regalia (Cap & Gown)
Regalia can be purchased effective immediately at this link. This year, because of the need for continued social distancing, academic regalia will NOT be available for pick-up in the Campus Store. Instead, it will be shipped directly to the graduate’s provided address. Please try to plan ahead and order your regalia in advance!
May 1 | Deadline for Ordering Customized Commencement Programs
This year we will be offering our Commencement program in a variety of ways. A standard version of the program will be available to download and print at no charge through the May Commencement website. Professionally printed copies of the standard program will be available for sale in the A&E Center the day of Commencement, or they can be ordered through the Commencement website. Commemorative, customized printed version of the program—with areas that can include your name, photographs, and messages from family and friends—can also be ordered for an additional cost.
May 21, 8:30 p.m. | Commencement Eve Concert and Fireworks
Plan to join us for this annual IC tradition that showcases the talents of our student performers.
Graduates, we are so very excited to celebrate you in May! An announcement regarding our keynote speakers and others being recognized as part of Commencement will be forthcoming. The Commencement committee will also continue to provide more details about our plans as they solidify. Remember to check the Commencement website regularly for updates. Questions about Commencement should be directed to commencement@ithaca.edu.
Best wishes,
Doreen Hettich-Atkins, Vikki Levine, MaryAnn Taylor, and David Prunty
Commencement Committee Co-Chairs