Events Calendar

2013 Commencement - 2013-05-11

11am. Great Lawn

PAUL SMITH’S COLLEGE

AN OPEN MEMO ON THE 2013 COMMENCEMENT



Graduation Rehearsal Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 4:30 p.m. - BUXTON ANNEX

(All Potential graduates should make an Line up - ALL BACHELOR’S DEGREES CANDIDATES –

effort to attend.) Tunnel between gyms: ALL ASSOCIATE’S – Back hall of

Buxton. A reminder will be sent out prior to the practice.



PLEASE NOTE: The Line-Up on Saturday, May 11, 2013, will follow the same format as the rehearsal, but
will be held in PICKETT HALL to provide quicker access to the site. The program designations will be
posted on the wall; name cards, hoods, and honor stoles will be distributed at that time. Graduates are asked
to arrive at 10:00 a.m. Bachelor’s graduates line up downstairs; Associate’s graduates will line up on the
second floor.



Activities: To be announced by Student Affairs



COMMENCEMENT: SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013, 11:00 a.m., LAKE SIDE TENT, ADJACENT

TO JOAN WEILL LIBRARY.



NOTES TO GRADUATES



Caps and Gowns: Available for pick up at the Paul Smith’s Bookstore beginning Wednesday, April 10, during
regular hours. Last minute distribution begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 11. Note: It will be necessary for each
graduate to complete a Placement Information Sheet, located in the bookstore, before receiving his/her cap and
gown. [ALSO NOTE: Academic regalia was ordered for you.]



Graduation Announcements: Announcements will be available at the Student Affairs Office in Joan Weill

Student Center beginning Wednesday, April 10, with designated hours posted on the door. You may obtain ten
announcements initially and may sign up for more at that time. There is no charge for the announcements. (Note:
Announcements will be reserved in the Office of the Provost for students on Externship/Work Experience or
September/December graduates who have not previously attended a ceremony and wish to participate in May.
December and September graduates should contact dstratton@paulsmiths.edu to verify their intention to attend
the ceremony.)



There are no tickets required for admission.



We suggest that foot apparel be conservative as the ceremony will be held lake side, under the tent. Please
remember that there are no pets allowed on campus.



Graduation/Participation in Commencement: According to the official college policy, “Students who have
completed the graduation requirements, or have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above and are within
nine credits of completing graduation requirements, are permitted to participate in the ceremony.” In order to
assure your potential graduation or participation in the commencement ceremony on May 11, students should
check the official lists posted in the Deans’ Office in Pickett Hall, or the Registrar’s Office in Administration
112, or talk to your respective Acvisor or Dean. If you have any questions regarding your status, please take
the time to check this list as soon as possible. Once the official list is available, you will be contacted
individually via email by Doreen Stratton to determine if you plan to attend the ceremony.



Financial Obligations: Graduating students are reminded to complete all financial obligations with the Student
Accounts Office prior to graduation. While all certified graduates may participate in the ceremony, some may not
receive their diplomas because of unpaid balances. Please check with the Student Accounts Office to ascertain the
status of your account. Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.



Saturday Reception: A post-graduation Alumni Reception will be held on the lake-front immediately following

the ceremony. Meet your friends and their families to celebrate with your classmates, teachers, and staff.


NOTES TO FAMILIES



Because the final grades are not due until Monday, May 13, diplomas will not be distributed at the ceremony.
Once the computations are complete, diplomas will be mailed as soon as possible. It is important to notify
dstratton@paulsmiths.edu of any change of address.



There will be no tickets required for admission.



The location of the ceremony is planned for lake-front, next to Joan Weill Library. Announcements are
available for pick up in the Office of Student Affairs in Pickett Hall, during posted hours. Students may
sign up for additional announcements at that time, which will be distributed once the first allotment has been
distributed. Please note, we would suggest that foot apparel be conservative considering that the ceremony
will be held lake-front, under a tent. Please remember that there are no pets allowed on campus.



We ask your assistance in determining with your son or daughter whether any financial obligations are still
outstanding prior to graduation, and to schedule a visit with the Student Accounts Office to clear those
pending transactions. Paul Smith’s College is anxious to cooperate in whatever manner necessary to assist
you in these matters, and suggests that foresight will best serve the graduation process.



Paul Smith’s College Trustees will meet on Friday, May 10 on campus. One of their official actions is to
certify the potential list approved by the faculty.



Parking on campus can be a problem on Commencement Day. Your cooperation is requested in using the
lots designated will be appreciated. We will have Campus Safety Officers directing you to the available lots
when you enter the campus. If anyone in your party needs assistance regarding building access or special
seating because of physical limitations, please contact the Campus Safety Office [(518) 327-6300] in
advance, or make your needs known to the traffic officer when you arrive. Transportation will be provided
from the parking areas to the site of the ceremony.



For your convenience, the Paul Smith’s Bookstore will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May
11, with a special Graduation Sale for families.



GradTrak Images will be on campus to take pictures of each graduate and the President of the College as
s/he receives the diploma case on stage. Graduates/Parents will receive a proof at a later date for possible
purchase. There is no obligation to purchase photographs, but do feel free to utilize this service if you so
desire. The company will contact your son or daughter by email with details prior to the ceremony.



Questions may be addressed to dstratton@paulsmiths.edu.



We are looking forward to seeing you on May11th.