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Commencement

The graduates

General Information and Frequently Asked Questions...

Below are questions that parents frequently ask us about Commencement. If you have other questions, please call the Office of Alumni Affairs and College Events at 518-580-5670 or e-mail us at CollegeEvents@skidmore.edu.  

When should we plan to arrive in Saratoga Springs?

Activities begin on Friday, May 17, and Commencement Exercises will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 10:40 a.m. Please review the schedule in this packet to determine the arrival day and time that works best for you and your family and guests. General directions and travel information for Skidmore College are located here.

When should we make hotel reservations?

Reservations for accommodations and dining out should be made as early as possible. For a brochure of area hotels and restaurants, please call the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at 518-584-3255 or visit www.saratoga.org. We regret that Skidmore is unable to make reservations for you and that our residence hall rooms are not available to guests. (Please note that many area hotels increase both their rates and length-of-stay requirements during this weekend; we advise you to discuss such issues when making reservations.)

Where is Commencement held?

Skidmore's Commencement Exercises are held annually at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the Saratoga Spa State Park on Route 50, several miles from campus.  Directions and Parking Information are found here.

Will we need tickets?

No. Seating for more than 5,000 in the SPAC amphitheater makes it possible to accommodate all guests. Tickets are not issued or required, except for those whose party requires seating in the Special Access section, reserved for those with mobility impairments (more information below on special access seating).

Is SPAC an enclosed facility?

The SPAC amphitheater is covered, but not enclosed. Commencement will be held at SPAC rain or shine. Please note that the temperature in the amphitheater can be very cool in the spring. We recommend that you dress in layers, and even consider bringing an extra pair of socks, to ensure a comfortable experience.

How do we get to SPAC? Where should we park?

As the SPAC map in this packet indicates, entrances to the Saratoga Spa State Park are located on Route 50 and Route 9. Please use the Route 50 parking lot. For more detailed directions to SPAC visit www.spac.org/directions.cfm.

What time should we arrive at SPAC?

You may arrive at SPAC as early as you like. Please note, however, that you must be sitting in your seat in order to hold it, and articles such as jackets and programs that are left on seats will be removed and held at the information table at the top of the hill. In addition, please note that the processional is an integral and traditional part of Commencement; to ensure that it goes smoothly, we ask that you take your seat by 10:30 a.m. Please leave all aisles clear throughout the ceremony.

Can we take photographs during the ceremony?

Guests may take photographs from their seats; however, in order to avoid obstructing the view of others, you are asked not to approach the stage area. Skidmore has contracted with GradTrak® Graduation Images to take photographs of each graduate receiving his/her diploma from President Glotzbach. The firm will contact parents directly regarding the possible purchase of these photographs. The College does not benefit financially from this arrangement; it is provided as a service to graduates and their families. You are not obligated to purchase the photographs.

A member of our family has mobility impairment and requires special access at SPAC. How may we arrange for this?

There is a designated drop-off point just steps away from the amphitheater, as well as a nearby seating section for those with special access needs (and up to five members of their party). In order for us to arrange for your needs, please complete and return the Special Access Form. Your tickets and parking pass will be held for you at the Information Desk in Case Center's Commons area, second floor, where they may be picked up on Friday, May 17, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.  If you have more than five members in your party, additional guests may be seated in the general seating areas of the amphitheater. (Please note:  Tickets and parking passes for the Special Access section are required, and will be checked when you arrive to be seated.)

What time will the ceremony be over?

The ceremony typically lasts about 2½ hours, beginning promptly at 10:40 a.m. and ending at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Where can I purchase a DVD of the Graduation Ceremony?

A DVD of the Commencement Exercises is available for purchase for $15.  Please fill out the DVD Purchase Form and return with a credit card or check made payable to Skidmore College.

Whom should I contact with questions about…

Please note that New York State Law prohibits the possession or use of alcohol and narcotics within the state park grounds.

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