Dear Graduates,
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.
Fast-Approaching Deadlines
April 30, 5:00 p.m. | Deadline for Ordering Grad Regalia (Cap & Gown)
Regalia can be purchased at this link and will be shipped directly to the graduate’s provided address. Please note that regalia is REQUIRED for entrance to the A&E Center for Commencement.
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 at the lower-level ticket booth 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 8 at midnight | Deadline for Claiming Guest Tickets
Each graduate may claim up to six guest tickets for entry into the A&E Center at Ithaca.marchingorder.com/#/. Any guest age 2 and older without a ticket will not be permitted to enter the A&E Center. An alternative viewing location will be set up on campus in Textor 102 for any guests who cannot join us in the Glazer Arena. In addition, both ceremonies will be livestreamed at the following link: Watch 2022 Commencement Ceremony.
Ceremony Confirmation and Participation Information – May 22, 2022
Our current records show that you have submitted an RSVP to attend the 9:00 a.m. graduation ceremony. 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 7:30 a.m.
• In order to check in for your graduation ceremony have your Marching Order Grad Pass QR code with you and readily available, either on your charged phone or as a printout.
• 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 21) regarding the procession and 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.
• Names will be read towards the end of the ceremony.
• While crossing the stage, you will receive your diploma cover from the President. You will receive your class medallion when you check-in for the ceremony.
• 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 two 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. 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.
• Professional photos will be taken while you are crossing the stage and after you exit the stage.
• If you are posting photos to Instagram or other social media on the day of the event, be sure to use the hashtag #ICGrads.
Additional Information
Schedule
A full schedule of Commencement weekend events can be found on the Commencement website.
Reception and Meet-and-Greet
A casual reception will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Campus Center Dining Hall. In addition, graduates participating in both ceremonies can stop by their school’s meet-and-greet between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for one last farewell with their deans and favorite faculty members.
School of Business Klingenstein Lounge
School of Communications Park School
School of Health Sciences and Human Performance Emerson Suites and Emerson Lounge
School of Humanities and Sciences Emerson Suites and Emerson Lounge
School of Music Clark Lounge
Parking
• 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. This form must be completed by 4:30 p.m. on May 19 in order to receive an IC issued permit for the reserved lots.
• Please remember that traffic will be much heavier than usual on Commencement Day, and you will need to prepare accordingly.
• If possible, we ask that those who are attending the morning Commencement ceremony remove their cars from campus by 1:00 p.m. to make room for incoming attendees of the afternoon ceremony.
• Further questions may be directed to the Office of Public Safety at (607) 274-3756.
Graduate Picture Information
Ithaca College has partnered with a local vendor, Island Photography, to provide comprehensive coverage of this year’s Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremonies. You will have two picture opportunities taken during the ceremony. The first photo opportunity will be taken when you are on stage. The second photo opportunity will be a posed picture following your exit of the stage. 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.
Family and Friends
• Your family and friends should plan to be in their seats no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. The A & E Center opens to guests two hours prior to the ceremony start time. Guests will be required to have all their bags checked before entering the A&E Center and 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 is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Some exceptions may be made for medical needs. 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 with one of the clear plastic bag options. Guests may also bring an empty water bottle or sealed commercial water bottle; however, other drinks and snacks are not permitted.
• 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 on a charged phone or as a printout. Guests must have a ticket for entry to the A&E Center.
• Flowers will be available for sale prior to the Commencement ceremony at a booth located close to the west entrance to the A&E Center. Flowers may also be ordered prior to Commencement Weekend and picked up onsite before the ceremony begins. Advance orders can be placed here.
Food Service Options and Hours
Campus Center retail food service venues will be open on Sunday on a limited basis. All campus retail requires purchasing through GrubHub, either using the app or via a kiosk at the venue.
Food Court 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ithaca Bakery 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Towers Marketplace 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (retail only, no meal swipes)
Public Health Protocols
Lastly, while we have made great progress during the semester, COVID-19, as well as other communicable illnesses are still with us. We will therefore continue to follow college public health protocols in existence at the time of this event. In addition, we encourage individuals who plan to participate in Commencement, Graduate Hooding and other celebrations to make the intentional choice to practice good public health actions such as:
- Utilizing face coverings, particularly in situations where adequate physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Good and frequent hand hygiene.
- Strictly monitoring your health for potential symptoms of illness, seeking out immediate testing if you begin experiencing symptoms, and minimizing contact with others until your condition improves.
Thank you for your continued cooperation. We are looking forward to celebrating your achievement!
Sincerely,
The 2022 Commencement Committee