Tips for helping to plan your visit for this momentous occasion.
Where to Stay
On-Campus Lodging
²Ø¾«¸ó offers on-campus guest lodging Friday and Saturday night of commencement weekend for a modest cost.
This affordable, smoke-free, pet-free option allows you to experience a residential stay similar to your student’s experience. While these spaces do not offer the amenities found in a hotel, their convenience to on-campus events makes them popular housing options.
Early arrivals or late stays are not possible; residence halls close at 5 p.m. Sunday to all graduates and guests.
Reservations will open early in the spring semester.
Regional Lodging
Visit the Hotels & Accommodations page for options in the region. Venues closest to campus fill up quickly, so make your reservations as early as possible.
Meals and Dining
The Friday Commencement Dinner and the Saturday morning academic reception are free of charge and open to all graduates and their guests.
Some specific programs also schedule receptions or dinners on Saturday. Other than that, meals are on your own, and reservations closest to campus fill up quickly, so make reservations or other plans as soon as you can.
On Campus
Guests are welcome to purchase meals on campus. No reservation is necessary. A dining schedule will be published closer to the event.
Picnic and Beverage Policy
Graduates may hold small private picnics during commencement weekend adjacent to their residence halls, University-owned student housing on Broad and College streets, and Townhouses.
We ask that these gatherings not be scheduled during the following time slots to ensure that families and graduates will be able to attend these universitywide events:
- Commencement Dinner (Friday 5:30–7:30 p.m.)
- Baccalaureate Service (Saturday 3:30–4:30 p.m.; graduates line up at 3 p.m.)
- Torchlight Procession & President's Reception (Saturday 8:30–10:30 p.m.; graduates line up at 7:45)
- Commencement Ceremony (Sunday 10:30 a.m.; graduates line up at 9:30)
Free-standing canopies may be used; however, stakes and tents are not permitted. The campus policy prohibiting open containers will remain in place, with the exception of the specific location of the picnic. Kegs are not permitted on University property at any time.
Local Dining
Visit colgate.edu/local-dining for options in Hamilton. Other options are restaurants in the greater region, such as in Bouckville, Canastota, Cazenovia, Chittenango, Morrisville, Norwich, Oneida, Sherburne, Syracuse, Utica, Verona, or Waterville.
Restaurants fill up quickly, so be sure to call ahead, and make reservations as soon as you can.
In addition, the Hamilton Price Chopper Super Center offers groceries, grab-and-go meal solutions, and catering.
Getting to ²Ø¾«¸ó
For directions to campus, visit the Maps & Travel page.
From and To Airport, Bus, and Train Stations
°ä´Ç±ô²µ²¹³Ù±ð’s On-Demand Shuttle service offers commencement guests easy, affordable, and safe transport to and from Hancock International Airport and the bus and train stations in Syracuse and Utica.
Getting Around Campus and In Town
See the Campus Map for event sites.
²Ø¾«¸ó Shuttle
²Ø¾«¸ó provides the free ²Ø¾«¸ó Shuttle service around Hamilton and the University campus, open to students and the public for navigating the campus and the Hamilton business district.
Parking
During commencement weekend, all parking lots are open for general use (by visitors and guests) with the exception of those designated as ADA accessible spots. Campus Safety does not require visitor passes during commencement weekend.
See the Campus Map for parking lots and ADA accessible spots.
Accessibility
²Ø¾«¸ó strives to provide an experience that is accessible to all guests. Visit the Accessibility for Commencement page for information.
Pet Policy
Only service animals specifically trained to assist a person with a disability are permitted on campus during commencement weekend. For the safety of your pet and all guests, please leave your pet at home.
Professional Ceremony Photography
Official 2025 ceremony photos will be provided by Island Photography. Representatives will be taking pictures during the commencement ceremony and Senior Torchlight Procession.
During the ceremony, each graduate will be photographed as they cross the stage to accept their diploma. These images will be made available to you by email within 48 hours after the ceremony and 3 to 5 days by U.S. mail. There is no obligation to purchase.
- Up to 6 family members or friends can in advance. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase.
- 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.
Graduation Gifts
The offers a number of .
Graduation Announcements
Announcements can be ordered online from.