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Info for Graduates

2024 Graduates

Eligibility - Who may participate in Commencement?

Undergraduate Students may participate in Commencement if:

  • You have completed 100 academic hours by the end of the fall 2023 semester,
  • AND if you have submitted an Application for Undergraduate Degree.

If you do not meet the 100 hour requirement but can show that you will be within 14 credits of completing your graduation requirements by the end of the spring 2024 semester, and that you will complete them by December 2024, you may participate in Commencement.

Graduate students may participate in Commencement if:

  • You will complete your degree requirements in
    • December 2023,
    • May 2024,
    • August 2024 or
    • December 2024 (with permission from the Office of Graduate Studies)
  • AND have submitted an Application for Graduate Degree.

Academic Requirements

Your first step toward graduation is to make certain you meet all academic requirements. Here are some steps to follow to ensure you have completed all your requirements:

  • Plan to meet with your adviser soon to review your courses and requirements on BearDEN.
  • Undergraduate and Graduate students must file an Application for Degree during the semester prior to their final semester or ASAP in order to graduate. You can find the application in BearPAWS>Student Services & Financial Aid>Student Records>Apply to Graduate.

The Application for Degree also reserves your seat at the Commencement ceremonies.

Financial Obligations (Early April)

  • If you have a Federal Perkins Loan or Federal Stafford Loan, please complete an Exit Interview session.
    • The Office of Student Accounts will contact you regarding Federal Perkins Loans.
    • The Office of Financial Aid will forward instructions for completion of the online Exit Interviews for Federal Stafford Loans.
  • Non-Crane undergraduates who have applied for May graduation will receive a Graduation Status check through email by early May.
    • If you have questions, meet with your adviser or contact the Registrar's Office in Raymond Hall 313.
  • Your student account bill must be paid in full or deferred by Certified Financial Aid to allow the release of your transcripts, final grades and diploma. Updated billing information can be viewed online 24/7 in the Cashnet e-Payment Portal, which can be accessed through BearPAWS using the e-bill link.

Graduation Fair

Graduation Fair will be held Wednesday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lobby of the Student Union.  This is your chance to order your cap and gown, receive and check your name card, purchase a class ring and diploma frame and check to make sure you do not have any holds or missing graduation requirements.  The following departments will be available to answer any questions: Alumni Relations, Career Services, Commencement Committee, Financial Aid, Graduate & Continuing Education & One Stop.

Caps, Gowns, Hoods, Honors Cords, Graduation Announcements

Commencement Regalia (caps, gowns, tassels, cords, etc.) can be ordered starting March 13 and the deadline is Wednesday, April 3.  You will be able to order your regalia at the Graduation Fair.  If you are not able to attend the Graduation Fair, you can order it through the College Store website. 

SUNY Potsdam also recognizes Native American traditional attire and military dress uniforms as acceptable regalia for Commencement.

Contact:
Wannita Richards, The College Store
richarwm@potsdam.edu or (315) 267-3274

Commencement Program Important Information

If you have not yet Applied to Graduate, you must do so immediately.  If you do not apply by April 26, your name will not appear in the program.  You can find the application in BearPAWS> Student Services & Financial Aid> Student Records> Apply to Graduate. 

If you have already applied - excellent!  We would like you to review your information and your name as it will appear in the 2024 Commencement program to ensure that everything is correct.  

Please log into your BearPaws account and navigate to Student Services & Financial Aid>Student Records>Graduation Ceremony in May.  Please check the spelling of your name, your major(s), minor(s) and honors status to ensure they are accurate. This is how your name will appear in the Commencement program.  To make any changes to this information:

Bachelor's candidates:  Please send an email to registrar@potsdam.edu explaining what you would like to change.  Please make sure to note how it appears now and what you would like it to say.

Master's candidates:  Please send an email to graduate@potsdam.edu for any changes. Please make sure to note how it appears now and what you would like it to say.

All changes must be requested prior to April 26.  NO changes will be processed after this date.

Additional Requirements (By April 19)

  • Clear all holds by Friday, April 19. The College will withhold your transcript and diploma until your obligations are satisfied.
    • Make sure your parking tickets are paid.
    • Library books, keys and borrowed College equipment should be returned.

Graduate photos

Saturday, May 18

The College has retained the services of Genesee Photo Systems, and graduates will be photographed as they cross the stage and shake hands with the President. Please visit the Genesee Photo website for professional photos of each graduate, which will be made available for purchase once they have been uploaded.

Application to Graduate

Caps, Gowns, Hoods, Honors Cords, Graduation Announcements