Messages and Updates

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.

Our current records show that you have submitted an RSVP to attend the graduation ceremony on Sunday, December 11, 2022, 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.

For planning purposes, an inclement weather date has been set for Thursday, December 16, 2022, at 6:00pm. 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.

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 sent to aross7@ithaca.edu.

• 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. 
• While lining up for the procession, please stand either in front of or behind 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!

• 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 or doctoral degree candidate, you will be the first to cross the stage and will also be hooded while on the stage. Be sure to bring your hood.
• 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. 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.

When you get to the center of the stage, pause and strike a pose for the professional photographer. You’ll then be directed off the stage. At the bottom of the ramp, ushers will guide you behind the stage for a second professional photograph moment. 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.

This year we will be offering our Commencement program, to include recognition of Graduate hooding, in a variety of ways. A commemorative, customized printed version of the program—with areas that can include your name, photographs, and messages from family and friends—can be ordered for just $10 plus tax, per program. Orders are due by Sunday, December 4, and you can pick up your customized program on Commencement day at the A&E Center.

Professionally printed copies of the standard program will also be available for sale in the A&E Center the day of Commencement, or they can be ordered through the Commencement website. The cost is $5 plus tax per program. Please note that in-person program purchases during the day of the event are by credit card only. Programs can also be ordered after December 4 and shipped directly to you. In addition, standard version of the program will be available to download and print at no charge through the December Commencement website.

• We are pleased to welcome family members and supporters at our in-person 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 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 on Commencement day (December 11, 2022) does not require a special permit. Guest may park in any legal space in M-lot, C-lot, or R-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. 
• 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 for those with mobility issues. 
• Further questions may be directed to the Office of Public Safety at 607-274-3756. 

Accessible seating with companion seating is available for individuals requiring a wheelchair and individuals who require ASL interpretation. Please email commencement@ithaca.edu for reservation of accessible seating spaces.

We will have a livestream of the ceremony available for family members and supporters who are unable to travel to Ithaca.

If you are posting photos to Instagram on the day of the event, be sure to use the hashtag #ICGrads.