Dear Graduates:
Congratulations on earning your degree! Your success represents sacrifice, commitment, hard work and determination, and now it is nearly time to celebrate all that you have accomplished.
As the big day approaches, we wanted to share some of the most important information you’ll need to make Commencement or your Graduate Hooding a memorable occasion for you, your friends, your family, and the entire college community. We encourage you to review the information below and save this message for future reference. Please be sure to visit Ithaca College’s Commencement website for the latest information and updates. Additional questions can be sent to commencement@ithaca.edu.
Ceremony Confirmation Information – December 10, 2023
Our current records show that you have submitted an RSVP to attend the graduation ceremony on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the Ithaca College Athletics and Events Center, Glazer Arena. Please arrive at the arena before 9:30 a.m. and proceed to the floor level of Glazer Arena for check-in.
In Case of Inclement Weather
For planning purposes, an inclement weather date has been set for Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. You will be notified via email, Ithaca College social media, and the Commencement website if the ceremony needs to be delayed because of the weather.
Graduation Regalia
Please note that regalia (cap and gown) is REQUIRED for entrance to the A&E Center for Commencement. Graduate students must also bring their hoods. Questions regarding regalia should be directed to the Campus Store, please call (607) 274-3959 during business hours Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
When You Arrive at A&E
- When you arrive at the Athletics and Events Center, please check in at the tables on the floor level of Glazer Arena. You will receive your class medallion at this time.
- After checking in, please line up for the procession that will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. For check-in 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.
- Masters degree candidates will line up first for the procession, in order by school and then by major within that school.
- Undergraduates should line up for the procession either in front of or behind the individuals they 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!
Receiving Your Diploma/Being Hooded During the Ceremony
- 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 or hooding moment.
- If you are a masters degree candidate, you will be the first to cross the stage and will also be hooded while on the stage. Please make sure your hood is with you.
- While on the stage, you will receive your diploma cover. Your actual diploma will be mailed to the address you provided on your application for degree in late January or early February.
- Please remember that once you enter the A&E Center you will be expected to remain inside until the conclusion of the ceremony.
Photography
As you cross the stage, a professional photographer will take a candid image. As you leave the stage, ushers at the bottom of the ramp will guide you behind the stage for a second, posed professional photograph. You’ll receive an email from the photography company (Island Photography) within two weeks letting you know how to order prints of your photos if you are interested. Keep checking your IC email.
Commencement Programs
This year we will be offering our Commencement program, to include recognition of Graduate hooding, to each graduate. The program will be placed on each of your chairs. In addition:
- 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.
- The full program will be available to download and print at no charge through the December Commencement website.
Guests
- We are pleased to welcome family members and supporters at our celebration. Tickets are not required. All are welcome and seating is first come, first seated.
- Your family and friends should plan to be in their seats no later than 9:30 a.m. The A&E Center will open doors to guests at 9:00 a.m.
- Alcohol is not permitted. Bags are discouraged and all bags that enter the venue are subject to screening.
- The south, east 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.
Parking and Accessibility
- Parking on Commencement day (December 10, 2023) does not require a special permit. Guests may park in any legal space in S-lot, S-lot extension, or O-lot, or as directed by Public Safety officers. Red and Blue parking lot designations will not be enforced. Fire lanes, no parking zones, timed spaces, accessible spaces and other reserved spaces and lots will be enforced.
- View our campus map for parking locations.
- Those who need accessible parking will be directed to M-lot West. Please connect with the public safety officers at the college entrance for directions.
- Note that there is a passenger drop-off area on the east side of the Athletics and Events Center.
- The Athletic and Events Center is fully accessible.
- Further questions may be directed to the Office of Public Safety at 607-274-3756.
Livestream
We will have a livestream of the ceremony available for family members and supporters who are unable to travel to Ithaca.
Social Media
If you are posting photos to social media on the day of the event, be sure to use the hashtag #ICGrads.
Thank you for your continued cooperation! We are so excited to celebrate your big achievement!
Sincerely,
Doreen Hettich-Atkins, Reed Pollard, and MaryAnn Taylor
Commencement Committee Co-Chairs