Commencement: A Healthy Gathering--To prevent transmission of the Influenza A (H1N1) infection, the Center for Disease Control recommends persons with influenza-like symptoms (i.e. cough, runny nose, sore throat, and fever) stay home for seven days after the onset of symptoms. The best way to prevent spread of any infection is to avoid close contact with sick people and wash your hands often with soap and water. If you sneeze and do not have a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands, then wash with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer for washing. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs from entering your body. Again, if you’re feeling sick, please stay home and stay informed to prevent the spread of Influenza A (H1N1).
How do I find out if I’m eligible to graduate? SAS and SN: Contact your advisor or Dean’s office.
SNR: Contact your advisor or Campus Director’s office.
GS: Contact your advisor or Division Head.
Can I attend Commencement if I have not completed all requirements for my degree?
SAS and SN: Contact your advisor or Dean’s office.
SNR: Contact your advisor or Campus Director’s office.
GS: Contact your advisor or Division Head.
Can I attend Commencement if I have not applied for graduation?
SAS and SN: No. Contact your Dean’s office for further instructions.
SNR: No. Contact your Campus Director for further instructions.
GS: No. Contact your Division Head for further instructions.
What do I need to get into Radio City?
Graduate pass (blue card)
Matching photo I.D.
Academic regalia (see proper attire below)
Where do I pick up invitations, announcements, seating tickets for my guests, and my blue pass?
Your pass is printed on a blue card and is absolutely required for you to enter Radio City. It must be accompanied by a matching photo I.D. You may pick up the blue pass along with your invitations, announcements and guest seating tickets, as follows:
SAS and SN: Vice President for Student Services' Office, Student Campus Center, Rm. 209, (914) 654-5364
SNR/Brooklyn: Campus Director’s office, (718) 638-2500
SNR/J. Cardinal O’Connor: Campus Director’s office, (718) 665-1310
SNR/Co-op City: Campus Director’s office, (718) 320-0300
SNR/DC-37: Campus Director’s office, (212) 815-1710
SNR/New Rochelle: Campus Director’s office, (914) 654-5528
SNR/Rosa Parks: Campus Director’s office, (212) 662-7500
GS only: You will receive invitations, announcements, guest seating tickets, and blue pass in the mail. Direct all inquires to the Assistant to the Graduate School Dean, (914) 654-5243.
How many people may I invite to commencement?
You will receive three invitations and three announcements.
You may receive up to a maximum of three seating tickets.
Can a member of my family get into Radio City without a seating ticket?
No. Infants up to 12 months may be seated on an adult’s lap without an additional seating ticket.
Are there facilities for the disabled?
Yes. Go to www.radiocity.com for more information.
Graduates with special needs must contact:
SAS and SN: Vice President, Student Services, (914) 654-5364
SNR/Brooklyn: Campus Director, (718) 638-2500
SNR/J. Cardinal O’Connor: Campus Director, (718) 665-1310
SNR/Co-op City: Campus Director, (718) 320-0300
SNR/DC-37: Campus Director, (212) 815-1710
SNR/New Rochelle: Campus Director, (914) 654-5528
SNR/Rosa Parks: Campus Director, (212) 662-7500
GS: Assistant to the Graduate School Dean, (914) 654-5243
How do I get to Radio City?
Best way: public transportation, go to www.radiocity.com
If you must drive, directions and parking facilities are available at www.radiocity.com.
When must I get there?
9:30 a.m. Graduates arriving after 10:30 a.m. will not be permitted to march.
What must I, a Graduate, bring with me?
Graduate Pass (blue card)
Matching photo I.D.
Academic regalia (robe, hood and cap)
What is proper attire at Commencement?
Traditional Commencement attire, unadorned
Robes at full length
Hoods on
Caps on straight and flat, tassels at left front
Dark shoes (black or brown)
Where do I get my academic regalia?
SAS, SN and GS:College Store in the Student Campus Center, no later than Wednesday, May 20 at 5 p.m. Direct all inquiries to Herciana Vasquez, (914) 654-5368.
SNR/Brooklyn: Campus Director’s office, (718) 638-2500
SNR/J. Cardinal O’Connor: Campus Director’s office, (718) 665-1310
SNR/Co-op City: Campus Director’s office, (718) 320-0300
SNR/DC-37: Campus Director’s office, (212) 815-1710
SNR/New Rochelle: Campus Director’s office, (914) 654-5528
SNR/Rosa Parks: Campus Director’s office, (212) 662-7500
What must I leave at home (or with my family)?
Leave at home (or with a family member) all personal effects that you cannot reasonably carry under your robe. There is no coat or baggage check, nor is there a secure place to leave your belongings during the ceremony. However, you will need to carry your photo ID and your blue Graduate Pass.
Where do I go once I get to Radio City?
Graduates will enter through the 50th Street or the 51st Street main entrance to Radio City Music Hall, just east of 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas). This entrance will be indicated on your blue Graduate Pass. You will line up in the Grand Lounge, located downstairs from the Main Lobby. Once you have walked downstairs, look for the sign indicating your school or campus.
Where does my family go?
They may line up as early as they wish outside either the 50th Street or the 51st Street main entrance to Radio City Music Hall, just east of 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas). Seating is not assigned; first come, first served. Doors open for your guests at 10 a.m.
When can my family enter Radio City?
Doors open at 10 a.m. for guests (a half hour after you enter). No guest will gain access to the building unless he or she has a seating ticket. Infants up to 12 months may be seated on an adult’s lap without an additional seating ticket.
What restrictions are in effect for my family members?
No balloons, no food, no beverages. Please advise your family that security at Radio City is strict. Bags may be inspected and metal detector wands may be used upon entry.
How long will the Commencement exercises take?
About two hours.
Where do I pick up my diploma?
Your diploma will be available for you to pick up AFTER COMMENCEMENT at the Registrar’s Office in the Administration Center on the Main Campus in New Rochelle. If you prefer, you may have the diploma sent to your branch campus at no charge, or mailed to you at a cost of $5 for postage. Details regarding degree pick up are available online.
The Registrar is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, except Friday, May 22 (College holiday), Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day), and Friday, July 3 (Independence Day). To contact the Registrar, call (914) 654-5213.