December 2008 Convocation & Degree Requirements
Graduate Students
(for degrees conferred August and December 2008)

Are you Ready for December Convocation?

December Convocation will be held on Friday, 5 December 2008 in Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University. Students who completed degree requirements in August or who will complete degree requirements by Wednesday, 3 December 2008 are invited to participate in the December 2008 Convocation ceremonies. Master's degree students who have defended theses may request permission to participate in ceremonies with written recommendations from the appropriate Department Chairs and permission from the Dean of Instruction & Graduate Studies. No exceptions will be made to allow doctoral students (who have not completed degree requirements) to participate in Convocation. You may verify your eligibility to graduate with the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies by Wednesday, 19 November 2008. If you do not meet this deadline, your name may not appear in the Convocation program.

What is the Difference Between Convocation and Commencement?

Convocation is "the ceremonial assembly of members of a college or university." SUNY ESF students will celebrate December Convocation on Friday, 5 December, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. You should arrive at the Chapel no later than 2:30 pm on 5 December 2008 -- with your regalia --to participate in the procession.

Commencement is "the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas." SUNY ESF students join with Syracuse University students to formally receive academic degrees. The 2009 Commencement will be held on Sunday, May 10, 2009 in the Carrier Dome of Syracuse University. August 2008, December 2008, & May 2009 graduates will be invited to participate in May 2009 Commencement.

	Master’s hoods The colors of the ESF Master's hoods represent the colors of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry: forest green, white and gold. Hoods are black with gold velvet lining with green, white & gold satin chevrons on the inside lining.
	Doctoral hoods The colors of the Ph.D. hoods represent the colors of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry: forest green, white and gold. Hoods are black, with navy blue velvet outer lining and white & gold satin chevrons on the inside lining.

Formal Attire Is Required!

During the Middle ages, monks and students wore academic regalia as protection from the damp and drafty conditions of monasteries and castles. Through the years, regalia evolved to represent and celebrate scholarly achievement. The colors of the hoods and various trimmings symbolized the disciplines and institutional traditions.

In deference to and in celebration of tradition and scholarship, ESF students who participate in Convocation are required to wear academic attire. Caps and gowns are available for rent or purchase through the Syracuse University (SU) Bookstore in the Schine Student Center, (315) 443-9900. Students who expect to participate in December 2008 convocation should reserve regalia from the SU Bookstore by Wednesday, 22 October for pick-up Wednesday-Friday, 3-5 December.

Convocation Parking

Arrangements will be made for guests to park in the Syracuse University Standart Street parking lot, about one block from campus. We cannot offer on-campus parking. However, drive-on and drop-off provisions can be made for persons with special needs or physical limitations; simply explain your situation to the parking attendants.

Remember to reserve overnight accommodations early! We also recommend making restaurant reservations to avoid disappointments and long waits! Lodging options HERE.

If you have questions about the Convocation Ceremony, contact the Office of Student Life at (315) 470-6658. If you have any concerns about your graduate degree requirements, call the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies at (315) 470-6599.

Degree Requirements

What Does it Mean to "Complete Degree Requirements?" The Master's degree requires completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours at the graduate level, of which at least 18 must be in coursework. By this time you should have completed an approved study plan (3B) and submitted it to the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies. Capstone seminar, thesis, and exam requirements must also be met by the academic year deadlines. Graduate students must be registered for at least one credit hour for the semester in which they complete degree requirements.

Doctoral degree students must successfully complete a minimum of 60 graduate credits -- 30 to 48 are awarded for coursework and 12 to 30 credits are awarded for dissertation. An approved study plan (3B) must be submitted to the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies and executed by the student. Capstone seminar, dissertation, and defense of dissertation requirements must also be met. Graduate students must be registered for at least one credit hour for the semester in which they complete degree requirements.

ALL GRADUATES: Remember to return office keys to University Police -- failure to return keys may delay degree conferral!

What Paperwork is Required to "Complete Degree Requirements?"

• MLA and MPS degrees
  • upon successful completion of coursework and department requirements:
  • Graduate version of the Diploma Form
• MS degree
  • upon successful completion of the thesis defense and capstone seminar:
  • Submission of thesis document and payment of abstract fee to ProQuest
  • Submission of the appropriate copies of the thesis to the Office of Instruction & Gradaute Studies
  • Thesis binding fee ($35/copy)
  • Graduate version of the Diploma Form
• Doctoral degree
  • upon successful completion of the dissertation defense and capstone seminar:
  • Submission of document and payment of abstract fee to ProQuest
  • Submission of the appropriate copies of the dissertation to the Office of Instruction & Gradaute Studies
  • Dissertation binding fee ($35/copy)
  • Survey of Earned Doctorates
  • Graduate version of the Diploma Form

If you are submitting a thesis or dissertation, did you...

• Leave at least 1.0 inch margins?
• Have the abstract page signed by your major professor(s)?
• Have the title page signed by your major professor(s), chair of the exam committee, department chair, and Director of the Division of Engineering (ERE only – Dr. James M. Hassett)?
• Include your resume or vita as the last page of the thesis or dissertation?
• Spell check all pages - especially the acknowledgment page?!!!
• Make sure all pages are included and in correct order?
• Make sure you have not gone beyond your delimitation date? (If you missed the deadline, you must petition an extension.)
• Submit your document to ProQuest?