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 Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony. 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.
Important Graduate Hooding and Commencement Updates for the Class of 2026
May 2026 Graduate Hooding and Commencement Information
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET (Doors open at 12:00 p.m., graduates should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. and guests should be seated by 12:30 p.m. The ceremony is expected to end by 2:30 p.m.)
Location: Glazer Arena, Athletics & Events Center
Tickets
Due to the smaller nature of the Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony, there will not be a guest ticketing process. Graduates are permitted to invite as many guests as they would like to attend this event.
In addition, the ceremony will be livestreamed.
RSVP Through Tassel
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 Graduate Hooding and 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 Graduate Hooding and 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 Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony.
- Recording your name as it will be pronounced during the ceremony.
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.
Regalia (Cap and Gown)
Graduation regalia – cap, gown, and hood – is required for all Class of 2026 graduates planning to participate in the Graduate Hooding and 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.
Additional Important Upcoming Dates
March 6 (6:00 PM ET) | First Grads and Families Virtual Webinar
This virtual webinar will cover information about May Graduate Hooding and Commencement, including information on how graduates complete registration in Tassel. This is an opportunity for grads to connect with the Commencement Co-Chairs and ask questions. An invitation with an access link to this event will be shared in a subsequent email.
April 9 (6:00 PM ET) | Second Grads and Families Virtual Webinar
This virtual webinar will focus on information about the day of the ceremony, including arrival check-in, parking, photography, and ceremony flow. The webinar will also share final reminders about the upcoming April 14 deadline to complete registration in the Tassel platform. An invitation with an access link to this event will be shared in a subsequent email.
Early April | First Destination Survey Goes Live
The First Destination Survey is a requirement that graduates must complete in order to receive their Ithaca College diploma. Even if you have not identified your next steps following graduation, please take two minutes to complete this important survey.
May 16, 8:30 p.m. | Commencement Eve Concert and Fireworks
Plan to join us for this annual IC tradition that showcases the talents of our student performers.
We are very excited to celebrate you in May! Additional information about speakers and updates about our plans will be shared as they solidify. Remember to check the Graduate Hooding and Commencement website regularly for updates and direct any questions about Graduate Hooding and Commencement to commencement@ithaca.edu.
Warmly,
The Commencement Committee Co-Chairs