Graduate's Checklist | SUNY Oswego

The big day is almost here! Use this checklist to prepare for graduation and to participate in the Commencement ceremonies.

Step 1: Apply for graduation

Step 2: Make sure you’ve met all graduation requirements

Step 3: Order your cap and gown

Commencement Day Procedures

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. SUNY Oswego personnel strive to make commencement as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Wearing the traditional academic gown and mortarboard 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. Adornments such as corsages, jewelry and purses detract from the formality of the ceremony.
Campus policy prohibits air horns and alcohol at Commencement.
To provide a safer environment for the public and to expedite entry into the Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall, University Police inspects all bags and purses. Please allow additional time for entry and please plan accordingly.
Please remember to bring your name card and all parts of your cap and gown to Commencement.

Disabled persons: Graduates, family members or guests who anticipate needing special assistance should contact Accessibility Resource Services at (315) 312-3358 prior to Friday, December 2. 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 Marano Campus Center for directions. Contact the usher at the door about special seating. Persons needing special assistance should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony.

For health and safety information, visit Oswego Forward.

Before the Ceremony

During the Ceremony

After the Ceremony

Information: For graduating students, there will be an information table inside the west entrance (Penfield Library side) to the Marano Campus Center. For families and guests, information will be available at the welcome center on the second floor.

Photographs: SUNY Oswego requests that guests remain seated during the ceremony. Professional photographers will be taking pictures of the graduates as they cross the stage. Graduates will be emailed a link from the photography company to view their photos. Graduation pictures can be ordered online at geneseephoto.com.

Diplomas: Remember that all requirements, as stipulated by the SUNY Oswego catalog, must be completed before diplomas are mailed.

All Commencement ceremonies and activities will be held in accordance with New York State health, safety and capacity guidelines in place at the time of the event.