HERE IS WHAT CCNY GRADUATING STUDENTS ARE ASKING THE MOST...
Here’s to you, Class of 2025 — the finish line is in sight!
Congratulations — You've worked hard, grown tremendously, and now it's time to get ready for the celebration you deserve. We're here to make sure the transition from student to graduate is as smooth and memorable as possible.
As graduation approaches, we know you have plenty of questions about what’s next. This FAQ page is here to guide you through the final stretch — from cap and gown details to ceremony info, diplomas, and everything in between.
Date, Time and Location For Graduation
Q: Date and Location of Main Commencement?
A: Friday, May 30th on South Campus, 10AM
Q: Date and Location of Graduate/PhD celebration?
A: Wednesday, May 28th in the Great Hall, 1PM
EMAIL BLAST CLARIFICATIONS
Q: Does the graduation information I receive apply to both undergraduate and graduate students?
A: Yes, this Class of 2025 website and our mass emails apply to both, undergraduate and graduate students.
Q: I'm a current graduating senior and I haven't been receiving any emails in regards to graduation. Can someone please reach out and add me to a mailing list.
A: The first email is going out in late November. All emails regarding graduation will be sent to your CityMail accounts. Make sure you double-check all folders, including Spam. If the emails are not found, please reach out to us via studentlife@ccny.cuny.edu with answers to the following questions: Did you apply to graduation? If so, when did you apply?
APPLYING FOR GRADUATION
Q: Do I need to apply for graduation?
A: Yes, you do. Please remember to apply and note the application deadline (https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/registrar/application-for-graduation). As per Registrar: You must apply about three-four months prior to the date you expect to graduate. There are 3 graduations in the academic year; Summer, Fall and Spring. The dates are published in the academic calendar.
Q: How do I apply for graduation?
A: You apply for graduation through CUNYFirst, please reference the guide from Registrar here: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/registrar/application-for-graduation.
There is a link to get your tickets via Campus Groups on the main commencement site: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/commencement/information-students
Tickets
Q: How to get tickets?
A: There is a link to get your tickets via Campus Groups on the main commencement site: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/commencement/information-students
Q: Number of tickets for main commencement?
A: All graduates get 3 guest passes for Main Commencement (1 ticket is for the graduate to enter commencement)
Q: Number of tickets for Graduate/PhD celebration?
A: All Graduate and PhD candidates get 2 guest passes for the Graduate/PhD Celebration
Q: How do I get additional tickets?
A: Due to space limitations, we are unable to distribute additional tickets. However, you may coordinate with classmates who are not using all their guest passes.
GRADUATION COMPONENTS
Q: I believe I am eligible for an honors cord, how do I go about receiving it?
A: Normally, an honors cord is distributed by your division of study.
Q: I missed the Cap & Gown stuff! How can I get my gown?
A: Cap & Gown items will be available soon. You can get your Cap & Gown by ordering online with Herff Jones (please view the "To-Do List" tab at the top and go into the dropdown menu once made available).
Q: Is it mandatory to purchase my cap and gown?
A: It is not mandatory, however it is recommended if you are financially stable to make the purchase. It is a way for you to commemorate achieving this milestone with your loved ones.
Q: I have not had a chance to order my cap and gown is there still time?
A: Yes, the deadline to order your Cap and Gown is April 18th, please click on the link below for more details: https://colleges.herffjones.com/college/ccny/
Q: I missed the Pictures! Are they coming back?
A: Senior Portraits with Thornton Studio are available in both the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. Please be on the look out for communication from them or check out their information on the Home page to schedule an appointment with them.
Q: Where can I schedule a photoshoot?
A: Students can schedule a photoshoot using the link and code below. The portrait schedule is active now at www.ThorntonStudio.com using Code: 02688
Q: I missed the Ring people! I want a graduation ring, are they coming back?
A: Balfour and Herff Jones are available in the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. Please be on the lookout for emails from them or check out their information on the Home page for information sessions/ordering online when available.
Q: How much does Graduation cost?
A: That cost is primarily up to what you decide to get. The ceremonies are cost-free. Please view the home page to see which items are recommended and which are optional.
DIVISIONAL CEREMONIES
Q: What is the difference between Main Commencement and Divisional Ceremonies?
A: The main difference is the Main Commencement invites the entire graduating class on campus, while the Divisional Ceremonies are targeted at the graduating class of your division of study.
Q: I would like to know about potential division events for graduating students?
A: Please reach out to your division.
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Q: I'm looking to get the 2024-2025 yearbook for the Class of 2025.
A: The yearbook will USUALLY be available the Fall after graduation as we include the senior class in the yearbook. You would receive an email to your city mail when the yearbook is ready for purchase.
Q: What if I don’t want to have my name in the commencement book?
A: Please complete the form below and send the completed form to the following email: communications@ccny.cuny.edu
Q: Is there a deadline for students to opt out from the commencement book?
A: Yes, it is April 21st
DIPLOMA INFORMATION
Q: How can I request my diploma and when is it available?
A: Usually, the diploma is available approximately 3 months after the conclusion of your graduating semester. By normal procedures, you would get an email from Registrar that you can pick it up when it is ready. The best method to be updated would be to keep a lookout on your citymail for updates from Registrar or to take a look at their website: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/registrar/diplomas.
Q: Do I need to apply for graduation to get my diploma?
A: Yes, you do. Please remember to apply and note the application deadline (https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/registrar/application-for-graduation).
MISC.
Q: I need to take summer classes, and Registrar is telling me to remove my graduation application. What happens now? Am I on the list?
A: That's pretty simple. If you have applied for graduation, then yes, you are on the list. When you "de-apply" for graduation, your name does not get removed from the list.
Q: "They" told me I can "walk" if I have some classes to take in the Fall 2025, is this true?
A: If you are taking classes in the Fall, you become part of the NEXT graduating class of 2026. If you are finishing your credit load by the end of the summer, then you are eligible to walk for Spring 2025. The requirement to walk is of 6 credits or less after this Spring Semester.
Q: Can I change my name in the program? How?
A:
Q: Can I change my name on my diploma?
A:
If this is you please fill out this permission to walk for commencement form: Here
Please email studentlife@ccny.cuny.edu if you have any questions. Please note that you must first complete any remaining credits you will have after this semester and then apply again for the next graduation.