Checklist

Meet with Advisor

Students should meet with advisors to verify eligibility for graduation.

Apply for your degree

To graduate, students must apply for their degree regardless of participation in the Commencement ceremony. Degree application is accomplished through myRedDragon. Students must complete these steps by April 1, 2026.

1. Enter your ID and password.
2. Select the "Student" tab
3. Navigate to the "Registrar" block.
4. Scroll to "Degree and Conferral Information."
5. Select "Graduate Degree Application." 
6. At prompt for Commencement participation, indicate whether you plan to attend the Commencement ceremony.
7. If additional information is needed, please refer to the Degree conferral application process.

The Campus Store is now accepting orders for the following Commencement related items:

Required items

• Cap, gown, tassel and hood

*Students must purchase the appropriate hood color as designated by their respective school.

Optional items

• Class ring
• Diploma frame
• Alumni memorabilia

*Diploma covers will be provided at the ceremony as graduates cross the stage.  They do not need to be purchased.

Reserve your Graduate Commencement ceremony student stage pass through Tassel.

*Students who have yet to apply still need to complete the degree conferral application to graduate regardless of participation in the Commencement ceremony.

1. Check email account, myRedDragon announcements and the Commencement website frequently for the latest Commencement news.
2. Clear up any outstanding obligations (holds) with the university, such as term balance due, parking tickets, recreation/athletic fees, library fees, etc. 

A diploma can not be issued unless all obligations are cleared.

Students who miss the filing deadline to register for Commencement must still apply for degree conferral on myRedDragon.

Students who miss the deadline but would like to participate in the ceremony must contact the Campus Event Management for further information at events@cortland.edu or 607-753-5453.

Arrive for the ceremony in regalia by 6 p.m. at Park Center Corey Gymnasium (second floor). The gymnasium will be marked designating where graduates will line up. Pay close attention to the signage and detailed instructions given to you as you check-in.

Students must bring their graduate stage pass in order to gain access to Corey Gymnasium.