FAQs for Families

Commencement Weekend 2018

Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19, 2018

Commencement Information

Who participates?
In order to participate in Commencement, students must:

• Complete an Application for Graduation via Self-Service
• Submit a complete degree audit signed by your Academic Advisor to the Curry Center for Student Services Founders Hall 223
• Be no more than three credits short of all graduation requirements
• Have a plan approved by the Department Chair and Dean of the Undergraduate College to register for the remaining three credits within the next academic year, summer 2018 through spring 2019
• Agree to pay the College in full for the credits needed before walking at Commencement
• Satisfy all financial obligations to the College
• Complete exit interviews if they have any federal loans
• Complete the Career Survey

Students eligible to participate in Commencement May 2018 typically include potential May 2018 bachelor’s and master’s graduates, January 2018 bachelors and master’s graduates, and August 2017 bachelor’s and master’s graduates who were not eligible to participate in Commencement May 2017.

What is the date and time of Commencement?
Commencement will take place on the College’s River Lawn on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. The Undergraduate College graduates will begin lining up at 9:00 a.m. Master’s and accelerated nursing graduates will begin lining up at 9:00 a.m. for their Hooding Ceremony. The procession will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony is expected to last approximately 1.5 hours.

Do you know who the speaker will be?
This announcement is usually made in mid-April.

Will my graduate be individually recognized?
Yes, each graduate’s name will be announced and the graduate will cross the stage. Graduates will be called to the stage by degree. For example, nursing graduates will be called to the stage individually and in no particular order.

What is the Senior Convocation and Baccalaureate Mass? When and where will it be held?
The College sponsors a Senior Convocation and Baccalaureate Mass to recognize the academic achievements of Undergraduate College graduates and to celebrate their hooding as college graduates. The ceremony will be held Friday, May 18, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in Hayes Auditorium, Grace Center. Graduates are expected to wear their caps and gowns to the ceremony. All Undergraduate College graduates will receive their hoods at this time. Hoods will not be available at any other time. The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets are not necessary.

Is there a reception following the Senior Convocation and Baccalaureate Mass?
All attendees are invited for light refreshments immediately following the Senior Convocation and Baccalaureate Mass on Grace Plaza.

Are there announcements available that may be sent to relatives and friends?
Personalized Commencement announcements will be available for order and purchase online on or around March 1, 2018 at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation.

Are tickets required and is there a limit to how many guests can be invited?
Tickets are not required for the Commencement ceremony. There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate can invite to the ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Saving seats will not be allowed.

Information for Guests

What is the suggested guest attire?
Weather conditions have varied from picture-perfect to extreme rain or heat. Graduates and guests are advised to dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather. If it is raining, you may want to bring umbrellas, appropriate rain gear, and a covering for your chair. Bring sun block and hats for sunny conditions. Wear shoes appropriate for grassy areas.

When should guests plan on arriving?
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to better ensure a parking space and seating. Guests will not be permitted to enter the tent before 8:30 a.m.

Is there reserved seating for Commencement?
No. Seats are reserved only for the graduates and special Commencement guests.

Are there any special arrangements needed for guests with physical disabilities?
Requests for accessible seating, handicapped parking permits and sign language interpretation requests can be made to the Office of the Dean of Students no later than Friday, April 27, 2018.

There will be a designated seating section to accommodate disabled guests. Special requests are limited to one parking permit and five special-seating tickets per graduate. As guests enter the campus, they should be prepared to show their parking permit to the security guard, who will direct them to the appropriate handicapped parking area. Marked handicapped parking spaces are reserved for vehicles with handicapped license plates, handicapped parking placards issued by a municipality, and special parking permits issued by the College.

Is indoor seating available in the event of rain or extreme heat?
Unfortunately, indoor seating is not available. The ceremony will be live streamed and available to view on Youtube.

What about parking?
Family and guests are encouraged to arrive early to better ensure a parking space. Vehicular access to the campus will become increasingly difficult as the parking lots fill. Guests should make arrangements to obtain from their graduates the two parking passes that were distributed to them. Graduates with current campus parking permits will be able to park on campus on Commencement Day; they will not need to use one of their guest parking permits.

What happens if it rains or if there are severe weather conditions?
Commencement will take place rain or shine on the River Lawn.

Will I be able to take pictures during the ceremony? 
The College has hired Island Photography to photograph all graduates as they shake hands with President Charles Flynn and receive their diplomas. Island Photography will photograph each student as he/she receives the diploma and again right after he/she leaves the stage. To receive a direct link to the photos and to register to receive photos online visit www.islandphoto.com.

You may register several emails to allow your friends and family to receive a direct link to your Commencement photos. Images will be posted within 72 hours of the Commencement ceremony. For further information contact Island Photography at their website above or at (800) 869-0908.

As a courtesy to the graduates and all in attendance, we ask that you remain in your seats during the Commencement ceremony. Our staff is instructed to restrict access to the stage and the graduates’ seating area. Guests will not be able to walk or stand in the aisles to take photographs or videotape. Please be considerate of the families around you.

Will flowers be available for purchase on campus at Commencement?
Yes, the No-Book Store will be selling flowers and teddy bears at the rear of the Commencement tent. Additionally, the store, located on the first floor of Founders Hall, will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Commencement Day. The store offers a variety of CMSV spirit wear, cards, gifts and snacks.

Is it possible for students to schedule a Senior/Graduation Portrait?
Yes, Thornton Studios is taking appointments for senior/graduation portraits. Photos are typically taken at the Grotto next to the campus entrance. You can schedule a time by visiting www.thorntonstudio.com. Specific instructions for scheduling a time online will be sent to graduates directly.

What if my guests need overnight accommodations?
For guests who need overnight accommodations, below is a list of local hotels within 20-30 minutes from the College:

Is there a lost and found on campus?
Lost items will be turned in at the Security Office in the Maloney Center located in the lower level of the library. Inquiries about lost articles may be made in person or by calling (718) 405-3722.

Is medical assistance available?
Yes. The nurse’s station will be located immediately outside the tent next to the musicians.

When do the residence halls close?
All residence halls will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 for graduating seniors.