In this communication:
- How to order your Cap & Gown — First Deadline March 22
- How to order tickets, identify seating in Cheel Arena and if anyone in your party has accessibility needs
- Housing on campus for those families who need overnight accommodations
- Commencement Program & Rehearsal information
- The schedule for YOUR BIG DAY!
Dear Degree Candidate
There is considerable detail in planning Commencement, and your cooperation is appreciated and needed to provide a memorable occasion for all participants and guests. Please read all of the information so that you are informed of plans thus far.
ORDER CAP AND GOWN
Cap & Gown should be ordered online through Herff Jones
The University Bookstore also has a small supply in-store should you decide you want to purchase in person.
For ship-to home, order deadline is Sunday April 14, 2024
For ship-to-store, order deadline is Friday, March 22, 2024
Your pre-ordered cap and gown will be available for pick up at the University Bookstore on Market St. in Potsdam during their normal business hours. There will be a message placed in the announcement emails once the orders arrive to notify you that your order is ready for pick-up.
Regalia must be paid for in full at the time of ordering. If you are unable to pick up your regalia or have questions about regalia, please contact Evan Hitchman at the University Bookstore ehitchma@clarkson.edu or 315-268-4300.
COMMENCEMENT TICKETS
To meet all safety and capacity codes for Cheel Arena seating, each graduate is guaranteed to receive 4 guest tickets. Tickets will be able to be claimed starting on Tuesday, April 9th at 8PM. Graduates will have the ability to choose seating for their guests in advance similar to how visitors preview where to sit at hockey games. Ticket instructions will be sent out in the coming weeks to those graduates who have completed their graduation application, so please watch your Clarkson email for information on how to reserve your tickets.
Starting Tuesday, April 23rd at 8PM if there are additional tickets available after every graduate is able to claim their 4 guaranteed tickets, up to 2 additional tickets may be claimed on a 1st come 1st served basis, based on availability and arena seating capacities. An email will be sent Monday, April 22nd on if additional tickets are going to be available.
COMMENCEMENT TICKETS FOR GUESTS WITH ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS – By Monday, March 25, 2024
If any of your guests have any mobility, vision or hearing concerns, or any other special needs. Complete the Commencement Accessibility Needs Seating Request Form by March 25, 2024 to ensure your guests have the proper seating accommodations.
If you have questions about the ticket process, email commencementtickets@clarkson.edu.
CAMPUS ARRIVAL INFORMATION
This information will be posted on to the website as we get closer to the commencement ceremony for those who need it.
ON-CAMPUS GUEST ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS
If your family has not been able to procure overnight accommodations in the community, at this time, we will be offering On Campus Guest accommodations. We will be housing guests on campus in Reynolds House this year. All of the guest rooms will be double rooms with two twin XL beds. Linens, towels, and wash clothes will be provided with each room. We would suggest bringing an extra pillow and comforter to make you stay as comfortable as possible. Please use this link to make your reservation. https://connect.clarkson.edu/register/commencement_housing_2024
COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL – FRIDAY, MAY 10 FROM 10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
The rehearsal is extremely important (and fun!)! Commencement rehearsal on Friday, May 10th will be in the Cheel Arena starting at 10:30 a.m., at which time the procedures for the graduation exercises will be reviewed. All graduates are expected to attend rehearsal. If you are unable to attend, please contact commencement@clarkson.edu so that we can have your rehearsal packet in the Cheel lobby at the information table, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday prior to the commencement ceremony.
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
A version of the commencement program will be shared online on April 8th for you to review that your name is spelled correctly (it is taken from your graduation application) and inform staff if it needs to be changed.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES TIMELINE- SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024
1:15 p.m. Doors open to Cheel Arena for guest with accessibility seating and their escorts
1:25p.m. Doors open to Cheel Arena for guests with floor tickets (first come, first serve)
1:30 p.m. The Student Procession will form outside on Cheel Lawn alongside CAMP, between the Student center, and the arena. If there is inclement weather, there will be no procession and students will find their seats inside Cheel Arena.
1:35 p.m. Doors open to Cheel Arena for guests with reserved tickets
2:05 p.m. Student, Faculty and Stage party Procession begins moving
2:30 p.m. Commencement Ceremony begins
*Ceremony lasts approximately 2 ½ -3 hours
Further details on Commencement and rehearsal will be sent to you late in April. If at any time you change your mind regarding your participation in the Commencement program for May 2024, promptly email commencement@clarkson.edu.
Please note that students are able to participate in the Commencement Exercise if they appear on their department’s graduation list.
Information regarding Commencement is also available online at https://www.clarkson.edu/student-life/annual-university-events/commencement-ceremonies/may-commencement-bachelors-degrees
On behalf of the employees at Clarkson, we are all so proud of you and your accomplishments. We are here to work together with you to make this a special day for you and your families. We appreciate your support and review of the timeline and action items.
Megan Mulvenna
University Events Director
(she/her/hers)
MARKETING & EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Box 5601
8 Clarkson Avenue
Potsdam, NY 13699
Office: 315-268-2189
mmulvenn@clarkson.edu