Commencement 2024 FAQs

SPAC is an outdoor venue. However, Skidmore College is mask supportive and anyone who wishes to wear one may.

Commencement plans are subject to change at any time based on various conditions including levels of COVID-19 cases locally/regionally, and according to New York state public health guidelines and restrictions.

Skidmore College plans to hold commencement exercises on Saturday, May 18, at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) located in the Saratoga Spa State Park on Route 50. This event is open to the senior class, guests, families, and friends provided that state and local health and safety guidelines allow.

GPS Address – Route 50 Lot (Main Parking Lot): 400 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Commencement will begin at 10:40 a.m. We suggest arriving starting at 9:00 a.m. to ensure enough seats for your family.

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

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 to ensure a comfortable experience.

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 of events to determine the arrival day and time that works best for you and your family and guests.    

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 Accessibility Accommodations section, reserved for those with mobility and hearing impairments.

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. (Please note that many hotels require a two-night minimum during this weekend; we advise you to discuss such issues when making reservations.) 

Yes. To ensure that all those who wish to share in the outstanding achievements of our graduates have the opportunity to do so, the College will livestream the entire Commencement ceremony on the main page of the Skidmore College website on Saturday, May 18. 

Yes. After the event concludes, the video will be made available on demand and for download via the Commencement webpage.

If you ordered your cap and gown by selecting the "pick up at the Skidmore Shop" option, you may  pick up your order beginning April 23.
 
If you’re interested in purchasing class rings, graduation announcements and diploma frames, visit this partner website.
 
The Skidmore Shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A professional photographer from GradImages will capture each graduate's ceremonial walk across the stage and in front of the Skidmore College banner. 

The graduate will receive a proof of the photographs and ordering instructions from GradImages via email and have two weeks to respond. The photographs will be delivered within 30 days after ordering.

• The graduate will receive free passport-sized digital proofs via email within five to seven days.
• Questions may be emailed to ecc.giservice@gradimages.net
• Once your graduate receives the proof, orders may be placed online at www.gradimages.com or by calling 800-261-2576.
• To register your email prior to the ceremony, please visit www.gradimages.com and click on Pre-Event Registration. You may add contact information for up to six relatives or friends to allow them to view online. By pre-registering, you will also be given a discount coupon code.

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.

Seating for persons with mobility or hearing impairments is available in a designated section of the amphitheater. Registration is open to those with impairments. However, due to heavy attendance, seating is limited to two (2) companions per party. For more information, and to register for accommodations, please follow this link. Register by Monday, May 6.

Please note: Tickets and drop-off passes for the mobility impaired seating section are required and will be checked when you arrive to be seated.

Wheelchairs will not be provided and must be supplied by the guest.

The ceremony typically lasts between 2 1/2-3 hours, beginning promptly at 10:40 a.m. and ending approximately between 1-1:30 p.m. The post Commencement reception will be held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center immediately following the ceremony.  Graduates, families and friends, faculty and staff are invited to attend.

You need to vacate your dorm/apartment by Sunday, May 19 by 10 a.m. Please be sure to take all of your belongings with you when you leave.

Sharon Clemmey: 518-580-5713; email: s_clemmey@skidmore.edu 

March 17 will be the last day to order for in store pick up at the Skidmore Shop. April 10 will be the last day to order for home delivery.
518-580-5490 | Website: http://skidmoreshop.com (gifts/graduation)

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce: 518-584-3255; Website: www.saratoga.org 

Saratoga Performing Arts Center Parking and Directions; Website: https://spac.org/visit/directions-parking/