Commencement Checklist and Information for Graduates

If you are participating in Commencement 2024, this checklist is your place to complete important advance to-dos in preparation for the ceremony and the weekend’s activities.

Deadlines as well as mandatory and optional items are identified. Send questions to commencement@colgate.edu.
 

 

Mandatory Ceremony Items

Deadline: March 21, 2024

Submitting the following information by March 21, 2024, is vital for ensuring your ability to fully participate in the May 19 ceremony.

Order Cap and Gown

Caps, gowns, and tassels will be provided to graduates at no cost.

You must order your own on the Oak Hall website. This is the only way to obtain a cap and gown. Contact Michele Carney (mcarney@colgate.edu, 315-228- 7425) with any questions.

Pick up will be at the Colgate Bookstore:

  • Thursday, May 16: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Friday, May 17: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 18: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Graduate and Guest Information Form

Graduates are responsible for providing the following information to Colgate on behalf of themselves and their guests. You will need your Colgate login. Fill out this form to:

  • Confirm your name as it will appear on your diploma and in the printed program.
  • Provide your name pronunciation so we’ll get it right during the ceremony.
  • Make Friday Commencement Dinner reservations for you and your guests.
  • Reserve up to five guest tickets for the commencement ceremony, in case inclement weather forces us indoors, where seating will be limited.
  • Let us know if any of your guests will have accessibility needs for the ceremony.
     

Deadline: May 3, 2024

Senior Exit Survey

Colgate asks all graduating seniors to complete a survey about their experience. You will receive an email with a unique link to your survey on April 2. Your input is important, and you will need to complete the survey by May 3 in order to receive your cap and gown.

Survey to be emailed in April

Optional Items

These optional to-do items have different deadlines, so keep an eye on them!

Professional Ceremony Photos

Official 2024 ceremony photos will be provided by Island Photography. Representatives will be capturing each senior’s “moment” as they cross the stage to receive their diploma. 

Graduating students can register for a photo link in advance. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase. 

Up to six family members can also register to get a photo link through this separate form.

Within 48–72 hours after the ceremony, you will be emailed a unique link to view or order your images from your celebration. 
 
Further information: custserv@islandphoto.com or 800-869-0908.

Senior Class Gift

Deadline: June 30, 2024

The Senior Class Giving Committee welcomes the Class of 2024 to give back to Colgate. All gifts make a difference. Your gift can be designated to any area of campus that is meaningful to you or to the Colgate Fund, which provides support where needs are greatest.

Graduation Announcements

Order your Colgate graduation announcements via Colgate University's page on the Jostens website.

Senior Portrait Session for the 2024 Yearbook (Salmagundi)

Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, 2024; Feb. 5–9
Location: Parker Commons

Portraits will be taken in business attire, and graduation gown (gown provided).

A sitting fee of $15 is due at the time of your sitting (charged to your Student Account). 

It is important that you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. No walk-ins permitted.

Questions? 1-800-OUR-YEAR (687-9327), during normal business hours. 

You can use your portrait for professional networking and job search as well.

This is your last chance to get a portrait taken!

Yearbook (Salmagundi)

Senior ad deadline: March 31, 2024
Order deadline: April 30, 2024

For more information on ad and order deadlines, please email salmagundi@colgate.edu.

Class Ring

Commemorate your accomplishments with a class ring from Jostens.

Graduation Items at the Colgate Bookstore

Grab these graduation essentials from the Colgate Bookstore, or order online

Diploma Frames and More

Mark Your Calendar

Class of 2024 Graduation Fair

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Hall of Presidents

The Graduation Fair is your chance to learn how commencement weekend works and everything you need to know to get ready. Learn about guest information (on-campus housing option, inclement weather ceremony tickets, accessibility accommodations); get your Senior Checklist questions answered and some of your To-Dos completed (like ordering your cap and gown); and more.

Senior Night at Frank

April 25, 2024 | Frank Dining Hall

The class will gather for dinner with President Casey.

Senior Sunset

May 16, 2024 | Raab House
The class will gather at Raab House for a toast at sunset.

Questions?

Caps & Gowns, Professional Ceremony Photography

Michele Carney: mcarney@colgate.edu, 315-228-7425

General Commencement Info

University Events: commencement@colgate.edu; 315-228-4444