If you are participating in Commencement 2025, this checklist is your place to complete important advance to-dos in preparation for the ceremony and the weekend’s activities.
Deadlines as well as mandatory and optional items are identified.
Send questions to commencement@colgate.edu.
Mandatory Ceremony Items
Deadline: March 26, 2025
Submitting the following information by March 26, 2025, is vital for ensuring your ability to fully participate in the May 18 ceremony.
Order Cap and Gown
Caps, gowns, and tassels will be provided to graduates at no cost.
You must order your own on the Oak Hall website. This is the only way to obtain a cap and gown. Contact Michele Carney (mcarney@colgate.edu, 315-228- 7425) with any questions.
Pick up will be at the Colgate Bookstore:
- Thursday, May 15: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday, May 16: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Saturday, May 17: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Graduate and Guest Information Form
Graduates are responsible for providing the following information to Colgate on behalf of themselves and their guests. You will need your Colgate login. Fill out this form to:
- Confirm your name as it will appear on your diploma and in the printed program.
- Provide your name pronunciation so we’ll get it right during the ceremony.
- Make Friday Commencement Dinner reservations for you and your guests.
- Reserve up to five guest tickets for the commencement ceremony, in case inclement weather forces us indoors, where seating will be limited.
- Let us know if any of your guests will have accessibility needs for the ceremony.
Deadline: April 28, 2025
Senior Exit Survey
Colgate asks all graduating seniors to complete a survey about their experience. You will receive an email with a unique link to your survey on April 1. Your input is important, and you will need to complete the survey by April 28 in order to receive your cap and gown.
Survey to be emailed in April
Optional Items
These optional to-do items have different deadlines, so keep an eye on them!
Professional Ceremony Photos
Official 2025 ceremony photos will be provided by Island Photography. Representatives will be capturing each senior’s “moment” twice as they cross the stage to receive their diploma and return to their seat.
To ensure you receive your complimentary commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, you must complete the selfie check-in before May 18. You can add family and friends to receive your proofs as well. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase; packages start at $7.95.
Family members can also register to get a photo link through this separate form.
Within 48–72 hours after the ceremony, you will be emailed a unique link to view or order your images from your celebration.
Further information: custserv@islandphoto.com or 800-869-0908.
Senior Class Gift
Deadline: June 30, 2025
The Senior Class Giving Committee welcomes the Class of 2025 to give back to Colgate. All gifts make a difference. Your gift can be designated to any area of campus that is meaningful to you or to the Colgate Fund, which provides support where needs are greatest.
Graduation Announcements
Order your Colgate graduation announcements via Colgate University's page on the Jostens website.
Senior Portrait Session for the 2025 Yearbook (Salmagundi)
Jan. 27 - 31; Feb. 3–7, 2025
Location: Hall of Honor, Huntington Gym
Portraits will be taken in business attire, and graduation gown (gown provided).
No charge to be photographed; however, a $15 fee will be charged to your student account if you do not show for your scheduled appointment.
It is important that you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. No walk-ins permitted.
Questions? 1-800-736-4775 or prestigelwarea@lifetouch.com.
You can use your portrait for professional networking and job search as well.
This is your last chance to get a portrait taken!
Yearbook (Salmagundi)
Senior ad deadline: March 31, 2025
Order deadline: April 30, 2025
For more information on ad and order deadlines, please email salmagundi@colgate.edu.
Class Ring
Commemorate your accomplishments with a class ring from Jostens.
Graduation Items at the Colgate Bookstore
Grab these graduation essentials from the Colgate Bookstore, or order online.
Diploma Frames and More
Mark Your Calendar
Senior Wine Tasting
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 | 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Hall of Presidents
Join your hosts, President Brian W. Casey and the 2024–25 Presidential Ambassadors, for this traditional event.
RSVP
Class of 2025 Graduation Fair
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 | 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Hall of Presidents
The Graduation Fair is your chance to learn how commencement weekend works and everything you need to know to get ready. Learn about guest information (on-campus housing option, inclement weather ceremony tickets, accessibility accommodations); get your Senior Checklist questions answered and some of your To-Dos completed (like ordering your cap and gown); and more.
Senior Night at Frank
April 25, 2025 | Frank Dining Hall
The class will gather for dinner with President Casey.
Senior Sunset
May 15, 2025 | Raab House
The class will gather at Raab House for a toast at sunset.
Questions?
Caps & Gowns, Professional Ceremony Photography
Michele Carney: mcarney@colgate.edu, 315-228-7425
General Commencement Info
University Events: commencement@colgate.edu; 315-228-4444