Messages and Updates

We are excited to reach out to you today to share additional information about our plans to celebrate the Class of 2026 at our upcoming May Commencement. This milestone event is a chance to recognize all that graduation represents and to honor the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that brought you to this moment. We look forward to celebrating you and your fellow Ithaca College graduates this May.

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET (Doors open at 9:00 a.m., graduates should arrive by 9:15 a.m. for line-up, guests should be seated by 9:30 a.m. The ceremony is anticipated to conclude around 1:00 p.m.)
Location: Glazer Arena, Athletics & Events Center

All Class of 2026 graduates are guaranteed FOUR tickets for friends and family to attend the May Commencement ceremony. In April, any remaining tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis with each graduate granted an opportunity to claim up to FOUR additional tickets (for a total of eight) while supply lasts. An email will be shared to Class of 2026 graduates with more information if/when the opportunity to claim additional tickets becomes available.

Additionally, the ceremony will be livestreamed, and an alternative viewing location will be set up on campus for any guests who cannot join us in the Glazer Arena.

During the week of February 9-13 you will receive a personalized email to your IC email account with instructions on the registration process for the Commencement ceremony through our partner platform Tassel. Completion of the RSVP form is required for all Class of 2026 graduates. 

The email will also share additional information for the 2026 Commencement planning process, including instructions for:

• Creating and setting up your Tassel account.
   
• Completing and editing your personalized appreciation slide (image, chosen name, and personal message) which will be displayed during the Commencement ceremony.
   
• Recording your name as it will be pronounced during the ceremony.
   
• Reserving and distributing guest tickets.

The firm deadline for you to submit a completed RSVP is Tuesday, April 14. 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.

Graduation regalia – cap and gown – is required for all Class of 2026 graduates planning to participate in the May Commencement ceremony. You can visit the Campus Store now to purchase and pick-up your regalia. You can also order your regalia online on the Campus Store website.