Commencement

Spring and Winter Ceremonies

SUNY Plattsburgh hosts Commencement ceremonies in the Winter (December) and Spring (May) 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.

We encourage you to read this information carefully.

Winter 2019
Schedule of Events

Mark the Date
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019
- Times: 10 a.m.
- Location: Gymnasium, SUNY Plattsburgh Field House
On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, an estimated 400 SUNY Plattsburgh students will begin a new phase of their lives as they receive their degrees during the 2018 Winter Commencement ceremonies.

This celebration of achievement would not be as poignant without the careful attention to the numerous details involved in planning this momentous occasion. The procedures on protocol covered here have proven to be highly effective in preserving the dignity of the proceedings over the years. They also establish proper decorum guaranteeing a memorable event for graduating students and spectators alike.

Schedule of Events

Prior to Commencement

Cardinal Spring Graduation Expo

Date: TBD in October
Location: College Store

SUNY Plattsburgh will host the Cardinal Graduation Expo in The College Store. If you're planning to graduate in December 2018, this is a great opportunity to purchase caps and gowns, diploma covers, commencement announcements, class rings, diploma frames and other gift items relating to Commencement.

Honors Center Medallion Ceremony

Date: TBD
Location: E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall

Graduating students in the Honors Center will receive medallions during this ceremony, which is open to family, friends and relatives. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony.

Any questions, please contact the Honors Center by phone at 518-564-3075.

Commencement Reception

Date: TBD
Location: Flynt Commons, Angell College Center

The Commencement Reception for the Class of 2019 is an opportunity for you to gather with your fellow classmates, family members, faculty and staff for a final goodbye. Family and friends of the graduating students are invited to attend the reception, which is free of charge. Reservations are not required, and dress is casual. SUNY Plattsburgh's newest alumni will receive a gift from the Office of Alumni Relations. This event is sponsored by the Plattsburgh Alumni Association, Plattsburgh College Foundation and College Auxiliary Services. Any questions, please contact the Alumni Office at 518-564-2090.

School of Business and Economics Graduation Reception

Date: TBD
Location: Charles and Nancy Warren Ballrooms, Angell College Center

Graduates in the School of Business and Economics receiving departmental awards are honored at the reception. Friends and family members are invited to attend. Any questions, please contact the School at 518-564-3185.
Spring 2020
Mark the Date
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
- Morning: 9 a.m. - School of Business and Economics/Education, Health and Human Services
- Afternoon: 2 p.m. - Arts and Sciences
- Location: Gymnasium, SUNY Plattsburgh Field House
On Saturday, May 16, 2020, nearly 1,000 SUNY Plattsburgh students will begin a new phase of their lives as they receive their degrees during the 2020 Spring Commencement ceremonies.

The first ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held for students majoring in programs within the School of Education, Health and Human Services and the School of Business and Economics. The second ceremony will commence at 2 p.m. for students in the School of Arts and Science.

This celebration of achievement would not be as poignant without the careful attention to the numerous details involved in planning this momentous occasion. The procedures on protocol covered here have proven to be highly effective in preserving the dignity of the proceedings over the years. They also establish proper decorum guaranteeing a memorable event for graduating students and spectators alike.

We encourage you to read this information carefully.

Schedule of Events

Prior to Commencement

Cardinal Spring Graduation Expo

Date: TBD in April
Location: College Store

SUNY Plattsburgh will host the Cardinal Graduation Expo in The College Store. If you're planning to graduate in May 2019, this is a great opportunity to purchase caps and gowns, diploma covers, commencement announcements, class rings, diploma frames and other gift items relating to Commencement.

Honors Center Medallion Ceremony

Date: TBD
Location: E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall

Graduating students in the Honors Center will receive medallions during this ceremony, which is open to family, friends and relatives. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony.

Any questions, please contact the Honors Center by phone at 518-564-3075.

Education, Health, and Human Services Awards and Honors Ceremony

Date: TBD
Location: E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall

Students from departments and programs in the school of EHHS will receive special awards and scholarships for their achievements during the past academic year. Students who have been named to the Dean's List during the previous two semesters will also be recognized. Any questions, please contact Robin Prenoveau or Jacqueline Lowther at 518-564-3066.

Commencement Reception

Date: TBD
Location: Flynt Commons, Angell College Center

The Commencement Reception for the Class of 2019 is an opportunity for you to gather with your fellow classmates, family members, faculty and staff for a final goodbye. Family and friends of the graduating students are invited to attend the reception, which is free of charge. Reservations are not required, and dress is casual. SUNY Plattsburgh's newest alumni will receive a gift from the Office of Alumni Relations. This event is sponsored by the Plattsburgh Alumni Association, Plattsburgh College Foundation and College Auxiliary Services. Any questions, please contact the Alumni Office at 518-564-2090.

