Commencement

Hartwick College does not require vaccinations for guests. Mask wearing will not be required during the events, but is welcomed. Masks will not be provided.

This year’s Ceremony may be attended by graduating seniors, guests, and those Hartwick community
members who are part of the day’s celebration. Elmore Field will be available to guests at, not earlier
than, 10:30 a.m. Seats will be available on a first-come basis and cannot be reserved.

Hartwick has made provisions for alternative viewing of Commencement through:

Webcast/Live Streaming: To view the webcast, go to the Commencement webpage and click “Webcast of Commencement” (The link will be posted on Commencement Weekend).

Multiple viewing locations will be available around the campus on the day of ceremony.

We remind students that Commencement is the most formal academic ceremony, and professional
attire is appropriate. We also recommend students keep in mind that the spring weather can make for a very soft field surface, where a stiletto heel may be neither functional nor safe.

Seating is available for guest with mobility limitations on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking placards may be requested to assist with accessing the drop off point.

Arrangements requested at least 14 days in advance (May 6) are available for an interpreter for the hearing impaired. Arrangements must be made through Aimee Beavers at [email protected].

Shuttle and vans will be available to transport guest from each of the parking lots to a drop-off location outside Binder Physical Education Center. In addition, the drop-off location next to Binder is the location where guests with wheel-chairs or those with mobility limitations will be directed for parking accommodation upon request. Please note that certified handicap tags are not required to use this drop-off location. We recommend that guest indicate their interest in using this drop-off area when arriving on campus. Golf carts will also be available at the same location to transport guest to the Commencement tent and return them to the drop-off area following the ceremony.

Central New York weather in May can be mild and sunny or cold and rainy. Recent Commencement weekends have had both weather extremes, so flexibility and practicality are good planning principles. Dress with an eye to the weather and comfort. Low heels, wedges or flats are appropriate for navigating the grass and terrain of Elmore Field. Rain gear, including water-impervious footwear, may be important; and rain ponchos are preferred over umbrellas so sightlines are not blocked. Sunglasses and hats may also be useful. Based on our weather extremes, layers of clothing are a suggested strategy.

Campus safety personnel and parking attendants will be stationed at all campus entrances and
around campus on Commencement Day to direct guests to parking lots. Shuttle service will be provided to transport guests from parking lots to Elmore Field. Accessible parking will be available, for those who have a visible sticker or tag. An elevator is Golisano Hall will take guests to the lower entrance of the Binder Center, where another elevator can take guests to field level.

Commencement Parking Map

We will offer seats on Elmore Field to more than 2,500 guests to view the Commencement Ceremony.
Elmore Field will be available to guests at 10:30 a.m., not earlier. Seats will be available on a first-come
basis and cannot be reserved.

Rain unfortunately, is not an infrequent occurrence in Central New York in May. Unless weather conditions are dangerous or severe (i.e., lightning), Commencement will take place outside on Elmore Field, although processions and programs may be shortened or altered. Fortunately, our guest seating is under the tent, however if rain is forecast, ponchos are the rain gear of choice. They provide unimpeded sightlines and aid in the comfort of guests who would otherwise be on the receiving end of the umbrella runoff.

Elmore Field, adjacent to Binder Physical Education Center, is the venue for the Commencement Ceremony. Guests may arrive on campus from any entrance on Commencement Day and will be directed by Campus Safety to the appropriate parking lot. Shuttle service will be provided to transport guests from parking lots to the Ceremony site. In addition, for those guests who would like to enjoy the beautiful views from Oyaron Hill, signs and staff will be posted along the walkways to assist in directing foot traffic to Elmore Field.

Hartwick College seniors are permitted to stay in their residential spaces until 8 p.m. on
Commencement Saturday. Guests who wish to stay in the local area, should review local accommodations information. Availability is limited, we recommend booking rooms as far in advance as possible.