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  • Congratulations to our Graduates!

  • Congratulations to our Graduates!

Commencement

Each year, SUNY Plattsburgh hosts Commencement twice - once in the Spring (May) and again in Winter (December) on Saturdays.

The Spring Commencement is divided into two ceremonies on the same day (9 a.m. and 2 p.m.)

There is one ceremony during Winter Commencement, which begins at 10 a.m.

Message from President John Ettling

Dear Degree Candidates, Family, Friends and Relatives:

I look forward to welcoming our graduating students along with their families and friends as they come together to share in this special ceremony.

There are a number of important items that all students planning to graduate in need to complete. Please read the details in the links below to be sure you've done everything in time.

Degree candidates need to apply for their diploma with the Registrar's Office to guarantee their names will be listed in the Commencement Program. If you have not applied yet, please do so today. Please use the link to complete the online process: Application for Diploma.

If you have any questions, please contact my office by email or phone.

Sincerely,

John Ettling
President

Ceremonies

We encourage you to read this information carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the President's Office at your earliest convenience.

General Information

Guests Parking

Guest parking will be available in the parking lots adjacent to the Field House. Limited parking for guests with disabilities is located immediately in front of the Field House. However, you must possess a handicapped decal or license plate to park in that section.

Vehicles may drive to the front of the Field House and unload your guests, but must be parked in the nearby lots. Please follow the directions of University Police at all times.

Individuals with Disabilities

The Field House is accessible to the disabled through the gymnasium's front entrance (please look for signs) Mindful of the potential for an emergency, we request individuals in wheelchairs or those unable to climb stairs or bleachers to sit in the area designated. Disabled-accessible restroom facilities are also available nearby. Participants and/or guests, who have questions regarding disability access should contact the President's Office at 518-564-2010.

SUNY Plattsburgh also provides a signer for graduating students and guests with hearing problems. Please notify the President's Office at 518-564-2010 prior to Commencement Day to make arrangements for seating of those requiring this service.

College Store

The College Store will be selling light refreshments, flowers for graduates and gift merchandise in the lobby of the Field House prior to each ceremony.

Alcohol, Smoking

Commencement is a formal ceremony and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Please follow the directions of the ushers and University Police officers at all times.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Field House grounds as well as in the building. Guests, as well as graduates, are not permitted to smoke in the Field House due to state law.

Persons, including degree candidates, found to have alcoholic beverages in their possession or smoking during the ceremony will be removed from the premises by University Police.

Tickets for Commencement

No tickets will be required for students or their guests to attend commencement. However, college officials may stop the entry of guests if the Field House Gymnasium reaches capacity.

Balloons, Noisemakers

Balloons are not allowed in the Field House Gymnasium since these items can do damage to the buildings air handling system. Please refrain from bringing them to Commencement. Other forms of distraction, such as noisemakers, are also prohibited.

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