Frequently Asked Questions

When is Commencement?
Saturday, May 17th at 9:30 a.m. at the Harkness Field, Rensselaer Campus in Troy, New York.

How many tickets to the ceremony will I receive?
Each student who fills out a Degree Application and is cleared will be eligible to receive seven guest tickets for Commencement 2008. All seven tickets will admit guests to the Harkness Field.

What happens in the event of inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside the Houston Field House. Three of the seven tickets will admit entry into the Field House. The four remaining tickets may be used throughout campus at various video sites.

How do I get my picture taken for the yearbook?
The contact in reference to yearbook pictures is transit@rpi.edu. The company that actually takes the pictures is DAVOR (1-800-OUR-YEAR).

How do I order my graduation cap & gown?
You order your cap & gown at the Rensselaer Union Bookstore. They can be contacted at 518-276-6552 or online at www.bookstore.rpi.edu.

How do I order my graduation announcements?
You order your graduation announcements at the Rensselaer Union Bookstore. They can be contacted at 518-276-6552 or online at www.bookstore.rpi.edu.

Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
Contact any volunteer on campus for help!

• Contact Public Safety at 276-6611
• There will be EMT service located on the North side of the Houston Field House.

Where do I park?
Commencement parking is available on the Rensselaer campus, in the North Lot, the Residence Hall Lots, the Robison Lot behind the Armory, the Alumni Sports & Recreation Center Lot adjacent to the Armory and the Troy High Parking Lot.

How will I remember where I parked?
Write down the name of the parking lot and location you are in.

How long will the ceremony take?
The ceremony will run for approximately 3 1/2 hours.

When will my son/daughter get their diploma?
Graduates will receive their diplomas as they cross the stage. In inclement weather, diplomas will be distributed in the DCC Great Hall from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Where is handicapped accessible seating?
The ceremony will have handicapped accessible seating, located at the outer seats and rear rows of each seating section.

Where can I get a wheelchair?
Please use the order form on this Web site before April 18, 2008 to reserve a wheelchair. Guests who have reserved wheelchairs can pick them up at the main gate information table. There are a limited number of wheelchairs available for those guests who have not reserved in advance.

Where are the restrooms located?
The Houston Field House will be open for restroom accessibility. There will also be portable restroom located at the rear of the Field House.

I forgot my child’s major and I need to know where they will be seated. Can you help me?
Volunteers should refer to their line-up map for student seating.

Does my son/daughter have to wear academic regalia at the ceremony?
Rensselaer adheres to the standards of the Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume. The Bureau serves to administer and uphold the principles of the Intercollegiate Code established in 1895.

Where do I get regalia at the last minute?
For your convenience, the Rensselaer Union Bookstore will be open beginning at 7:30 a.m. on commencement day. If you have misplaced your cap or tassel, please see the bookstore at one of the tables set up near the Main Gate entrance during commencement.

Where will the graduates line-up?
Yet to be determined.

Will I be able to take pictures during the ceremony?
Yes, although we discourage guests from disrupting the ceremony, there will be a photo area located at the left and right of the stage. There is a ten minute waiting limit in this area. Professional photography and video services will also be available.

Will my son/daughter be individually recognized?
Yes, each graduate will be recognized as he or she crosses the stage.

When do the residence halls close?
All residence halls and apartments close at 11 a.m. the day after commencement (May 18, 2008). For more information on housing, visit Residence Life.

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