Commencement will be held outdoors on Saturday, May 16 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.
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 Conference Center for those who cannot tolerate the elements and will be able to see the ceremony on a large screen.
Accommodations
On campus
There will be a number of on-campus rooms available for Thursday, May 14, Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16. 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 will be available on April 1.
Note: Filling out this form does not guarantee a reservation. We will be emailing out confirmations starting on April 28. 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. View the St. Lawrence Chamber of Commerce website for more information.
The Gear Shop
The Gear Shop 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 Gear Shop. Flower bouquets and t-shirts will be available for sale outdoors at the Commencement Ceremony in the quad.
Commencement Weekend Hours:
Saturday, May 16: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(315) 267-2573
Contact Information:
Wannita Richards, The Gear Shop
richarwm@potsdam.edu or (315) 267-3274
Dining in Thatcher Hall
Commencement Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., $13.50
Fresh fruit salad
Assorted pastries
French toast
Scrambled eggs
Hashbrowns
Bacon
Sausage links
Coffee
Juice
Lunch Buffet, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., $25
Seafood Bisque
Veg Fra Diavlo (Vegan)
Carved to order NY Strip w/Au jus
Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes
Roasted Vegetables
Mixed Garden Salad w/Dressings
Dinner Rolls
Assorted Beverages
Assorted Desserts
Kids menu (10 & Under), $11.00
Chicken Nuggets
Macaroni & Cheese
French Fries
Corn
Assorted Beverages
Assorted Desserts
Reservations should be made by calling Terri White at (315) 267-2657 or emailing her at whitetl@potsdam.edu. Walk ins will be welcome based on availability.
Other Cafe/Dining Hours
- 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
Most parking lots on campus will be available for general parking on Commencement Day. However, lot 13 by Thatcher Hall, lots 28 and 29 by Maxcy Hall and the back corner (toward town) of lot 2 will NOT be available.
Lot 6 by Kellas 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.
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. An email will be sent to the graduates potsdam.edu email address a few weeks after Commencement, allowing you to view the photos and purchase individual prints. View the Genessee Photo website or call (405) 624-1002 for more information.
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 Knowles Conference Center.
Outside seating will be available, but guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.