Commencement 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Medaille College Commencement?
The 2008 Medaille College Commencement will take place on Friday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m. for graduate students and 7:00 p.m. for undergraduate students at Kleinhans Music Hall, 370 Pennsylvania Avenue, Buffalo, New York.
Who can participate in the Commencement ceremony?
All students who have applied for graduation and completed their degree requirements during the Summer 2007, Fall 2007 or Spring 2008 semester are eligible to participate in Commencement. The only exception to this are students with six credits outstanding who register for this course work during the Summer 2008 semester. The Registrar’s Office must have proof of summer registration prior to April 30. Any course work to be completed through Academic Alternatives must be processed in accordance with the published deadlines. Please contact Deborah Ceppaglia (ext. 2157) for further information.
When do I receive my diploma?
Students participating in the ceremony will receive their diploma cover when they cross the stage. Actual diplomas will be mailed when all course work has been graded and all financial obligations have been met. For students who do not participate in the ceremony, diploma covers will also be mailed. Diplomas are dated dependent upon completion of degree requirements. The diploma dates are as follows: December 31, 2007; January 31, 2008; May 31, 2008; June 30, 2008; and August 31, 2008. If you have any questions regarding your diploma, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
How do I order my academic regalia?
Academic regalia (cap, gown, and hood) are required of all graduates participating in the ceremony. Please read and adhere to the enclosed letter from the College Store regarding the ordering of academic attire.
What is the graduation fee and what is it used for?
All graduates are assessed a $50 graduation fee during the Spring 2008 semester. This fee covers a portion of the program, diplomas, and other expenses associated with Commencement.
Who can attend the Commencement ceremony?
Due to the size of the graduating class for 2008, each student will be limited to five guests. TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL GUESTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE CEREMONY.
How do I obtain announcements and admission tickets for the Commencement ceremony?
Announcements and tickets will be available April 3 through April 24 at the Amherst, Rochester, and Main Campuses (Registrar’s Office). Each graduate will be limited to five announcements and five tickets. Students desiring additional guest tickets may place their names on a list at the Amherst, Rochester, or Main Campus. On April 30, unclaimed guest tickets will be available through a lottery in the Registrar’s Office. Students eligible to receive additional tickets will be contacted by the Registrar’s Office.
After April 24, students needing tickets can call the Registrar's Office at (716) 880-2367 and have tickets held that can be picked up at Kleinhans on the day of Commencement.
Where do I sit during the ceremony?
Graduates sit within their degree group. In an effort to answer this and many other questions, a detailed format of the ceremony will be available at the announcement and ticket pick-up locations. Please arrive at Kleinhans one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
What should I do if I have a guest requiring special accommodations?
Enclosed with this information is a form for those requiring special needs at Commencement. If you require this service, please complete the form and return it by April 21 to Lisa Morrison in the Office of Disability Services, Room M031. Also, a limited number of handicapped parking spaces are available at Kleinhans.
What constitutes graduation honors?
Undergraduate graduation honors are based on your cumulative average at the conclusion of your degree. The minimum cumulative average for honors is 3.50. A student must also meet the College’s residency requirements. Details of the residency requirement and specific honors information are available at http://www.medaille.edu/academics/catalogs/ (Main Campus Undergraduate Catalog or ALP Handbook).
Please note however, announced graduation honors are based on your cumulative average at the conclusion of the Fall 2007 semester. Honors cords will be provided to all students graduating with honors.
What is the academic department award? How do I know if I am receiving this award?
Every academic department has the opportunity to select one student to receive the academic department award. Criteria for the award include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 as well as
other outstanding academic achievements as determined by the department.
Prior to Commencement, if you have been selected to receive the academic department award, you will receive a letter from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. When you arrive at Kleinhans, please obtain your degree card from your group leader (see detailed format of ceremony). The card will have specific instructions as to how to proceed to receive your award during the ceremony.
Will there be a reception after the ceremonies?
Yes, immediately after each Commencement ceremony, the College will host a Coffee/Cookie Reception for all Graduates, Families, Friends, Faculty, Administrators, and Staff of the College.
The receptions will be held in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans immediately following each ceremony.
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