Checklist

A Commencement postcard will be sent to students' permanent addresses. The information provided on the postcard is also listed on the Commencement website.  

Meet with Advisor

Students should meet with advisors to verify eligibility for graduation.

Apply for your degree

To graduate, you must apply for your degree regardless of participation in the Commencement ceremony. Visit the Registrar's Office to review the application timelines. Degree application is accomplished through myRedDragon. After logging in to myRedDragon, do the following:

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 "Undergraduate Degree Application." 
6. At prompt for Commencement participation, indicate whether you plan to attend a ceremony.
7. If additional information is needed, please refer to the Degree conferral application process.

The Campus Store will be accepting orders for the following Commencement related items:

Required items

• Cap, gown, and tassel

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.

Students who have missed the April 1 deadline can still apply. Students who have yet to apply still need to complete the degree conferral application to graduate regardless of participation in the Commencement ceremony.

The ticket reservation process will be accessible online through myRedDragon and within the Commencement Tab, beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16, through 11:55 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Each student will reserve a graduate stage pass, which is the student ticket to participate in the ceremony, and a maximum of four (4) guest e-tickets.

If a graduate who has applied for degree conferral and filled out their Tassel registration, but misses the April 17 deadline to reserve tickets, please contact the Campus Event Management Office at 607-753-5453 or events@cortland.edu. 

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.
3. If applicable, pick up honors tassels from Campus Event Management on select dates in April and May 2026 or on the day of the ceremony.

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

Attend rehearsal Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. in the Park Center Alumni Arena. Instructions for the day of the ceremony, including line-up procedures, will be provided. All candidates for graduation are encouraged to attend. Rehearsal will last approximately 30 minutes.

Report to Park Center, Corey Gymnasium, with your graduate stage pass and wearing your cap, gown, and tassel.

• Ceremony A: Report at 8:30 a.m. 
• Ceremony B: Report at 1:30 p.m. 
• Ceremony C: Report at 6 p.m.