´óÏóÊÓƵ

When: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Where: 

GPS Address – Route 50 Lot (Main Parking Lot): 400 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Time: Ceremony begins promptly at 10:40 a.m.
Guests should plan to arrive starting around 9 a.m. to ensure seats for their entire party.

Please note that New York State Law prohibits the possession or use of alcohol and narcotics within the state park grounds.

The ceremony typically lasts between 2 1/2-3 hours, beginning promptly at 10:40 a.m. and ending approximately between 1-1:30 p.m.

Graduates need to vacate their on-campus dorm or apartment by Sunday, May 23 at 10 a.m.

Commencement Exercises will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 10:40 a.m.

Please review the schedule of events to determine the arrival day and time that works best for you and your family and guests.    

Reservations for accommodations and dining out should be made as early as possible. To review the area hotels and restaurants, isit the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce () to review the area hotels and restaurants, .

Many hotels require a two-night minimum during this weekend; we advise you to discuss such issues when making reservations.

Graduates should plan to arrive starting at 9:15 a.m. to pick up their diploma and QR code name card for use during the ceremony. Graduates should arrive no later than 10 a.m.

Graduates will be directed to give their families their diploma for safekeeping. Graduates are responsible for holding onto the name card in order to have their name announced.

Commencement will be held rain or shine. 

Please note that the temperature in the amphitheater can be very cool in the spring. We recommend that you dress in layers to ensure a comfortable experience.

No. Seating for more than 5,000 in the SPAC amphitheater makes it possible to accommodate all guests.

Tickets are issued or required for those whose party requires seating in the Accessibility Accommodations section, reserved for those with mobility impairments.

Yes. The College will livestream the entire Commencement ceremony on the main page of the ´óÏóÊÓƵ website on Saturday, May 22 beginning at 10:40 a.m. 

If your graduate by selecting the "pick up at the ´óÏóÊÓƵ Shop" option, they may  pick up their order at the ´óÏóÊÓƵ Shop beginning April 22.
 
Interested in purchasing class rings, graduation announcements and diploma frames? Visit this .

On Wednesday, May 14, following Commencement Rehearsal, Honors Cords, Peer Mentors, and Senior Cords will be handed out to those who earned them at the ´óÏóÊÓƵ Shop, along with caps and gowns. Graduates may stop by anytime after 1 p.m. that day, during regular hours of operation.

The ´óÏóÊÓƵ Shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A professional photographer from GradImages will capture each graduate's ceremonial walk across the stage and in front of the ´óÏóÊÓƵ banner. 

The graduate will receive a proof of the photographs and ordering instructions from GradImages via email and have two weeks to respond. The photographs will be delivered within 30 days after ordering.

• The graduate will receive free passport-sized digital proofs via email within five to seven days.
• Questions may be emailed to ecc.giservice@gradimages.net
• Once your graduate receives the proof, orders may be placed online at www.gradimages.com or by calling 800-261-2576.
• To register your email prior to the ceremony, please visit and click on Pre-Event Registration. You may add contact information for up to six relatives or friends to allow them to view online. By pre-registering, you will also be given a discount coupon code.

The College does not benefit financially from this arrangement; it is provided as a service to graduates and their families. You are not obligated to purchase the photographs.

Seating for persons with mobility impairments is available in a designated section of the amphitheater. Registration will open in January 2026 to those with impairments.

Due to heavy attendance, seating is limited to two (2) companions per person with mobility impairments.

Please note: Tickets and drop-off passes for the mobility impaired seating section are required and will be checked when you are seated.

Wheelchairs will not be provided and must be supplied by the guest.

Yes. The following guidelines that have been put in place to maintain safety for all graduates and their guests attending Commencement:

• Following tradition, mortarboards may be decorated
• Small signs may be held by graduates provided:
  • They do not exceed 11x14 in size
  • Are not affixed to a pole(s) or stick(s)
  • Do not obstruct the view of others for more than brief periods throughout the program
• No flags, large banners, etc. will be permitted as they exceed the aforementioned guidelines.
• Noisemakers, megaphones, air horns, and other loud devices which impede audience members from hearing the program are prohibited.
• For safety reasons, aisles must remain clear during the program
• As outlined in the student handbook, continuous interference which causes a prolonged interruption in programming, will require action.