Commencement will be held outdoors on Saturday, May 18 at 10:15 a.m., in the Academic Quad in front of Satterlee Hall. Please be prepared for the weather (hint: bring rain jackets and umbrellas).
Note (In case of Severe or Extreme Weather): A decision to move the ceremony inside will be made no later than 6 a.m. on Saturday only if extreme weather conditions are forecast (lightning, freezing temperatures, etc).
If the emergency plan is implemented, an email will be sent to all graduates, and an announcement will be made on local radio stations and on this website. Learn More
Accessibility
Seating for guests who are physically challenged or require special accommodations will be available. There will be a sign language interpreter on the Commencement stage.
Please Note: Some care should be given to decisions about whether to invite very elderly or infirm guests to the Commencement ceremony. The outdoor ceremony exposes people to the elements. Limited seating will be available at Knowles MPR for those who cannot tolerate the elements will be able to see the ceremony on a large screen. Parking is available in lot #9 for closest access to Knowles.
Accommodations
On campus
There will be a number of on-campus rooms available for Thursday, May 16, Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. Each room will come with two twin extra-long beds, two desks, two closets and access to shared bathrooms on the floor. No linens will be provided and must be brought by the individuals making the reservation. Each room is $60 per night, payable in cash or check upon arrival. The Reservation Form below will be accessible April 1.
Note: Filling out this form does not guarantee a reservation. We will be emailing out confirmations starting on April 14. Should we fill available rooms, we will be adding reservations to our waiting list and will communicate status with those who make the reservations.
Off campus
- Potsdam and St. Lawrence County offers a number of motels/hotels and Bed & Breakfast. Go online for more information.
The College Store
The College Store will be open during Commencement weekend. The store provides commencement regalia, diploma frames, logo gifts, clothing and more.
Inclement weather apparel will be for sale in the bookstore. Flower bouquets and t-shirts will be available for sale outdoors at the Commencement Ceremony in the quad.
Commencement Weekend Hours:
Saturday, May 18: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(315) 267-2573
Contact Information:
Wannita Richards, The College Store
richarwm@potsdam.edu or (315) 267-3274
Dining in Thatcher Hall
Commencement Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., $12.99
Scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, sausage links, bacon, French toast, fresh fruit salad, coffee and juice.
Lunch Buffet, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., $24.99
Seafood Bisque
Tortellini w/Artichoke & Heirloom Tomato Sauce
Carved to order NY Strip loin w/aujus
Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes
Roasted root vegetables
Mixed Green Salad w/dressing
Artisan Dinner Rolls
Assorted desserts and beverages
Kid's Menu (10 and under), $10.99
Chicken Nuggets, Macaroni & Cheese, French Fries, corn and beverage.
Reservations can be made but not necessary by calling Keitha Ladison at 315-267-2668.
Starbuck's located in Barrington Student Union will be open from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Becky's Place located in Raymond Hall will be open from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Parking Information
All lots on campus are available for general parking on Commencement Day, except lot 13 by Thatcher Hall.
Lot 1 and 6 will have a number of reserved spots for accessible parking. Volunteers will be driving golf carts to transport those in need into the seating area both before and after the ceremony.
If you need immediate assistance, please call University Police at 315-267-2222.
Decorum
Commencement is an important occasion for all of us, and, as such, the ceremony should be formal and dignified. Guests and graduates are reminded that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Anyone found to have alcoholic beverages in their possession during the program will be asked to leave. Also, noisemakers and other distractions will not be permitted.
Please do NOT bring pets. Service animals only please.
Guests and graduates are also asked to remain seated until the ceremony is completed, in deference to those graduates who are last to cross the stage.
Masks are optional for graduates and guests.
Photography
The College has retained the services of Genesee Photo Systems, and participants will be photographed as they shake hands with the President and cross the stage. Graduates will receive a color proof of their photograph, which will be sent to their home address, unless the student requests that we keep that information confidential. Graduates, friends and family may place orders but are not obligated to do so.
Tickets
An unlimited number of guests may attend the outside Commencement ceremony and no tickets are required. In case of extreme weather, the ceremony will be moved inside and each graduate will receive four tickets for the emergency indoor ceremony.
Weather
There will be an option for guests who are uncomfortable with the weather conditions to watch the ceremony inside on a large screen, in the Multi-purpose Room of Knowles.
Outside seating will be available, but guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.