Commencement

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May 2020 Commencement - Saturday, May 16 | Marano Campus Center Arena and Convocation Center
9:00am: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
12:30pm: School of Business
4:00pm: School of Education / School of Commucations, Media and the Arts
Guest Accommodations | Diploma Frames

SAVE THE DATE: 2020 Graduation Fair (Tuesday, April 14 from 10:00am-7:00pm)
Graduation Fair is the first opportunity for May 2020 graduating seniors to purchase their regalia for graduation and meet all their graduation needs in one stop. More details soon!

COMMENCEMENT ATTIRE - CAPS AND GOWNS
Academic regalia is an integral part of the graduation ceremony. The different colors and style all denote the achievements of the wearers. These traditions date back to the middle ages. Since graduation is the most important of SUNY Oswego's academic ceremonies, it is vital that all candidates for graduation are appropriately attired. Check out this fun video on how to properly wear your Master's cap and gown!

A large number of caps and gowns in various sizes will be available for purchase. Undergraduate and master degree candidates do not need to place a special order for their cap and gown. You will have the opportunity to purchase your cap and gown first at our 2020 Graduation Fair on April 14 then via in-store purchase or online at the end of April. More details soon!

CAP AND GOWN PRICING
Do you know what’s included in the price of your cap and gown? SUNY Oswego does not charge a mandatory graduation fee. In many schools, this would be added to each graduate’s last tuition bill regardless of whether the he/she attended the ceremony. Instead, the cost of certain items that are critical to staging the ceremonies is included in the price of your cap and gown.

Some examples of these expenses are renting the large tent overlooking the lake, north of the Marano Campus Center and the receptions for graduates and guests after each ceremony. Additionally, there are programs for all and diploma covers for the graduates. Flowers enhance the stage for the day of the event and forever in pictures. SUNY Oswego takes pride in providing a pleasant opportunity for graduates and their families to celebrate graduates’ achievements with faculty members and college staff. We hope this knowledge is helpful. We wish you success in your future endeavors.

COMMENCEMENT TICKETS/SEATING
Each student participating in Commencement receives a total of six (6) tickets for their family and friends to attend the ceremony. These tickets are distributed to the student with the purchase of a full regalia unit or with the purchase of a tassel (at the College Store in Marano Campus Center) should the graduate already have access to the appropriate cap and gown, and hood for the Master candidate.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure parking and seating, which is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Persons with disabilities: Graduates, family members or guests who anticipate needing special assistance should contact Accessibility Resource Services (315) 312-3358 prior to Commencement Day. Family members and guests who are disabled should report to the University Police officer directing traffic at the handicap accessible drop-off point on the west side of the Campus Center. Contact the usher at the door about special seating. Those persons who will need this special assistance should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony.

On the day of Commencement, a link will be available on the main page of www.oswego.edu for a webcast of the ceremonies. We also plan to post a recorded version of the ceremonies after the event on the SUNY Oswego YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sunyoswegovideo

COMMENCEMENT DRESS
Commencement is a time for family, friends, faculty and staff to take pride in graduates' accomplishments and congratulate them on a job well done. The ceremony symbolizes the culmination of many years of hard work. Wearing the traditional academic gown and mortar board is required for participation in Commencement. The appropriate attire to wear with a cap and gown is a dress, skirt or slacks, and dark shoes. We ask your help in making the ceremony a pleasant experience for all by taking into consideration adornments such as corsages, jewelry and purses detract from the formality of the ceremony. Also a reminder - campus policy prohibits alcohol at commencement.

COMMENCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
To order personalized graduation announcements, please visit the Herff Jones website: https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/site/descriptors. Input "Oswego" into the search box, choose "Oswego State University of New York", select "2019 May Ceremony", then select your ceremony date and time and proceed with the step-by-step instructions.

CLASS RINGS
We will have numerous opportunities during the semester for you to browse or purchase your class ring. A representative from Herff Jones will visit our store, giving you a chance to browse, ask questions, and order your class ring. You may also visit our customized website from Herff Jones to browse or purchase your class ring online.

COMMENCEMENT DAY PHOTOS
Looking for photos from Commencement Day of graduates receiving their diploma? Visit www.geneseephoto.com and search SUNY Oswego.