Graduation
Welcome to SUNY Ulster's 57th Commencement
As we navigate these unprecedented times, we remain committed to recognizing and honoring the success of our graduates.
In order to safely recognize the accomplishments of our graduates, our 2021 Commencement will offer several options for participation and celebration on Saturday, May 15, 2021. We take these steps in accordance with state guidelines and out of an abundance of caution, as we keep everyone’s health and safety as our top priority during the COVID-19 crisis.
Our Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are so proud of the hard work, perseverance, and determination of our graduates, which deserve to be celebrated by you and your loved ones.
Although we are not able to gather in person as in years past, we believe we can still honor and celebrate our graduates in a meaningful way through our celebratory events. Congratulations to all!
Dr. Roberts,
President
Program
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May 15, 2021 Virtual Ceremony, Diploma Drive-Through Celebration, and Safe Diploma Delivery by President Roberts
Graduate Candidates may opt to participate in the following celebratory events. Email communications with details and an RSVP request have been sent to students eligible for graduation. Please be sure to check your SUNY Ulster email for additional 2021 Commencement updates and information.
Virtual Commencement Ceremony - Saturday, May 15, 9:00 a.m.
Our Virtual Commencement will be pre-recorded and streamed for graduating students and guests. It can be viewed from any remote location at 9:00 a.m. from SUNY Ulster’s YouTube Channel and through a Facebook Watch Party where students and other viewers are invited to post congratulatory comments and send emojis. After Commencement, the video will be available for viewing on the SUNY Ulster Website and the SUNY Ulster YouTube Channel.
Graduating students and those who wish to celebrate are also invited to place one of three Facebook frames on their profile picture by choosing to edit their profile picture and searching for SUNY Ulster in the frames section that appears.
Diploma Drive-Through - Saturday, May 15, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
President Roberts, along with SUNY Ulster faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Trustees will be hosting a Diploma Drive-Through on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on the Stone Ridge Campus. All social distancing and safety protocols will be observed.
Safe Diploma Delivery - Beginning Saturday, May 15 after the Diploma Drive-Through
President Roberts will visit the homes of graduates to hand-delivery diplomas to those graduates who opt to take part in the Diploma Delivery option of our 2021 Commencement celebrations. President Roberts will begin his deliveries to graduates after the Diploma Drive-Through event and continue deliveries over the next several days. All social distancing and safety protocols will be observed.
SUNY Ulster celebrates the degree and certificate completions of our graduates!
SUNY Ulster Virtual Commencement Ceremony FAQs
- What is a virtual commencement?
- Do I need to register to participate in the Virtual Commencement, Diploma Drive-through, and Safe Diploma Delivery?
- I graduated last year, but we were invited to participate this year. What should I do?
- Will my name be read at virtual commencement?
- Do I need a cap and gown to participate in the Virtual Commencement Ceremony, Diploma Drive-Through, or Safe Diploma Delivery?
- Are there other keepsakes that I can order?
- What are the important deadlines I should be aware of?
- Is the in-person ceremony canceled?
- How many people are allowed to come with me to the Diploma Drive-Through?
- Can I take photos on campus or with President Roberts during the Diploma Drive-Through?
- Can I invite family and friends if I opt-in for the Safe Diploma Delivery?
- Will I still graduate if I decide not to participate in the Virtual Ceremony, Diploma Drive-Through, or Safe Diploma Delivery?
- How will I get my diploma?
- I have a graduation question, who do I contact?
What is a virtual commencement?
A Virtual Commencement allows graduates, family, and friends to recognize and celebrate
the accomplishments of the Class of 2021. While we are saddened that we are unable
to partake in our traditional Commencement exercises in person, we take this step
out of an abundance of caution, as we keep everyone’s health and safety as our top
concerns during the COVID-19 crisis. SUNY Ulster is working diligently to put together
a virtual experience to mark this special occasion.
