May 12, 2012
10 am
McLane Center
Commencement will take place Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., in McLane Center.
Frequently asked questions:
Are there
any special requirements for students planning
to graduate?
Candidates for degrees are required to complete
the Application
for Graduation form at
least 60 days prior to
the graduation date. This form is also available
at the Student Service Center. If there is any question as to whether the student will meet graduation requirements, please contact the Student Service Center at 607.871.2123.
What about caps and gowns for students?
The full package (cap, gown, hood and tassel) can
be purchased from the AU Bookstore. Orders must be placed by March 23, 2012 (there will be a late fee for orders placed after the deadline). All measurements
are taken at the Bookstore.
The cost for student bachelor regalia is $57.96. The cost for student master's regalia is $62.96.
Cash, check or credit cards are accepted
and payment is required when ordering. The order
can be picked up the week of graduation. Diploma
frames are also available at the Bookstore. Questions regarding regalia, announcements or reserving flowers should be directed to the Bookstore via email.
Free invitations will be available for degree candidates to pick up at the Powell Campus Center Information Desk by the end of March. Please note there is a limit of five per candidate. An invitation from the President is sent to parents of record of potential degree candidates in April.
Are tickets required to attend
Commencement?
Tickets are not required. Reserved seating will
be roped off for the graduates, faculty, guests and
those who require special seating. All remaining
seats are available on a first come, first served
basis. (McLane doors will open around 8:30 a.m.)
Are there any special events
or receptions for seniors and families on Commencement
weekend?
Graduates and their families are invited to a dinner Friday in Ade Dining Hall hosted by the Alfred University Board of Trustees. Details and ticket information will be included in a spring mailing from the Office of Residence Life. A family breakfast buffet is offered on Saturday morning from 7:15 to 9:00 a.m. in the Knight Club, Powell Campus Center. The cost is $10 per person (including graduating student). Tickets may be obtained through advance sales ONLY. Reservations must be received by April 20. Information regarding reservations and payment will be mailed out in April from the Office of Residence Life.
Individual college receptions (generally with appetizers, punch and cookies) are held after the ceremony in designated buildings on campus. (A map and specific information will be included in the Commencement program).
Should you wish to make reservations for meals off campus, please refer to the list of local restaurants and contact them directly.
How long does Commencement last?
The ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. and is generally
over around 12:30 p.m. We suggest allowing extra
travel time for parking before the ceremony and departing
the area due to the anticipated high volume of traffic.
(We suggest not making any meal reservations outside
of Alfred any earlier than 1:30 p.m.)
What accommodations are available?
Due to the Board of Trustees meetings on campus
prior to Commencement and their attendance at the
ceremony, there are no rooms available at the Saxon
Inn. Rooms in our residence halls can be reserved
on campus for families through the Office of Residence
Life. (A mailing is sent out with details and reservation
forms in April or call the office at 607.871.2186.) Reservations must be received by April 20. The cost for on-campus lodging is $30 per person/per night. This includes linen (2 bed sheets, pillows, blankets and towels per person). There will be an additional charge for linen not left in the room upon departure. Parents arriving after 4:00 p.m. on Friday must make arrangements for their graduate to pick up their room key and meal tickets (if applicable).
Please check the list of area accommodations for other options and make your reservations directly with the accommodation of your choice. You are encouraged to make reservations early.
Where do we park?
Parking spaces are always limited and during the
Commencement weekend are particularly hard to find,
so please plan accordingly. Parking lots are available
around McLane Center and on the green area between
McLane and Davis gym and other campus parking lots.
Individuals with special parking permits will be
able to drop off people at the back door but will
have to park wherever designated parking is available.
Are there special accommodations
for the handicapped?
The Office of Residence Life oversees requests for
special seating at Commencement. A limited number
of seats for those who have difficulty walking or
who need wheelchair access may be reserved via the
forms sent out by Residence Life in April or by
calling the office at 607.871.2186. We regret that
due to limited space, we can only accommodate one
companion with the individual needing special seating. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that accessible seating will be available to accommodate those who do not make arrangements in advance.
Note: wheelchairs and walkers can be reserved through ProcAir in Hornell 607.324.0335.
Will there be professional photographers
and videographers?
The University has contracted with Island Photographers
to provide pictures of the graduates. (A mailing
is sent by this company prior to the event. Any specific
questions about what they offer can be directed to
them at 800.869.0908 or 516.767.1234.) Additional photos may be
taken by family and friends.
Graduates and parents with questions about the individual portraits taken immediately after they received their diplomas are asked to contact:
Island Photography
P.O. Box 70
Port Washington, NY 11050
800.869.0908
www.islandphoto.com
Bartlett Television Productions of Rochester, NY generally supplies video coverage of the event. They can be reached at 585.334.4058 or 877.508.4336 or via email. Brochures with further information regarding this will be included in a mailing from Residence Life.
A live broadcast of the Commencement ceremony will be shown on AUTV in various locations in McLane. Limited seating will be available in these locations.
Download the Commencement video at Alfred University on iTunes U
Will the AU Bookstore be open on
Commencement day?
The AU Bookstore will have tables set up in McLane
selling AU memorabilia and will offer fresh flowers
for purchase prior to the ceremony. After Commencement
the store is open from noon until 2:30
p.m.
What if there is a medical emergency during the ceremony?
The
Alfred ambulance crew will be standing by outside
the side entrance (the tennis court side) of the
McLane Center in case of any emergencies.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email Cheryl Monroe or call, Office of the Provost at 607.871.2137.