Commencement FAQs

Where are the ceremonies?

Graduate & Doctoral and Undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held on the Quad lawn rain or shine. Baccalaureate will be held in the O'Byrne Chapel.

How long is the ceremony?
Although the ceremony length will vary every year, here are some general times:

Undergraduate: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Graduate & Doctoral: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baccalaureate: 1 hour and 30 minutes

May I walk in the ceremony even though my degree requirements won't be fulfilled?
See requirements below as they are different for each degree:

Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement Participation

As a general policy, Commencement celebrates the accomplishments of students who have successfully completed all the requirements necessary for their degrees. Students who have completed all degree requirements are considered eligible to walk at Commencement.

Students who have not completed all the requirements necessary for their degree, may, under strict eligibility criteria outlined within this policy, be granted permission to “walk” in Commencement exercises. Walking in Manhattanville’s Commencement exercises, however, does not indicate degree completion nor does it indicate that a degree will be awarded in the future. Only when all requirements are completed will a student’s degree be awarded.

Permission to Walk

School of Arts and Sciences and School of Education Undergraduate Students:

Students who have not yet completed all degree requirements may participate in Commencement exercises if they have six credit hours or fewer remaining toward completion of their degree(s) and expect to have those degrees conferred in August. No Education student with student teaching credits left to complete will be allowed to participate in the College’s Commencement ceremony.

School of Professional Studies : Graduate and APPEAL Students

Students, including, APPEAL (adult/accelerated) and graduate students who have not completed all of their degree requirements may, with the approval of the School of Professional Studies Dean’s Office, walk in the College’s Commencement ceremony. The student must provide proof of a recent term (previous fall, winter or current spring) grade deferral or registration for all remaining requirements in an upcoming summer session and must be within three credits of degree completion. No SPS student with more than three credits remaining towards completion of his/her degree will be allowed to participate in the College’s Commencement ceremony. The Dean’s office will be responsible for maintaining the record.

School of Education: Graduate Students

Students who have not completed all of their degree requirements may not walk in the College’s Commencement ceremony.

MFA:

MFA students who have not completed all of their degree requirements may, with the approval of the director of the MFA, walk in the graduate Commencement ceremony. The student must provide proof of a recent term (previous fall, winter or current spring) grade deferral or registration for all remaining requirements in an upcoming summer session and must be within three credits of degree completion.

How many people may I bring?
Seating is on a first come, first served basis. In case of severe weather (dangerous to participants or attendees), ceremonies will be relocated to the O’Byrne Chapel, which has a seating limit of two guests per graduate. Two Severe Weather Tickets will be included with graduates cap and gown pick-up . Ceremony video streaming will be available for additional guests in various locations throughout campus.

Where do I park?
Parking will be available on a first come-first served basis in all of the College parking lots.
There will be a designated area for accessible parking for individuals with placards identifying themselves as an individual with a disability. There will be roving golf cart transportation to the ceremonies for those who need assistance. 

Which students are hooded?
The majority of the participants will wear a hood from the start of the ceremony, only doctoral candidates will be hooded during the graduate & doctoral commencement ceremony.

What is my name card for?
You will be issued a name card in the East Room during check-in. Bring it with you to the ceremony. You will hand the card to the announcer just before you receive a ceremonial handout on stage (an envelope or scroll). The announcer will read the information that is listed on your name card as you start across the platform.

Will diplomas be handed out at the ceremony?

No. All degree requirements must be completed and degrees must be conferred before a diploma can be released. Diplomas are available approximately 6 weeks after degrees are conferred. Graduates will be emailed additional information regarding diplomas. Diplomas will be available, at the specified time, in the Registrar's Office (REID Hall-3rd Floor) during regular business hours. You MUST bring a form of picture identification with you to be properly identified. NOTE: Diplomas will NOT be released to students with active "Holds" from Student Accounts, Financial Aid or other campus offices. After degrees are conferred, transcripts will be available should you need to provide documentation to a third party that your degree has been completed. For additional details regarding transcripts, please visit the Registrar's webpage/transcripts

What name will appear on my diploma?
All students will be asked to submit a Diploma Verification Form to confirm the spelling of their name, name printing format on their diploma and diploma mailing address. NOTE: School of Education masters and doctoral students coordinate diploma name verification with the School of Education Office using their own separate form.

How will I know where to line up in the East Room?
Undergraduates are requested to attend a rehearsal the day before the ceremony. At that time you will be lined up and actually walk to the Quad and take a seat.

Graduates you will report to the East Room prior to your ceremony. You will be lined up then and there will be staff volunteers to make sure you get in the correct seats.

Can I leave my Personal belongings (purse, coat, etc.) in the East Room during the Ceremony?
There will be a security guard in the East Room if you choose to leave your items. If a woman wants to carry her bag, we recommend a small purse with a shoulder strap that fits up under the arm-pit; these work best and can be under your gown with little notice. It’s a day where less is better; car keys, license and some cash.

Do I need to RSVP or Register for commencement?
Yes! You MUST RSVP so we can have the correct number of seats available for candidates. Visit these links:  RSVP Undergraduate or RSVP Graduate/Doctoral. *RSVP's will close on Friday May 3rd.*

What do we wear?
Most students wear dressier clothing under their cap & gown so they look good for all photos taken that day. However, that is not a requirement. On hot days, students have been known to wear shorts.

Can I watch the event from home?
The Undergraduate and Graduate ceremonies can be streamed live for free.