Participation Information
Who may participate?
The May 2026 ceremonies will recognize students who complete their degree requirements in December 2025, May 2026 or August 2026 or are expected to complete internship, fieldwork or another academic requirement that is not completed on or near the Cortland campus in December 2026.
How do I apply for my degree and indicate my intentions to participate in the ceremony?
To graduate, students must apply for their degree regardless of whether they plan to participate in the Graduate Commencement ceremony.
Students apply for their degree in myRedDragon and must have 18 credits earned to apply. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor to check their eligibility status. For more detailed information, follow the instructions on the Graduate Student homepage.
Please complete the degree conferral application by April 1, 2026.
After completing the degree conferral application, students can view the status of their application with the following steps:
- Login to myRedDragon
- Select the "Student" tab
- Select "Degree Conferral and Graduation” on the Registrar channel
- Choose the "Review Existing Applications" link
I missed the filing deadline to register for Commencement. What should I do?
Regardless of whether they miss the April 1 deadline, students must apply for their degree in order to graduate, whether or not they plan to participate in the Graduate Commencement ceremony.
After students apply for their degree, those who plan to participate in the Graduate Commencement Ceremony should reach out the Campus Event Management and Registrar's offices for more information.
Ceremony Information
When and where is the ceremony held?
The Graduate Commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Park Center Alumni Arena. Students should report to Park Center Corey Gymnasium at 6 p.m. to check-in with their graduate stage pass. After check-in, staff members will assemble students by school to prepare for the processional.
Guest Admission: Doors will open at 6 p.m. and tickets are NOT required.
Is there a rehearsal for the Graduate Commencement ceremony?
No. There is no rehearsal for the Graduate Commencement ceremony. Graduates should report to Park Center Corey Gymnasium at 6 p.m. to check-in with their graduate stage pass. After check-in, staff members will give hooding instructions and assemble graduates by school. Hooding instructions can be viewed prior to the ceremony using this link.
How long will the ceremony last?
The procession will begin promptly at 7 p.m. The length of the ceremony is approximately two hours.
As an upcoming graduate, what should I expect the day of the event?
Graduates can learn about the ceremony here.
What should I wear under my cap and gown?
Commencement is a formal ceremony, graduates please dress accordingly. The general rule is light weight, non-restricting clothes. Business professional or formal attire is recommended, which may include a dress or skirt, dress slacks, a button-down shirt, suit or a tie. Mortarboard (cap) tassels should be worn on the left side throughout the ceremony and gowns should be zipped all the way up.
Students unable to pick up their Commencement order prior to the ceremony should contact The Campus Store to place the order on hold. The Campus Store offers extended business hours to accommodate students who need to get their order the day of the ceremony. Please see The Campus Store hours listed below.
The Campus Store Hours
Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Contact The Campus Store
Phone: 607-753-4621
college.store@cortland.edu
The Campus Store website