The College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

Bachelor's Convocation 2022

The College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs are pleased to welcome all participating students, parents and guests to the 2022 Bachelor's Convocation on Saturday, May 14, at the Stadium, formerly the Dome. During the ceremony, each degree candidate will be individually recognized, and special awards will be presented. Tickets are not necessary to attend.

Please join faculty and staff for light refreshments immediately following Convocation. The receptions will be held in the locations indicated below. Faculty members will be assembled in their corresponding departments.

EVENT PROCEDURE FOR DEGREE CANDIDATES –

• Please arrive at the Stadium wearing your cap and gown. You will not be allowed in the Stadium floor for the ceremony unless you are wearing your academic regalia.
• Degree Candidates must enter the Stadium through Gate D, by 7:30 am. The Stadium gates will open at 7 a.m. to allow extra time for security screening. Students will not be allowed on the Stadium floor once the ceremony starts!
• Other guests can enter the Stadium through Gates A, B, D, E, F, and upper level gates G, N, P).  All participating students and guests will be required to pass through security before being seated.  Security wands will be used and only purses or bags measuring 10” x 10” OR LESS will be allowed into the Stadium, and they will be searched upon entry.  There will be NO HOLDING AREAS for purses or bags not allowed into the Stadium, so please plan accordingly and arrive early.
• Tickets are not needed for Convocation as the Stadium is large enough to accommodate all the Colleges’ guests.  If any of your guests need an interpreter, please have them sit in Aisle 126 or 127. Wheelchair accessible entrances are available by entering in Gates A, C and G. For any other Accessibility questions please visit: Commencement Accessibility Website
• Concession stands will be open at 7:30 a.m.  No food or drink is allowed on the Stadium floor.  Water will be provided to students during the ceremony.
• The Convocation ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. and will last approximately two hours.
• When you arrive at your seat, please fill out both sides of the information card you find on your chair (pencils will be provided).  It is important that your information is legible so your name is properly read when you cross the stage.
• An usher will indicate when your row should come to the stage. BRING YOUR COMPLETED CARD WITH YOU. You will hand your card to the usher on stage, proceed across the lower platform when your name is called, and shake hands with Dean Ruhlandt and Dean Van Slyke.
• As you exit the stage, please follow staff directions to return to your seat.
• A professional photographer will take your picture when Dean Ruhlandt and Dean Van Slyke shake your hand.  We will mail a free color proof and reorder information to the address on your information card.  Please share this information with your family.
• Once the ceremony concludes, please exit the Stadium using gate D.
• Proceed to your departmental reception.

Note: For receptions on The Quad, restrooms are available in Hendrick's Chapel (wheelchair accessible) and the Physics Building on the first floor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -

What are the participant requirements for the Bachelor's Degree Convocation?
Current students who will complete their coursework by August 2022 are invited to participate in Commencement in May 2022. Under extenuating circumstances, students who do not meet this requirement may petition their home colleges for permission to participate. 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. Degree requirements will be reviewed once final grades are posted.

What is Convocation?
Dean Ruhlandt and Dean Van Slyke host a 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 Stadium by 8:00 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 Stadium and there will be no holding area for these items.

Where do I park?
Free parking for the Bachelor's Degree Convocation is available in various parking lots. See the 2022 Commencement Website for more information regarding parking and other travel details on Saturday, May 14. NOTE: There will be NO shuttle bus service from Manley Field House to Main Campus on Saturday.

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 15. Caps and gowns are required for both events. All candidates who are eligible to participate in Commencement or Convocations must 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 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 he or she crosses the stage and one as he or she is greeted by Dean Ruhlandt and Dean Van Slyke on stage. Participating students will fill out a white card which will be placed on their chair at Convocation. 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.

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. (See table above for reception locations listed by department.)

Where can I find more information about Commencement Weekend?

For additional information and details, please visit the 2022 Commencement Weekend Website.

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