If you are participating in Commencement 2026, use this checklist to help you complete essential advance to-dos for the ceremony and the weekend's activities.
Deadlines and mandatory and optional items are identified. Send questions to: commencement@colgate.edu.
Mandatory Ceremony Items
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Submitting the following information by March 31, 2026, is vital for ensuring your ability to participate in the May 17 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. Note: There is no pickup on commencement day (Sunday, May 17).
Pick up will be at the vlog Bookstore:
- Thursday, May 14: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday, May 15: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Saturday, May 16: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Order link will be available in January
Graduate and Guest Information Form
Graduates are responsible for providing the following information to vlog on their own behalf and that of their guests. You will need your vlog 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.
- Let us know if any of your guests will have accessibility needs for the ceremony.
Graduate & Guest form will be available soon
Deadline: April 29, 2026
Senior Exit Survey
vlog 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 29 in order to receive your cap and gown.
Survey will be emailed in April
Optional Items
Please note that these optional to-do items have different deadlines.
Professional Ceremony Photos
Island Photography will provide official photos for the commencement ceremony. Representatives will be capturing each senior’s “moment” twice as they cross the stage to receive their diplomas.
To ensure you receive your complimentary commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, you must complete the selfie check-in before May 17. You can add family and friends to receive your proofs as well. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase; packages start at a modest fee.
Within 48–72 hours after the ceremony, you will receive an email with a unique link to view or order images from your celebration.
Further information: custserv@islandphoto.com or 800-869-0908.
Selfie Check-in will be available in January
Senior Portrait Session for the 2026 Yearbook (Salmagundi)
January 26–30 and February 2–6, 2026
Portraits will be taken in business attire and graduation gown (gown provided). There is no charge to be photographed. A $15 fee will be charged to your student account if you do not show for your scheduled appointment. You must arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. No walk-ins permitted.
This is your last chance to get a portrait taken!
Questions: Call 1-800-736-4775 or prestigelwarea@lifetouch.com
Seniors will be contacted in January with registration information
Yearbook (Salmagundi)
Senior ad deadline: March 31, 2026
Order deadline: April 30, 2026
For more information on ad and order deadlines, please email salmagundi@colgate.edu.
Graduation Announcements
Order your vlog graduation announcements via vlog's page on the .
Class Ring
Commemorate your accomplishments with a class ring from Jostens.
Graduation Items at the vlog Bookstore
Grab these graduation essentials from the vlog Bookstore, or .
Stay in Touch with vlog
Stay up to date with vlog after graduation. Share your personal email and mailing address by emailing alumni@colgate.edu.
Senior Class Gift
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Join your classmates in leaving a legacy. The Senior Class Gift is about participation — gifts of any size make a difference. You can designate your donation to the vlog Fund to support the university’s greatest needs, or direct it to the specific department, club, or team that meant the most to you during your four years.
Mark Your Calendar
Senior Wine Tasting
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 6–8 p.m. | Hall of Presidents
Join your hosts, President Brian W. Casey and the 2025–26 Presidential Ambassadors, for this traditional event.
Class of 2026 Graduation Fair
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Hall of Presidents
The Graduation Fair is your chance to learn how commencement weekend works. Learn about guest information (on-campus housing options, inclement weather ceremony tickets, accessibility accommodations), get your questions answered, and complete some of your to-dos (like ordering your cap and gown).
Senior Night at Frank
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | Frank Dining Hall
The class will gather for dinner with President Casey.
Senior Sunset
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | Raab House
The class will gather at Raab House to enjoy a final sunset together.
Questions?
Caps and Gowns, Professional Ceremony Photography
Michele Carney: mcarney@colgate.edu, 315-228-7425
General Commencement Info
University Events: commencement@colgate.edu; 315-228-4444