May 17, 2008
10 am
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 should be placed 8 weeks prior to graduation. All measurements are taken at the Bookstore and the package is $50.45 for a bachelor's degree and $55.95 for a master's degree. 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.

Are there invitations to Commencement?

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.)

A family breakfast buffet is offered on Saturday morning from 7:15 to 9:00 a.m. in Ade Hall. The cost is approximately $9 per person (including graduating student) and tickets may be obtained through advance sales ONLY. Reservations must be received by April 18 . (Reservations and payment required through Residence Life with details mailed out in March.)

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 March or call the office at 607.871.2186) Reservations must be received by April 18. The cost for on-campus lodging is approximately $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 4:30 p.m. on Friday must make arrangements for their son/daughter 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 the 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 March 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 516.676.4567) Additional photos may be taken by family and friends.

David Bartlett generally supplies video coverage of the event. He can be reached at 585.334.4058 or via email. He usually sends a mailing.

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.

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.

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.