School of Business and Economics Graduation Reception

Date: TBD
Location: Charles and Nancy Warren Ballrooms, Angell College Center

Graduates in the School of Business and Economics receiving departmental awards are honored at the reception. Friends and family members are invited to attend. Any questions, please contact the School at 518-564-3185.

Annual Arts and Science Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony

Date: TBD
Location: E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall

Students from departments and programs in the School of Arts and Sciences will receive special awards and scholarships for their achievements during the past academic year. Students who have been named to the Dean's List during the previous two semesters will also be recognized. Friends and family members are invited to attend.

Pinning Ceremony for Nursing Students

Date: TBD
Location: E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall

Please join the faculty of the Nursing Department at SUNY Plattsburgh in recognizing the nursing students who will graduate in the Class of 2018. Any questions, please contact Theresa Wenig at 518-564-3124.

Commencement Ceremonies Depend
On Academic Major (Spring)

In the spring, the college holds two commencement ceremonies, with participants divided based on their academic major.

Students planning to walk on stage to receive their diploma must register for the correct ceremony.

Morning Ceremony

The first ceremony at 9 a.m. is held for students majoring in programs within the Division of Education, Health and Human Services and the School of Business and Economics. Students in the following degree programs should participate in the morning ceremony.

School of Business and Economics

Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting - BS
- Business - BS
- Business Administration - BS
- Economics - BA/BS
- Entrepreneurship - BS
- Finance - BS
- Global Supply Chain Management - BS
- Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management - BS
- International Business - BS
- Management - BS
- Marketing - BS
Education, Health and Human Services

Bachelor Degree Programs
- Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) - BS
- Communication Disorders and Sciences - BA/BS
- Fitness and Wellness Leadership - BS
- Human Development and Family Relations - BS
- Nursing - BS
- Nutrition - BS
- Social Work - BS
- Special/Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) - BS
Combined Bachelor's/Master's Programs (BA/MST)
- Chemistry/Adolescence Education
- English/Adolescence Education
- French/Adolescence Education
- Geology/Adolescence Education
- History/Adolescence Education
- Mathematics/Adolescence Education
- Physics/Adolescence Education
- Spanish/Adolescence Education
Master of Arts Programs
- Liberal Studies - Leadership
- Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Science Programs
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- College and Agency Counseling
- Leadership
- Mental Health Counseling
- Student Affairs Counseling
Master of Science in Education Programs
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Literacy (Birth-Grade 6)
- Literacy (Grades 5-12)
- School Counselor
- Special Education (Birth -Grade 2)
- Special Education (Grade 1-6)
- Special Education (Grades 7-12)
- Teaching & Learning
Master of Science for Teachers Programs
- Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12)
- Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
Certificate of Advanced Study Programs
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Educational Leadership
- School Counselor
Certificate of Advanced Study/Master of Science in Education
- School Counselor
Certificate Program
- Communication Disorders & Sciences - CERT
Graduate Certificate
- Leadership - MS
Afternoon Ceremony

The afternoon ceremony will commence at 2 p.m. for students in the Division of Arts and Science. Students in the following degree programs should participate in the afternoon ceremony.

Arts and Science

Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology - BA
- Art - BA
- Art Studio - BFA
- Audio-Radio/Digital Media Production - BA/BS
- Biochemistry - BS
- Biology - BA/BS
- Canadian Studies - BA
- Chemistry - BA/BS
- Communication Studies - BA/BS
- Computer Science - BA
- Criminal Justice - BA
- Cytotechnology - BS
- Ecology - BS
- English - BA/BS
- Environmental Science - BA/BS
- Environmental Studies - BS
- Expeditionary Studies - BS
- French - BA/BS
- Geography - BA
- Geology - BA/BS
- History - BA/BS
- Individualized Studies - BA/BS
- Information Technology - BS
- Journalism: Magazine -BA/BS
- Journalism Multimedia - BA/BS
- Journalism: Newspaper - BA/BS
- Latin American Studies - BA
- Mathematics - BA/BS
- Medical Technology - BS
- Music - BA
- Philosophy - BA/BS
- Physics - BA/BS
- Political Science - BA/BS
- Psychology - BA/BS
- Public Relations - BA/BS
- Public Relations/Advertising - BA/BS
- Public Relations/Organizational Communication - BA/BS
- Sociology - BA
- Spanish- BA/BS
- Theatre - BA
- TV-Video Production/Broadcast Journalism - BA/BS
- Women's Studies - BA
Master of Arts Programs
- Liberal Studies
Master of Arts/Certificate of Advanced Study
- School Psychology
Master of Science Programs
- Natural Science

General Information

Guest Parking Available

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.

Assistance for 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 Open

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 Prohibited

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.

No Tickets Needed for Commencement

No tickets are 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 Not Allowed

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.