August ’07 & December ’07 Graduates – Frequently Asked Questions

We are thrilled to welcome you back for Commencement 2008. It will be a memorable and wonderful day for us all!

How many tickets will each graduate receive?
Each graduate will receive seven tickets to the Harkness Field. In inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Houston Field House. Three of the seven tickets will allow guests into the Field House. The remaining four tickets may be used at closed-circuit television viewing locations.

I graduated in August ’07 or December ’07 and no longer live in the area. How will I receive my tickets?
In mid-February, Peggy Conroy-Martin will be mailing the Commencement 2008 Handbook, along with a Ticket Request Form. Please fill out the form and mail or fax (518-276-6180) it back no later than April 18, 2008. Your tickets will be mailed out shortly after your form is received. Please keep your tickets in a safe place until Commencement day! Any tickets that are lost or destroyed will not be replaced.

I graduated in August ’07 or December ’07, but I am still a student at RPI (and/or) I still live in the vicinity of Troy (and/or) I know someone on campus who can pick tickets up for me. Is it ok if I (or my designee) pick up my tickets at Status Check?
No, it is imperative that you request your tickets though the Registrar’s office. Please use the Ticket Request Form that will be sent to you in mid-February and mail it back to the Registrar’s office. Tickets will be mailed to you as soon as the request is received.

I understand that diplomas are distributed on stage. I already received my diploma and it is hanging on my wall. Should I bring it with me?
No, you won’t need to do that. Diplomas are distributed on stage to the May degree recipients. However, they are placed in an attractive diploma cover. Since you already have yours, you will receive a certificate on stage.

I graduated in August ’07 or December ’07, but for some reason, I did not receive a diploma yet. Will I get mine at commencement?
If you haven’t received your diploma yet, please e-mail or call Peggy Conroy-Martin. She will find out why you haven’t received yours and will let you know what can be done to get the situation corrected. For commencement, you will get a certificate in your diploma case.

When is Graduation Rehearsal?
Graduation Rehearsal date and time is to be announced.

I won’t be here for rehearsal, what should I do?
If you cannot attend rehearsal, please refer to this Web site a few days in advance of graduation and review the maps which detail the line up procedure. It is also recommended that you arrive no later than 8:30 a.m on Commencement morning for further instructions.

I am not living in this area, can I order my cap and gown by phone or online?
The Rensselaer Union Bookstore coordinates the rental and sale of caps, gowns, and hoods for the ceremony. Regalia can be ordered from the Bookstore beginning in March 2006. The bookstore can be contacted at (518) 276-6555.

Who should I contact with questions regarding the ceremony and ticket distribution?
Your contact person will be Peggy Conroy-Martin. Peggy can be reached by e-mail at conroyp@rpi.edu or by phone at 518-276-6621.

Questions? Please contact us at commencement@rpi.edu.