Commencement

Each graduate will be allotted six tickets at Cap and Gown pickup for guests to attend the on-campus ceremony for their program.
NOTE: Each ceremony will be livestreamed, so family and friends who cannot attend in person can still have the opportunity to watch the ceremony online in real time.

Graduates must order their cap and gown (regalia) at www.buildagrad.com/hvcc by 11:59 p.m. April 3.

Once ordered, cap and gown pickup will be held near the Student Activities Office (Siek Campus Center, Room 210) during the following times:

• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 4
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 5

Staff will be on hand to answer questions about commencement.

Graduates will receive their diploma covers, commencement programs and an alumni pin at the ceremony.

Official diplomas will be mailed approximately four to six weeks after Commencement as final grades are reviewed and degree/certificate completion is verified.

Degree/Certificate Applications
You must complete a degree/certification application in order to be eligible to graduate. If you are completing program requirements in spring or summer and haven’t already applied, be sure to complete the application as soon as possible!

Students who submitted their degree/certificate application prior to April 4 will also be featured in celebratory graduation wraps in local papers - Times Union, Daily Gazette, The Record and Saratogian - on May 14.

• Spring 2023 Degree/Certificate Application (PDF)
  Deadline: April 3 to be listed in the Commencement program, accepted through May 1
• Summer 2023 Degree/Certificate Application (PDF)
  Deadline: April 3 to be listed in the Commencement program, accepted through Aug. 7

NOTE: The application must be signed by your academic advisor and received by the Registrar's Office by the deadline listed.

Graduates must wear a cap and gown in order to participate in Commencement, and inappropriately altered regalia is not permitted. Appropriate attire under the gown is also expected.

Commencement is a formal ceremony, and we request that cell phones are silenced during the ceremony. Inappropriate behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Forms of distraction, such as noisemakers, beach balls, liquid string and bubbles are not permitted.

Graduates and guests should plan to arrive approximately 45 minutes ahead of the ceremony start time to allow time for potential traffic and parking.

• Graduates should report to the Conway Arena, located in the McDonough Sports Complex, for the procession line up.
• Guests may enter the McDonough Sports Complex Field House 30 minutes ahead of the ceremony. The Hot Club of Saratoga will perform ahead of each event.

Public Safety staff will provide parking directions and guidance on site.

Parking closest to the McDonough Sports Complex is located in lots E, D, F and C, however all parking lots and the parking garage are open.

Parking for individuals with disabilities is located in lot N in front of the McDonough Sports Complex with additional parking in lot G behind the building. 

See the Campus Map for building and parking locations.

Parking for individuals with disabilities is located in lot N in front of the McDonough Sports Complex with additional parking in lot G behind the building.

Seating in the McDonough Sports Complex is accessible for individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Center for Access and Assistive Technology at caat@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7154 or TDD (518) 629-7596 if you request any other accommodations.

The college has contracted with Island Photography to take photos of graduating students and award recipients at all Commencement ceremonies.

Registering with Island Photography provides the information needed to deliver photo proofs within three to five days after graduation. You also may provide an email address of up to six friends and family members to receive photos. Pictures may be ordered online, by phone or mail. For more information, visit www.islandphoto.com or call (516) 767-1234.

College photographers and videographers will capture images and video of the event and attendees to share with the public and for distribution to local news media and posting on college social media outlets.

Graduates are not permitted to take selfies onstage.

In addition to its online store, the college’s Vikings Cove Bookstore will have commemorative commencement items such as diploma frames and gifts for sale on site.

Flowers will also be available for purchase.

Consistent with current New York State guidelines for events or visitors to campus, Hudson Valley is not requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or test results for participation in or attendance at commencement events. The use of face masks on campus is optional, but recommended.

Any individual who is not feeling well, has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or has had direct contact with an individual who is positive with COVID-19 within ten days prior to Commencement should not attend.

Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of ceremony locations will occur regularly throughout the day.

Please note: COVID-19 health and safety protocols are subject to change if conditions warrant.

The Hudson Valley Community College Foundation invites graduates and friends of the college to contribute to its annual campaign supporting scholarships, academic program enrichments and campus improvements.

Those interested in supporting the Foundation are asked to consider a Class of 2023 Graduates gift of $20.23.