What is the difference between the Academic Convocation and the college commencement ceremonies?

The Academic Convocation recognizes graduates from all of the colleges at RIT with a focus on the graduating class as a group. Graduates process and recess with their college and during the ceremony, they will be recognized as a group by college (i.e. would all the graduates from the College of Liberal Arts please stand and be recognized, etc.). RIT's president officially confers degrees and addresses the graduates, a keynote speaker, as well as student speakers, are featured.

Each college then hosts its own commencement ceremony for its graduates. At this ceremony, the focus is on the individual as each graduate crosses the stage and is personally introduced and recognized for his or her accomplishments. Graduating students should plan to wear their caps and gowns at both the Academic Convocation and their individual college commencement ceremony.

How many tickets can I have for the ceremonies?

Tickets are not needed for any of the college commencement ceremonies and there is no limit to the number of guests who may attend. Details on tickets and seating for the Academic Convocation will be announced when the speaker is confirmed. Seating for all ceremonies is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some departments may request an RSVP for their receptions; you will be contacted directly by the department if that is the case.

Who is eligible to participate in the Academic Convocation and college commencement ceremonies?

Students who will complete their degree requirements within the four quarters of this academic year (Fall 2008-1, Winter 2008-2, Spring 2008-3 or Summer 2008-4) are eligible to participate. Please see your advisor to confirm your eligibility.

What about guests who need special seating?

Both the Gordon Field House and Activities Center and the Ritter Ice Arena are accessible to those with special needs, including wheelchairs. Please check in with an usher upon your arrival and he or she will work with you and your guests to accommodate your needs as best we can. Please note, however, that there is no reserved special seating sections in either facility.

How early should we plan to arrive?

For the Academic Convocation, you should plan to arrive on campus at least an hour before the program begins.

For the college commencement ceremonies:

If you are a graduate, you should consult the line-up information included on the ceremony schedule.

Guests should know that we have ceremonies occurring all day on both Friday and Saturday and so you may have to wait if there is a ceremony in progress when you arrive. There is ample seating for all guests; seating is on first-come, first-serve basis. Plan to arrive on campus about an hour prior to the start of each ceremony to allow ample time for parking and shuttling to the ceremony sites. If you have special seating needs, you may want to add 15 minutes.

When will I receive my degree?

Approximately 10 weeks after graduation, you will receive your degree in the mail from the Registrar's Office. Please be sure your mailing information is correct on SIS.

How much walking is involved in getting around campus?

The RIT campus is large and there is a fair amount of walking involved. We offer shuttle service from all of the parking lots to the college ceremony locations and various points throughout campus. In addition, we have a fleet of golf carts operated by RIT staff volunteers to help transport elderly guests or those who have mobility difficulties. Carts can be requested from any of the information booths, ceremony locations, or the main shuttle drop-off at Parking Lot D. Please be aware that you may have to wait for a golf cart immediately prior to and after the Academic Convocation and college ceremonies when demand is at its highest.

Do you have wheelchairs available on campus?

We do not have wheelchairs available on campus. You may rent wheelchairs from Monroe Wheelchair, (888)546-8595, or Fonte Surgical Supply, (585)338-1000.