Do I need to register to participate in the Virtual Commencement, Diploma Drive-Through, and Safe Diploma Delivery?
Yes, you will need to register to participate in any of the 2021 SUNY Ulster’s Commencement celebrations. If you have applied for graduation and are eligible, look for your invitation to register for the events in your SUNY Ulster email.
I graduated last year, but we were invited to participate this year. What should I
do?
The Diploma Drive-Through on the Stone Ridge Campus is our “in person” celebration for this academic year. We look forward to welcoming our Fall 2019 Graduates, Spring 2020 & Summer 2020 Graduates, Spring 2021 Graduates, and Summer 2021 Graduates (requesting to “walk”) at the Diploma Drive-Through. All graduates and candidates who are eligible to attend the Drive-through will receive an email to your SUNY Ulster email about how to RSVP to “opt-in” to participate.
Will my name be read at virtual commencement?
Yes, your name will be read, just as if you were walking across a physical stage.
As your name is read, a personalized slide will be displayed with your name, honors
and photo.
Do I need a cap and gown to participate in the virtual ceremony, Diploma Drive-Through, or Safe Diploma Delivery?
No, you do not need a cap and gown to participate in the virtual ceremony, but you are welcome to order regalia and keepsake through the Herff-Jones Website. Please type in Ulster County Community College. All orders will be shipped directly to the address you enter.
Are there other keepsakes that I can order?
Yes! Please visit the Herff-Jones Website. Please type in Ulster County Community College. All orders will be shipped directly to the address you enter.
What are the important deadlines I should be aware of??
If you wish to participate in virtual commencement, diploma drive-through, or the
safe diploma delivery you will need to register by Monday, April 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Instructions have been sent to eligible candidates via SUNY Ulster email.
Is the in-person ceremony canceled?
Yes. Based on guidance from CDC and others, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the in-person ceremony. We are committed to honoring and celebrating your achievements in a meaningful way through our virtual commencement. Dr. Alan Roberts, SUNY Ulster President has also extended the opportunity for the class of 2020 graduates to join the SUNY Ulster class of 2021 in crossing the stage during our formal Commencement exercises scheduled for May 2021.
How many people are allowed to come with me to the Diploma Drive-Through?
Candidates will register for a designated Drive-Through Time, and are welcome to invite family and friends to safely ride within their vehicle for the diploma drive-through. Only one vehicle per candidate is permitted. Masks are required and the campus is a tobacco-free location even inside personal vehicles. All guests will be required to stay in their vehicles during the drive-through celebration.
Can I take photos on campus or with President Roberts during the Diploma Drive-Through?
All guests shall remain inside of their vehicles during the Diploma Drive-Through. The college is working with a professional photographer to capture the moment when Dr. Roberts hands the candidate a message of acknowledgement and congratulations inside their vehicle. Students will be mailed a 5x7” photo of the event in the weeks following commencement, free of charge.
Can I invite family and friends if I opt-in for the Safe Diploma Delivery?
Candidates are invited to safely celebrate when Dr. Roberts arrives for a safe diploma delivery. Dr. Roberts will remain outside and wear a mask and maintain social distancing. We request that all candidates and supporters observe the same guidelines when he visits.
Will I still graduate if I decide not to participate in the virtual Ceremony, Diploma Drive-Through?
Graduation is not dependent on participation in the ceremonial events. To graduate and have your degree and/or certificate conferred, all academic requirements must be completed. SUNY Ulster diplomas and certificates will be mailed directly to qualified students once the Registrar's Office confirms that all course requirements for graduation have been met.
How will I get my diploma?
SUNY Ulster diplomas and certificates will be mailed directly to qualified students once the Registrar's Office confirms that all course requirements for graduation have been met. An official diploma and commemorative program pamphlet will be mailed to the mailing address on your SUNY Ulster account by August 2021.
I have a graduation question, who do I contact?
Please direct all virtual ceremony, drive through and safe diploma delivery related questions to graduation@sunyulster.edu
