FAQ
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Commencement is the formal ceremony at which the college recognizes the completion, or anticipated completion, of students' academic degrees. Graduation is the individual student's completion of all the college's degree requirements.
Do I need to submit a petition to walk application if I am graduating in summer 2020?
Summer graduates are no longer required to submit a petition to walk application. However, if they would like to participate in the 2020 Commencement Ceremony, they must file for graduation by March 15, 2020.
Note: Students who file for graduation after March 15 will not have their name listed in the commencement program and may not be able to participate in the 2020 Commencement Ceremony.
When is the Commencement Ceremony?
The official date time and location of the commencement ceremony will be included in future issues of the commencement e-newsletter.
How do I get commencement tickets and my cap and gown?
Eligible students are required to reserve tickets and order their cap and gown using our online commencement system via the Brooklyn College WebCentral Portal. Ticket reservation and cap and gown ordering will begin in the spring 2020 semester.
How many tickets can I reserve?
You may request up to four guest tickets. Graduates do not need a ticket.
Can I get extra tickets?
Unfortunately, extra tickets are not available in advance.The availability of extra tickets will be determined only after regular ticket distribution ends. There is no guarantee that extra tickets will become available.
Are guests required to have a ticket?
All guests are required to have a ticket.
Are children required to have a ticket?
Children, with the exception of infants and toddlers under the age of two who remain on an adult's lap, must have a ticket. Children are not permitted to march or sit with the graduates.
Will there be any tickets for sale?
Commencement tickets are free. Any student engaging in the selling of tickets may be subject to disciplinary action by the college.
What happens if I lose my tickets?
Unfortunately, lost or stolen tickets will not be replaced. Keep your tickets in a safe place.
Will there be a rehearsal for the ceremony?
There will not be a rehearsal for the ceremony. However, marshals will be providing instructions during the ceremony.
How do I get to Barclays Center?
For instructions on transportation, refer to the Travel Directions as well as the Barclays Center transportation guide.
What can I expect to take place during the ceremony?
The ceremony begins with a procession into the graduate seating area. There will be several speakers, followed by the conferring of degrees by school and departments within the schools. Diplomas will not be distributed during the ceremony.
Will honors be recognized at the ceremony?
Honors will not be recognized at the ceremony. However, academic honors may be noted in the commencement program for undergraduate students who have graduated as of February 2020 or earlier.
What if I'm late for the ceremony?
All graduates are expected to be in place one hour before the ceremony begins. If you are late, you may be positioned outside your school and degree category.
What if my guests are late for the ceremony?
Guests may enter the ceremony after the designated start time. We recommend you advise your guests to be early, as the best seating in each section is on a first come, first served basis.
Are there accessible accommodations for graduates and guests with disabilities?
Barclays Center provides accessible seating for guests. However, accessible seating is available only within specific sections, slightly separated from the other seating within the sections. To help your family and friends sit in close proximity to those friends and family seated in the accessible sections, it is very important that your guests arrive early, as seating is general admission.
All accessible seating for guests will be monitored by Barclays Center Guest Services. Barclays ushers will ensure that accessible seating is reserved for guests with accessible seating needs.
For more information, refer to the Barclays Center website.
If you are a graduating student who requires accessible seating, contact us by April 20.
What should I do if I feel ill during the ceremony?
EMS will be on standby. Consult with designated personnel.
Will there be refreshments available?
Refreshments may be purchased if there are available vendors within Barclays Center.
Are any items prohibited from the venue?
Refer to the Barclays Center A–Z guide for items prohibited from the venue.
Where can I get the Commencement Program?
The official commencement program will be available to you and your guests at the Commencement Ceremony.
Will my family be able to see me, and can they come up front to photograph me during the ceremony?
Guests must remain seated so that all guests may see their graduate. A professional photographer will be taking photos of each graduate before the procession. These photos will be available to you for purchase.
Where can I meet my guests after the ceremony?
Graduates and guests will be using various exits. Arrange a meeting location prior to the ceremony.
What should I do if something comes up and I am not able to attend this year's Commencement Ceremony?
A graduate is allowed tickets for only one Commencement Ceremony for each degree or certification. Once tickets are picked up for that degree, the graduate's name is removed from any subsequent list for tickets. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, contact us to cancel your RSVP. If you wish to maintain your option to attend a later ceremony, you should not pick up tickets for this year's ceremony. However, if you should pick up tickets but are unable to attend, return the tickets to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
When can I pick up my diploma?
The Office of the Registrar notifies graduates by e-mail when diplomas are available. Ensure that your e-mail is updated in CUNYfirst. For more information, contact the Enrollment Services Center via e-mail.
