56th Annual Commencement

Friday, May 10, 2024, 4:00 p.m., Physical Education Building

A reception in the quad will follow the ceremony. 

Graduation Application

Students who believe they are eligible to graduate must complete a graduation application, regardless of whether they plan to participate in the ceremony.  The completed graduation application should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office no later than Friday, April 12. Applications will continue to be accepted after April 12; however, names of graduates who submit an application after April 12 may not be included in the graduation program, news release, and on Class of 2024 t-shirts.

Commencement Regalia

Students planning to participate in the Commencement ceremony can pick up regalia (caps and gowns) in the College Bookstore Monday, April 15 through Friday, May 3. Bookstore hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. To receive caps and gowns, students must show photo ID (i.e. driver’s license, Herkimer College ID or other government issued photo ID). You will be fitted for your cap and gown at pick up, and will be asked to sign for them. If you are unable to pick up your regalia during this time, contact Mr. Craft at craftrm@herkimer.edu or (315) 866-1550 by Friday, April 26 to make special arrangements.

Honors Stoles and Cords

  • Graduates with a cumulative 3.8 GPA or higher (as of completion of winter 2023 semester) are entitled to wear a gold honors stole distributed to eligible graduates with regalia. If you do not receive an honors stole with your regalia, and you believe you are eligible, please contact the Registrar’s office at (315) 574-4037 or registrar@herkimer.edu to confirm your eligibility.
  • Phi Theta Kappa members in good standing (blue/gold cords), first-generation students (white cords), and LGBTQ+ students (lavender cords) may pick up cords with your regalia at the bookstore.
  • Honors Program graduates are eligible to wear gold cords, available through the Honors program coordinator.
  • Veterans who receive VA benefits or self-identify themselves to the Registrar with a copy of their DD214 are eligible to wear red, white, and blue cords. Contact the Registrar’s office for your Veterans cords no later than Friday, May 3.

Honors stoles and cords will not be available for pick up the day of Commencement.

Guest Tickets

Guest tickets are limited to 4 per graduate and will be distributed to graduates with regalia. If additional tickets become available, a notification will be sent to all graduates via email and text.

  • Each guest entering the gymnasium will be required to present a ticket.
  • Children ages 3 and up are required to have tickets. Children under 3 without tickets must sit on a lap. (Due to limited space, strollers are discouraged.)
  • Seating in the gymnasium is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Most seating is bleacher style.
  • Special seating for guests with mobility difficulties will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Animals, back packs, and other large bags are not allowed in the building.
  • Please note the gymnasium can get warm, so please dress accordingly.

For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available at www.herkimer.edu/commencement.

Special Needs

Graduates who need any special accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter or a ramp to the stage must notify the Public Relations Office no later than Monday, March 27 at (315)-574-4026 or ruffingrj@herkimer.edu.

Commencement Line-Up

Graduates should report to the Technology Center by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, so proper marching order can be arranged. Late arrivals may not be permitted to participate in the ceremony. Graduates will be lined up alphabetically in order of major, and then by last name. Bring your regalia with you, and refrain from bringing purses and other valuables, as there is not a secure place to store them during the ceremony.

Post-Commencement Reception

Graduates and guests are invited to gather for light refreshments on the lawn outside the Physical Education Building immediately following the ceremony.

Photography

The College has contracted with Genesee Photo to take photos of each graduate as they receive their diploma. Within a few weeks of the ceremony, graduates will receive an email at their college-issued email account (herkimer.edu) with an individual passcode and link to view proofs and purchase photos. For more information: www.geneseephoto.com

Flowers

Commencement flowers may be purchased online in advance. The vendor will have a stand at the entrance to the ceremony where online orders can be picked up. Flowers will also be sold on site at the same prices, but ordering ahead of time guarantees your selection of color/size. To order, go to www.commencementflowers.com/herkimer.

Class of 2024 T-Shirts

T-shirts featuring graduates’ names may be ordered in advance at this link: www.thecommencementgroup.com/herkimer/  T-shirts may also be purchased at the ceremony entrance. The cost is $36 and credit cards, debit cards, Apply Pay and Tap will be accepted.

Diplomas

You will receive a diploma cover only at Commencement. Diplomas will be mailed in July to all graduates whose degree requirements have been met.

Questions