Discontinue December Commencement
Q: Will this December (2009) Commencement still be held?
A: No, we will only hold ceremonies in May each year.
Q: I was planning to participate this December (2009); I graduate in August or December. When can I participate now?
A: All students who receive August or December 2009 degrees or who are candidates for May 2010 degrees, are invited to participate in the May 2010 ceremonies. There will be one ceremony for undergraduates and another for graduate students, both outdoors on the Old Main Quad.
Q: I was supposed to participate in the December 2009 ceremony – can I participate in May 2009 now?
A: No. Our policy has not changed. Candidates must have completed their degree requirements prior to participating in a commencement ceremony. To participate in a May ceremony, candidates must complete their requirements or been granted their degree by the end of that particular spring semester.
Q: If I take my final classes this summer, can I graduate in May 2009 instead?
A: No. Our policy has not changed. Candidates must have completed their degree requirements before participating in a commencement ceremony. To participate in a May ceremony, candidates must either been granted their degree in August or December of the previous year, or have applied to graduate in December, and completed their requirements by the end of that the following spring semester.
Q: Will there be a December 2010 graduation ceremony?
A: No, we will only hold ceremonies in May each year.
Q: Will you bring the December graduation ceremony back in the future?
A: It is our hope that we might bring back December Commencement ceremonies in better economic times.
Q: How much money will you save by canceling December Commencement?
A: We will save approximately $100,000 annually.
Q: Who can I contact for further information?
A: If your question is related to degree completion and ceremony eligibility, please contact Tegan Scism in the Records and Registration office at (845) 257-3110 or e-mail scismt@newpaltz.edu. If your question is related to the ceremony, please call Mary Ann Landolina at (845) 257-2603 or e-mail commencement@newpaltz.edu.
