Fall Commencement
SUNY Jefferson
COVID-19 Resources and Information

Fall Commencement

Friday, December 17, 2021
6:00 p.m. / McVean Student Center Gymnasium

 

December 9, 2021
Message from Dr. Ty Stone, College President

In light of Jefferson County’s declaration of a state of emergency due to the COVID pandemic, Jefferson Community College has made the decision to limit large gatherings on campus for the duration of the 30-day state of emergency.

As such, it is with regret I share that the Fall Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, December 17 has been cancelled. You are invited and encouraged to participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2022. I sincerely hope you choose to take part in this celebration of your accomplishments. While this is an extraordinary and challenging time in our history, your achievement of earning your college degree is deserving of pomp and circumstance! As details become available for the Spring ceremony, they will be mailed to you as well as posted on www.sunyjefferson.edu/commencement. 

This was a difficult decision to make, however we feel it is in the best interest of our community to help efforts to flatten the curve of COVID cases.  We want to keep you, your families and our campus community safe and healthy.

On behalf of the College’s Board of Trustees and personally, I want to extend our sincere congratulations to you. You persevered and remained committed to your studies during a disruptive and worrisome time in our nation’s history. Through all of this, you have demonstrated the ability to succeed and I am confident that you will continue to grow and achieve wonderful things in your life both personally and professionally.

For now, cherish this moment. Relish in your accomplishments and enjoy the holiday season. Again, congratulations! I look forward to celebrating with you in May. Stay well!

FAQs for Graduates and Guests

No, the cost was included in your student life fee.

Caps, gowns and tassels will be available in the JCC Bookstore beginning Monday, November 29, 2021 through Friday, December 10, 2021.

You do not need to pre-order your regalia. Your order includes the cap, gown, hood, and tassel specific to your program of study. It will also include any special recognition you received from the college, such as Phi Theta Kappa and Honors Program stoles, as well as military cords.

Contact the JCC Bookstore at (315) 786-2260 for more information.

Yes. There will be a brief commencement rehearsal on December 17 at 11:00 a.m. in the McVean Gymnasium. Please plan to attend if you can so we can practice the ceremony and answer any questions.

You can receive up to four (4) guest tickets when you pick up your cap and gown in the JCC Bookstore beginning Monday, November 29. Tickets will only be given to graduating students. Questions? Please call the Bookstore at (315) 786-2260.

A ticket is required to enter the Commencement Ceremony in the McVean Gymnasium, however, guests without a ticket are welcome to view the ceremony live on the College's website, www.sunyjefferson.edu. 

Yes. All children in attendance must have a ticket and be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware that strollers are not permitted in the McVean Gymnasium.

Yes! Free childcare is available on campus for the evening of commencement. Call (315) 786-6583 by Noon on Monday, December 13 to reserve childcare for your children or your guest’s children, ages 18 months-12 years old.  Walk-ins will not be permitted.

Yes, masks are required when inside campus facilities. Graduates, guests and College staff will all be required to wear masks. Graduates will be given a JCC mask at the rehearsal or when lining up for the ceremony.

Yes. SUNY has mandated that all students using campus facilities be fully vaccinated against COVID. Graduates that hold a medical or religious exemption for the fall semester may participate in the ceremony.

If you are not currently vaccinated and want to participate in commencement, please plan accordingly to be fully vaccinated by December 17.  The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require 2 doses, several weeks apart. To make an appointment, visit www.vaccine.gov.

If you cannot participate in the ceremony, but would like to get your cap/gown/tassel, please call the Bookstore at (315) 786-2260 to make arrangements

No. Visitors to campus are not required to be vaccinated.

Yes, stop in the Bookstore to complete an accommodative needs seating request form.  It is important that you complete the form prior to December 10 so that the College may easily accommodate all requests.

You will line up by your academic School in the Student Lounge and Sturtz Theater Lobby areas by 5:30 p.m.  Marshals will be available to assist with proper line-up. Robing assistance will be available. Please be sure to allow extra time to do this, if needed, as the procession to the gymnasium begins at 5:55 p.m.  Representatives from each of the four Schools and from SUNY Potsdam will assist with lining up for the march.  It is important that you arrive on time to ensure everyone receives clear instructions for the ceremony.

There will be signs posted in the JCC parking lots directing you and your guests to available parking in Lots C and D.

Yes, a professional photographer will be at Commencement to photograph you as you walk across the stage and receive your credentials. Proofs of the photos will be available online in a few days after the ceremony and mailed to you in the weeks following the ceremony. You may place an order at that time.

There are also two special photo areas in the Jules Center Commons. Your family and friends can join you for personal pictures after the ceremony.  We will have staff on hand to help by taking the pictures for you.

Diplomas are mailed in mid-January to the home address you indicated on your application for graduation.

Yes!  Senior Send-off, with food and prizes, will be held on Friday, December 17 at Noon in the Student Lounge, McVean Student Center (Bldg. 4). 

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