COMMENCEMENT FAQ

How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony is expected to run approximately 2 hours. Candidates for degrees will receive additional information on the academic procession and the ceremony at the time of cap and gown distribution.

What if I or my guest has a disability?
If you, the candidate, require accomodations due to a disability, please make sure to fill out the People with Disabilities section of the cap & gown order/ticket request form. You also need to contact Ms. Barbara Sirois, Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities, at 646-312-4590 by May 15. If your guest(s) has a disability, please indicate that on the form so that we can arrange for suitable seating. Note: If the ceremony is held in the Arena, guest seating is assigned by ticket number. Therefore, it is very important that you indicate your guest's disability on the form, as we cannot guarantee suitable seating once tickets have been distributed.

Will I get my diploma the same day?
Diplomas will not be presented during the Commencement Exercises. Each candidate for graduation should see to it that his or her correct address is on file with the Registrar’s Office (151 East 25th Street, Room 850). Upon receipt of notice of graduation (which accompanies the official transcript), you may pick up your diploma at the Registrar’s Office.

What information should I give my guests?
Candidates should make sure that their guests are aware of the following:

1. Entrance. Guests will enter Madison Square Garden through the Seventh Avenue entrance. Madison Square Garden is accessible to people with disabilities. Special instructions will be provided at the time of ticket distribution as to the location of entrance ramps and seating areas for people with disabilities.
   
   
2. Seating. Tickets for commencement are numbered and you will receive specific seat assignments on your tickets if the ceremony is held in the Arena. If the ceremony is held in the Theater, there is no reserved seating, guests will not be permitted to reserve seats for late arrivals. Ushers will seat guests in any unoccupied seats as needed.
   
   
3. Courtesy. Guests are requested not to block the line of march or to obstruct the view of others.
   
   
4. Children. Children under five years of age frequently become bored during the ceremony, therefore, we urge that children under five years of age do not attend the Commencement Exercises. Children must have tickets.
   
   
5. Taking Pictures. All graduates will be individually photographed by a professional photographer during the processional prior to the ceremony. You will receive a direct mailing from the photo studio containing proofs and purchasing information a few weeks after the ceremony. You can also preregister your email and mailing address information online prior to the ceremony, and add up to 6 family members' contact information as well. This will allow you and your family to view and order your photographs online. There is no obligation to purchase.
   Family and friends are encouraged to remain in their seats and enjoy the ceremony. Therefore, we request that guests NOT take pictures of candidates as they enter the hall or during the ceremony. Since graduates will own their caps and gowns, family and friends may take pictures before or after the ceremony.