Student FAQs

Vaccination Status

All students who will complete their degree this semester (spring 2022) MUST be fully vaccinated in order to participate in the Commencement ceremony, even if all of your courses were online. If you are participating and your degree was conferred in summer 2021 or fall 2021, you have the option of being either fully vaccinated or you must present a negative PCR COVID test that was taken within 7 days of the date of the ceremony. Home tests will not be accepted. Information on how to register with our CUNY Cleared4 system will be given during ticket distribution.

Ceremony

Where will the Commencement Ceremony take place?

The Commencement Ceremony will take place in the MEC Amphitheater. Please be advised that there will be limited seating for guests in this venue. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once we reach capacity in the Amphitheater, all other guests will be directed to an overflow area where they will be able to view the ceremony via live stream. The line-up for seating in the amphitheater will start at 7:00 am.

How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately two and a half hours.

Do I have to wear academic regalia?
All students must wear academic regalia to participate in the commencement ceremony. If you have not yet purchased academic regalia, you should contact the Office of Student Life at StudentLife@mec.cuny.edu.

What time should I arrive?
Graduates should plan to arrive to campus no later than 7:00 am with academic regalia. Check-in areas will be located in front of the main entrance of the AB1 building. Name cards will be distributed at check-in on the morning of Commencement. Please be prepared to present your picture ID and proof of vaccination. As a reminder, COVID check-in protocols are still in place. Proof of vaccination should be uploaded to Cleared4 following CUNY guidelines and instructions. For assistance, please contact Ms. Althea Willie at HealthServices@mec.cuny.edu.

Can I leave after my name is called?
NO! Once you have crossed the stage, received your diploma cover, and had your portrait taken, return to your seat for the remainder of the ceremony. All graduates must remain until the end of the ceremony for the safety and comfort of all guests.

Is there a secure place to leave my purse or wallet during the ceremony?
Bags and other items will not be allowed into the ceremony. It is recommended that you leave these items home. If your guest will have a small child with them and a diaper bag is necessary, please notify them that the bag must be clear.

What GPA do I need to graduate with Honors?
Cum Laude (3.25-3.49)
Magna Cum Laude (3.50-3.69)
Summa Cum Laude (3.70-4.00)

(For the ceremony, all graduates must have the above cumulative Grade Point Average by the end of Fall 2021.)

Graduate Photos

Thornton Studios Photographers is our vendor for student commencement portraits. If you would like to view the photos after the event and place an order for your graduation portrait, please complete the request form on the Thornton website.

Graduation Ticket Distribution

How do I get tickets?

Students must pick up their graduation tickets in-person and must have appropriate identification. Proxies will not be allowed to pick up tickets on behalf of graduates. In addition, only students who are vaccinated (spring 2022 degree-completers) will be able to receive guest tickets.

Each graduate will receive four (4) tickets to the Commencement ceremony. The tickets will allow guests to access the amphitheater, with limited seating, and the overflow area. All guests MUST have a ticket, and admission wrist bands will be distributed to ticket holders only. There are no additional tickets available. Children below the age of 2, often referred to as “lap children” do not need a ticket, but must be held through the duration of the ceremony.

Please see the schedule below:

Tickets may be picked up from the lobby of the S-building on the following dates and times:

• May 23-25: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• May 26: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
• May 27: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• May 28: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• May 31: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
• June 1: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

If you are not able to come to campus during the designated dates and times, please contact the Office of Student Success and Enrollment Management at StudentSuccess@mec.cuny.edu.

The Commencement Ceremony will be held in the Campus Amphitheater rain or shine. Seating will be limited. Ticketed guests will be seated in the Amphitheater on a first-come, first-served basis or may watch the ceremony on closed-circuit television in several designated areas.

COVID-19 Requirements

In accordance with CUNY guidelines, all students visiting campus for any reason whether they are taking in-person classes or not, must have up-to-date vaccination status and have their vaccination documents approved in CUNYfirst — unless they have been granted a religious exception or a medical exemption. Students must also have uploaded proof of receiving a booster shot once eligible according to the guidelines. The only other exception to this change is that campus leaders can accommodate entry to students who need to access emergency services on campus, such as food pantries and mental health services. For additional information, please review the CUNY Corona Virus FAQs.

If you are participating in the Commencement Ceremony and your degree was conferred in either summer 2021 or fall 2021 – and you are not currently enrolled, you have the option of uploading your vaccination information or presenting proof of vaccination to the security staff upon entry into the campus. If you are not vaccinated, you must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test that was taken within seven (7) days of Commencement, from an accredited testing facility.

For assistance, please contact Ms. Althea Willie at HealthService@mec.cuny.edu.

Accessibility Accommodations

Graduates requiring accessibility accommodations should complete the accommodation request form at this link. For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Success and Enrollment Management at StudentSuccess@mec.cuny.edu by May 23, 2022. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided during the ceremony.

Weapons Policy on Campus

Please be advised that the CUNY Weapons Policy will be strictly enforced. No weapon of any kind will be allowed on the campus or in the Commencement venue. There will be a safety screening for everyone entering the venue. Anyone found with a weapon will be denied access and could be subject to further legal action.