Important Graduate Hooding and Commencement Information and Deadlines

We are excited to reach out to you today to share additional information about our plans to celebrate our Class of 2023 Graduate degree recipients at an in-person Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20, on the Ithaca College campus in the Athletics and Events Center. As we move through this spring semester, we are preparing a ceremony like no other, in true IC style—with spirit, joy, and a deep sense of community.

Graduate Hooding and Commencement Information 

As previously announced, the Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony will celebrate the individual accomplishments of our graduate students. Ithaca College will host this ceremony on Saturday, May 20, 2023, starting at 1:00 p.m. ET inside the Athletics and Events Center’s Glazer Arena. Line-up for the graduate procession begins at 12:15 p.m. ET with the procession starting at 1:00 p.m. ET. There will be a reception with light refreshments immediately following the ceremony. 

Each graduating student who wishes to participate will walk across the stage in the Glazer Arena in full regalia and have their name called individually. You will be formally hooded, and we will officially confer your graduate degree during the Saturday ceremony. Professional photographers will be on hand to take pictures of you, both on the stage and after leaving the stage.

Guest Information and Livestream

Due to the smaller numbers involved with the Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony on Saturday, all family and friends are cordially invited to attend. There will not be a limit on how many guests you may bring, and tickets are not required. The ceremony will also be live streamed. (Please remember to share information about this ceremony with your supporters, as we will not be reaching out to them on your behalf.)

RSVP Through Marching Order  

On Monday, March 20, you will receive a personalized email to your IC email account with instructions on how to RSVP for the Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony. Completion of the RSVP form is REQUIRED. 
 
The email on March 20 will also share additional information for the 2023 Graduate Hooding and Commencement planning process, including instructions for: 

  • Creating and setting up your Marching Order account. 
  • Completing and editing a personalized appreciation slide (image, chosen name, and personal message) which will be displayed at the Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony.
  • Recording your name as it will be pronounced during the ceremony. 

   
The firm deadline for you to submit a completed RSVP is 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Due to the extensive planning required to host this event, 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 passes.

On-campus Housing

We are pleased to once again be able to offer an on-campus housing option for Graduate Hooding and Commencement weekend for our graduates and families. A limited number of rooms will be available. Please visit the Commencement Weekend Housing website for more information.

Additional Important Upcoming Dates  

April 25, 5:00 p.m. | Deadline for Ordering Grad Regalia (Cap & Gown) 
Regalia can be purchased effective immediately at this link. This year, academic regalia will NOT be available for pick-up in the Campus Store. Instead, it will be shipped directly to the address that you provide. Plan ahead and order your regalia in advance!
 
May 20, 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.
 
We are so very excited to celebrate you in May! Remember to check the Commencement website regularly for updates. Questions about Graduate Hooding and Commencement should be directed to commencement@ithaca.edu.  
 
Best wishes,  

Doreen Hettich-Atkins, Vikki Levine, Reed Pollard, and MaryAnn Taylor
Commencement Committee Co-Chairs