Commencement

Class of 2024 Commencement will be May 21, 2024

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! The annual celebration of our graduating students will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Commencement Attendance Survey

If you are a member of the Class of 2024 and plan to participate in the May 21 ceremony, please let us know by filling out a short form at Commencement Registration | Campus Groups.  

Important Information/Frequently Asked Questions for May 2024 Commencement

When is the final day to apply for my college degree?
The final day to apply is April 10, 2024. However, your request will still be processed through the Academic Records Office after that date. Your name may not be published in official commencement programs due to the late submission, but you will still be able to participate in the commencement ceremony if you are eligible.  

Is applying to graduate the same as participating/walking for commencement?
No, applying to graduate is your request to finalize your degree. By submitting this request, we have your name and information for commencement day. Please let us know if you are coming by filling out a short form at Commencement Registration | Campus Groups.

How do I get my caps and gown?
Good news: Your cap, gown and tassel are included in the student fees you already paid! Beginning May 1, 2024, students can stop by the Bookstore to pick up their regalia through the day of the Commencement ceremony, there is no need to pre-order. Any questions, please contact the Bookstore directly at 607.844.6587, tc3@bkstr.com, or by just stopping in.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed or recorded? 
Yes, the ceremony will be both livestreamed and recorded for viewing. The link for the livestream will be on TC3 Commencement page and the recording will be posted on the College's YouTube page. Watch the recording of the 2023 Commencement Ceremony YouTube | Tompkins Cortland Community College

I plan to walk for Commencement, what time should I be at the gym?
To ensure ample time for lining up and organization, we suggest our graduates come to the field house at least 45 minutes before commencement begins (5:15 p.m.). This will allow any guests in attendance time to be seated in the gym prior to the start of the ceremony.  

I will need special accommodations for commencement, who should I contact?
If you, or a guest needs accommodations for the ceremony, please let us know and email us at commencement@tompkinscortland.edu.

When do I get my diploma?
Diplomas are available for pick-up in the Academic Records Office (Room 229) from July 8 - 10, between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Any diplomas not picked up in person will be mailed to the graduate's permanent address. 

When is the Nurses Pinning Ceremony?
The Nurses Recognition Ceremony will be on May 21 at 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Nursing students will receive more details from their faculty.  

 

 

General Information for Students Planning to Graduate

Students must apply to graduate in the semester prior to completing their program requirements. 

For instance, a student planning to graduate in May must apply to graduate by the deadline set in the fall semester. Even if a student does not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony, they must still apply to graduate.

After a student submits their application to graduate, the Office of Academic Records will begin a review of degree progress.

The status of the graduation application and degree audit can be checked in DegreeWorks, or under the Planning tab in Self-Service (previously myINFO). An alert is sent to students once the official degree audit has been completed by the office of Academic Records.

December Graduates 

The College holds two ceremonies each year to honor graduating students. The December Graduates Recognition Ceremony is an opportunity to pay tribute to those completing their degrees after the fall semester. The December ceremony is smaller and less formal than Commencement in May, but it is still full of excitement and pride in the accomplishments of our students and their families. Students that graduate in December are invited to come back and participate in the May Commencement Ceremony.

2023 December Graduates Recognition Ceremony

The December Graduates Recognition Ceremony was on Friday, December 8, 2023. The ceremony featured greetings from College officials and the Board of Trustees, along with remarks by Student Government Association President Marybeth Ortlieb and the keynote faculty address by Adjunct Associate Professor Fred Farah.

A recording of the ceremony is available on the College's YouTube channel. TC3 2023 December Graduate Recognition Ceremony | YouTube