Greetings from South Hill!

We’re delighted to welcome you as you join us in celebrating the achievements of your IC graduate. As you plan for this meaningful and memorable occasion, this page brings together helpful information to support you throughout Commencement weekend. Please check back often for updates as we prepare to celebrate this special milestone together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Location and Timing

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.

The west entrance of the A&E Center (campus side) will be available for guest use.

The East entrance (nearest the tennis courts) is reserved for drop-off and entry for guests with mobility challenges.

Tickets and Seating

  • Tickets can be printed or saved to a cell phone
  • Tickets are only for the May 2026 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026, to be held at 10:00 a.m. EST
  • One ticket per person
  • All guests ages 2 and older are required to have a ticket

There is an accessible drop off area on the east side of the Athletics and Events Center. This entrance is on the ground floor of the building so no stairs are necessary. Ushers will be on hand to help guide you to appropriate seating for your entire party to sit together. 

Please note that if a member of your party needs or prefers access to a wheelchair or other mobility devices, we recommend bringing your own personal device. A very limited number of wheelchairs will be available on site for guest transport.

Livestream and Remote Viewing

A livestream feed will be posted on ithaca.edu/commencement/livestream shortly before the start of the ceremony. A recording of the Sunday, May 17, Commencement ceremony will also be available to view the week after the event.

An alternative viewing location will be set up on campus at IC Square located on the first floor of the Campus Center.

Additional Questions

Yes! Flowers will be available for sale at the Commencement ceremony in the A&E Center. The Campus Store will also be open in Phillips Hall on both Saturday and Sunday.

Ithaca College has partnered with Island Photography to provide comprehensive coverage of this year’s Commencement ceremony. Your graduate will have two picture opportunities taken during the ceremony. These photos will be made available for purchase within two weeks following the ceremony with instructions provided in an email sent directly to the graduate.