Students who have any accommodative or accessibility needs for the commencement ceremony should contact Carol Mangano at manganoc@union.edu or 518-388-6102 for assistance.
Student Checklist
1. Name Verification for Diploma and Commencement Program - click here. DEADLINE for changes to the Name Verification form is April 1, 2025.
2. In the beginning of February, you will receive an email from “NameCoach”. Please log on so you can submit a recording with the correct pronunciation of your name as you wish it to be announced at the Commencement Ceremony; Or you can submit your name here.
3. Meet with the Registrar for your audit during the winter term.
4. Attend the "100 Days to Graduation" event - March 7, 4:00 p.m. in The Nott Memorial.
4. Order your cap and gown. An email will be sent to each senior by the Campus Store by the end of April. The email will contain a link for you to order your cap and gown. If you need assistance, please contact Mark Yetman, Campus Store Manager.
5. Plan for moving out of your residence hall by 6:00pm on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
Senior Portraits
iSmile Studios will be offering Senior Portrait sessions on campus at various times during the academic year. They are offering Senior Portrait sessions (no fee) as well as Friend Portrait Sessions for group photos (fee to be announced at a later time). Stay tuned for more information as it gets closer to Commencement!
100 Days Until Graduation!
100 Days to Graduation will held the first week in March in the Nott Memorial. This is an opportunity for seniors to get all of their questions answered and collect all the information they need for graduation in one location. You will be able to record your name in the Name Coach software program. It is the official kickoff to commencement season!
Dean's Letter to the Graduates
Students who have any accommodative or accessibility needs for the commencement ceremony should contact Carol Mangano, manganoc@union.edu or call 518-388-6102, for assistance.
June 2, 2025
Hello Seniors!
The 231st Commencement Exercises of Union College are almost here.
Remember to attend the Student Graduation Rehearsal at 1:45 pm on Friday, June 13th corner of South Terrace Lane and South Lane by Sorum House.
Here are some helpful hints for the Commencement Ceremony:
- Check the Commencement website for comprehensive information regarding Commencement weekend.
- Regalia Check: Double-check that you have all your regalia: cap, gown, tassel, and any stoles or cords for honors/organizations. Take them out of the packaging ahead of time to let wrinkles fall out or give them a quick steam.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of standing and walking (including across the stage). Avoid breaking in new shoes on graduation day. Dress business casual or similar under your gown. You'll be taking photos with your regalia on and off!
- Hydration & Food: Eat a good meal and hydrate before you leave. This ceremony is about two hours long. We will have water bottles at each chair for you. We will provide some snacks at the line-up location.
- Phone & Tickets: Charge your phone fully. You will receive a Name Card with your name and location in line. Take a screenshot of your name card.
Arrival at the Venue:
- Line-up is on South Terrace Lane - 8:30am. Everyone should be in place and ready to go at 9:00 a.m.: This allows for check-in, robing, finding your line-up location, and any last-minute instructions.
- Check-in: Head to the check-in tables immediately upon arrival. You will receive a card with your name and a seat number printed on it. The arrangements of the graduates will be in alphabetical order. DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD. (Take a photo of it.) You will bring it with you when you cross the stage to receive your diploma case.
- Listen to the faculty and student marshals: Pay close attention to instructions from marshals and event staff for line-up, procession, and stage directions.
During the Ceremony:
- Cap & Tassel: Wear your cap flat on your head with the point in front. The tassel starts on the right side and is moved to the left at the end of the ceremony. You can toss your cap when President Harris instructs you to do so.
- Etiquette:
- Silence your cell phone.
- Be respectful of other graduates and speakers. Avoid disruptive noises like air horns, yelling, or stomping.
- Remain seated during the ceremony as a courtesy to others.
- NO alcoholic beverages may be brought to the ceremony, or to the areas in which students line up.
Crossing the Stage: When it is your turn, follow the instructions from the marshal. After walking up the path from Karp to Schaffer, you will give your card to the photographer’s assistant and have your picture taken. Then you will move toward the stage, checking in with the senior class dean, who will direct you to wait behind Dean Angrist. When you hear her say your name, you will walk to the front/center of the stage to receive your diploma case from President Harris and shake his hand. A photographer will take a photograph of you and President Harris. You will then head toward the walkway to Lippman Hall, stopping again for photo with a third photographer.
- Photography: Your guests should refrain from taking pictures that obstruct others' views, especially during the procession or when graduates are crossing the stage. The professional photographers will capture your moment. About two weeks after the Commencement, Grad Images will send you a selection of the proofs so you may purchase photographs. (You are not obligated to do so).
After the Ceremony:
- Meeting Point: Coordinate a specific meeting point with your family and friends before the ceremony, as crowds can be large and cell service spotty.
- Rugby Field will contain signed tables for academic departments and programs, as well as student affairs and athletics. There will be a map of the set-up in the Commencement program. Head to your tables of choice to have a chance to socialize and celebrate informally with your family, classmates, and the faculty and staff who have been meaningful in your time at Union.
- Photos: Take plenty of photos with family and friends after the ceremony. This is your day to celebrate!
- In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be held indoors at the Field House. There is limited seating in the Field House. The decision about location will be made early on Sunday morning, no later than 7:00 a.m. You will need to check the Union Commencement webpage Sunday morning for this decision.
Each student will receive four (4) rain tickets. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PICKED UP YOUR 4 RAIN TICKETS WHEN YOU PICK UP YOUR CAP & GOWN.
- Please note that you will not receive your diploma on Sunday -- digital and hard-copy diplomas will be sent to you after Commencement.
Congratulations, graduate! Enjoy this special day.
Dean Angrist
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
March
To the Class of 2025,
Your parents/guardians received an email from me today with important commencement information. Please take a moment to review it here.
TIPS for creating a successful Commencement experience:
- Check the Student Checklist page on the commencement website OFTEN as new and updated information is posted there on a regular basis.
- If you have not done so yet please go to Namecoach here and share with us the correct pronunciation of your name so that we can appropriately and accurately honor your achievement.
- Make sure you have ordered your cap and gown in the correct size. If you have not ordered your cap and gown, please stop into the bookstore or email Mark Yetman at yetmanm@union.edu.
- The commencement ceremony will be held outside in Roger Hull Plaza in the event of dry weather or light rain. There will be unlimited outdoor seating. No tickets are required.
- You will line up in your cap and gown no later than 8:30 a.m. on South Terrace Lane (between Sorum and Fox).
- There will be a live Facebook stream that can be watched from any computer, smart TV, or phone. The live link will be added to the Commencement homepage on Sunday morning, June 15th.
- In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be held indoors at the Field House. There is limited seating in the Field House. The decision about location will be made early on Sunday morning. You will need to check the Union Commencement webpage Sunday morning for this decision.
- Each student will receive four (4) rain tickets. MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP YOUR 4 RAIN TICKETS WHEN YOU PICK UP YOUR CAP & GOWN in May.