When and where is the Medaille College Commencement?

The 2013 Medaille College Commencement will take place on Friday, May 17 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 (map). Directions to Kleinhans are available online or at the Amherst, Rochester, and Buffalo Campuses (Registrar’s Office).  Per Kleinhans Management, the parking fee is $10.

Who can participate in the Commencement ceremony?

All students who have applied for graduation and completed their degree requirements during the Summer 2012, Fall 2012 or Spring 2013 semester are eligible to participate in Commencement. The only exception to this is for students who have six credits outstanding and who register for this course work during the Summer 2013 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 (716-880-2157) 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 once your degree is conferred (the completion of all course work) and all financial obligations have been met. This takes approximately eight weeks from the conferral date.  Diplomas are dated dependent upon completion of degree requirements. The conferral dates are as follows: August 31, 2012, December 31, 2012; May 31, 2013; and  June 30, 2013.  If you have any questions regarding your diploma, please contact the Registrar’s Office (716-880-2365).

How do I order my academic regalia?

Academic regalia (cap, gown and hood) are required of all graduates participating in the ceremony. For all information pertaining to the ordering of academic regalia, please access the link from your MedailleOne account or from the Commencement Packet site

What is the graduation fee and what is it used for?

All graduates are assessed a $50 graduation fee during the Spring 2013 semester. This fee covers a portion of the program, diplomas, and other expenses associated with Commencement. The cost of academic regalia is not included in the $50 graduation fee.

Who can attend the Commencement ceremony?

 Due to the size of the graduating class for 2013, each student will be limited to five guests. Additional tickets (up to five per students) will only be available if room capacity is not met.  ALL TICKET REQUESTS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE. Through your MedailleOne account or through the site, www.medaille.edu/commencementpacket, access the link for Ticket Request Form.  Beginning May 1st, tickets can be printed.  Tickets are required for all guests for admission to the ceremony and will be verified prior to entry at Kleinhans Music Hall.

When do I arrive for the ceremony?

Students are to arrive at Kleinhans one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Per Kleinhans Management, no guests will be allowed into the main auditorium until one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.

Where do I sit during the ceremony?

 Students graduating sit within their degree group. In an effort to answer this and many other questions, a detailed format of the ceremony (Ceremony Agenda) will be available online and at the announcement pick-up locations. 

What should I do if I have a guest requiring special accommodations?

Through your MedailleOne account or from the Commencement Packet site, there is also a link for a form to complete for those requiring special needs at Commencement. If you require this service, please complete the form and submit it by April 12th.   A limited number of handicapped parking spaces are available at Kleinhans.

What constitutes graduation honors?

For Undergraduate students, Latin 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 in the Buffalo Campus undergraduate academic catalog or ALP Handbook.

Please note however, announced Latin honors are based on your cumulative average at the conclusion of the Fall 2012 semester.

Honors cords will be provided to all students graduating with Latin honors.  These will be available to students, on the day of Commencement, in the Mary Seaton Room, at the Information Table.  

For Graduate students, Latin honors are not awarded.

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 includes 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-Ceremony Agenda). 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?

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. Please complete the online Reception Response form and submit by April 12th.

How will I know if I have completed all Pre-Commencement requirements?

A checklist will be available in the Commencement packet of information available online at www.medaille.edu/commencementpacket