What are the participant requirements for the A&S | Maxwell Bachelor's Degree Convocation?

Current students in A&S | Maxwell who will complete their coursework by August 2024 are invited to participate in Commencement in May 2024. It is the student's responsibility to know and fulfill all degree requirements for graduation. Participation in Convocation and Commencement ceremonies does not indicate that degree requirements have been completed. The Bachelor's degree candidate's filing of a Diploma Request on MySlice activates the certification process and awarding of a degree, pending degree completion. Degree requirements will be reviewed once final grades are posted, and students will be certified accordingly.

* Under extenuating circumstances, students who do not meet this requirement may petition their home college advisor for permission to participate.

When is the deadline to “File a Diploma Request”?

Completing the “File Diploma Request” process on MySlice by March 1, 2024, activates the review for certification and awarding of a degree. Diplomas will be shipped to the permanent address listed on MySlice unless a different mailing address is specified. A change of address request can be made on the Personal Service page of MySlice.

If a diploma request is not filed by the March 1st deadline – it is not guaranteed that a students’ name will be printed in the 2024 Undergraduate Convocation Booklet or other convocation materials.

For questions regarding the “File Diploma Request,” please call the Office of the Registrar at 315.443.2422 or email registrar@syr.edu .

I have an A&S | Maxwell School major. Can I participate in A&S | Maxwell Convocation?

If you have earned an A&S | Maxwell dual degree then you will be invited to participate in Convocation ceremonies of both colleges and will have your name printed in the A&S | Maxwell Undergraduate Convocation Booklet.

If a student has two majors (a double major) from Arts & Sciences | Maxwell and a different school or college (example: Arts & Sciences and Falk Colleges) and it is not on the above list of dual degree programs, then the student will participate in the Convocation of their “home school/college.” Only students with A&S | Maxwell as home college will be printed in the A&S Maxwell Undergraduate Convocation Booklet. Students with another home school or college will not be included in the Convocation Booklet or ceremony. Students with double majors, both in A&S | Maxwell, participate in the A&S | Maxwell Convocation.

What is Convocation?

Dean Behzad Mortazavi and Dean David Van Slyke host an Undergraduate Convocation for the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs only on the Saturday before Commencement during which each student walks across the stage for individual recognition. Special awards are also presented. Students do not walk across the stage during the Commencement ceremony which is hosted by the University on the following day.

What time should I arrive on campus?

Participating students should arrive at the Dome no later than 7:30 a.m. Doors will open at 7 a.m. Please allow additional time for security screening at all venues; note that purses or bags larger than 10" x 10" will not be permitted in the Dome and there will be no holding area for these items.

Is there a rehearsal?

No, there is no rehearsal for the Bachelor's Degree Convocation.

Must I wear my cap and gown to the Convocation?

Yes, you must wear your cap and gown to the Convocation as well as to the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 14. Caps and gowns are required for both events. All candidates who are eligible to participate in Commencement or Convocations must file their diploma request on MySlice, and visit the campus store in Schine Student Center to secure a cap, gown and tassel prior to Commencement weekend.

Are tickets required to attend Convocation?

Tickets are not required to attend the Bachelor's Degree Convocation.

Will there be an academic procession?

Yes, there will be an academic procession by the platform party and participating faculty members during the ceremony.

Will my photograph be taken?

Yes. A professional photographer, from Genesee Photo Systems (1.800.345.7427), will take two photographs of each participating student—one before the student crosses the stage and one as the student is greeted by Dean Behzad Mortazavi and Dean David Van Slyke on stage. Participating students will fill out a card placed on their chair at Convocation. This card will be used to read your name at the ceremony, as well as for your graduation photo. After Convocation, order forms will be mailed to participating students, which will enable them to purchase copies of these photographs. A complimentary photo will be mailed to each student as well. There is no obligation to purchase any photographs.  Professional photographs are not available at the Commencement ceremony.

Pre-register for graduation Images.

What do I do after the Convocation?

Bachelor's degree candidates and their faculties, families and friends are invited to attend a reception offering light refreshments following the Bachelor's Degree Convocation.

Where can I find more information about Commencement Weekend?

For additional information and details, please visit the 2024 Commencement Weekend Website.

Does Arts & Sciences | Maxwell give out honors cords?

The College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School gives out honors cords to those students who achieve academic excellence by earning a Latin Honor (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude) based on their GPA. These cords are tri-colored (Blue, Gold & White) signifying the 3 pillars of the Liberal Arts Core (Humanities, Social Science & Science/Math).

Leadership Scholars are awarded an orange & white colored cord signifying their status as a leadership scholar.

Dean’s Team members are given a grey & white colored cord signifying their status as a member of the Dean’s Team.

Any additional questions please feel free to email casdean@syr.edu