Commencement

Should this event need to be held in the Saunders Sports Complex due to forecasted inclement weather there will be a limit of six (6) guests per participating student. The Office of the President will determine at least 48 hours in advance if the event will need to move inside. This announcement will be made via email to the campus community as well as on the college website.

Students participating in the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony should arrive dressed for the ceremony to Pickett Hall at 10:00am the day of the ceremony for line up.
Name cards, honor and veteran cords will be distributed at this time.
Faculty and staff members will assist students with regalia as well as the line up.
Guests are welcome to arrive at 10:00am as well.  Staff members will be on hand to direct traffic for parking.

NOTE TO FAMILIES
Commencement will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 10, 2025, on the Great Lawn along the shore of Lower St. Regis Lake.
Please arrive at least 60 minutes prior to assure time to park and walk to the ceremony.

Vans will circulate frequently between parking lots and the Great Lawn offering rides.

By hosting this event outside, we will not have a limit to the number of guests each participating student may have. No tickets are required for admission, nor are there any limitation on the number of guests.

Following the ceremony, a reception will be held for graduates and their guests offering light refreshments.

Should this event need to be held in the Saunders Sports Complex due to forecasted inclement weather there will be a limit of six guests per participating student.

The Office of the President will determine at least 48 hours in advance if the event will need to move inside. This announcement will be made via email to the campus community as well as on the college website.

If anyone in your party needs assistance regarding building access, or special seating because of physical limitations, please contact Heather Tuttle Peria at least two weeks in advance, or as early as possible, at 518-327-6253 or htuttle@paulsmiths.edu.

Please note: We suggest that footwear be conservative considering that the ceremony will be held on the Great Lawn making footing uneven.

Please remember that pets are not permitted.
Appropriate service animals (dogs) are allowed but must be leashed and have a badge or other type of designation on them.

Paul Smith’s College is a tobacco-free campus.

Mylar balloons are not permitted.

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

Diplomas will not be distributed at the ceremony. They will be mailed; therefore, it is important to notify the Alumni Office with any necessary mailing updates by June 15, 2025.

Honors designations noted in the May Commencement program are based on the previous Fall semester grades.

Parking on campus can be a challenge on Commencement Day.
Your cooperation is requested in using designated lots. Campus Safety Officers will direct you upon entry to campus. Transportation will be provided from the parking areas to the site of the ceremony.

Photos.
Grad Images will be on campus photographing each graduate and the President of the College as they receive a diploma case. Graduates/Parents will receive a proof at a later date for purchase, if desired. There is no obligation to purchase photographs but do feel free to use this service. The company will contact your graduate by email with details.