Graduate Commencement

Graduate Commencement

Commencement is open to all students who have graduated with a degree in September 2023, December 2023, and February 2024 or who will graduate in May 2024. There are no additional ceremonies held during September, December, or February. 

All eligible students can participate in the May 2024 Commencement, except those who participated in a previous Commencement ("walkers").

 

Timeline

Friday, May 17, 2024

TIME EVENT
2:30 p.m. Graduates report to designated assembly areas
3 p.m. Doors open for seating in Draddy Gymnasium – tickets are required for all guests
4 p.m. Procession and Ceremony begin
  • Tickets / Graduation Clearance Checklist

    Tickets will be required to attend the Commencement ceremony. Graduates will receive up to eight guest tickets. Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves. There is no charge for tickets. Tickets will be made available later in the spring. Children under 2 years old may attend without their own ticket, but they must sit on a parent or guardian's lap and may not occupy their own seat.

    You must complete the following to be eligible to receive your tickets and purchase your cap and gown:

    • Graduation Clearance Checklist

      You may log on to Self-Service beginning March 5, 2024, to review your graduation checklist. Your checklist outlines the requirements you need to complete BEFORE March 22, 2024, to be eligible to receive your graduation tickets. Once you have completed the checklist, you will receive a registration email from MarchingOrder, tentatively the week of April 8th, with information on how to retrieve your digital tickets. The checklist items include: 
       
      Tuition Balance*
      Pay all outstanding tuition balances 
      Senior Survey*
      Complete the Qualtrics senior survey  
      Exit Loan Counseling
      Only students who have borrowed Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal TEACH Grants are required to complete the exit loan counseling
       
      * symbol represents a requirement. For questions please contact JasperCentral (Student Accounts, Registrar & Financial Aid) at 718-862-7100.
  • Cap and Gown Distribution

    Only students who have completed their graduation clearance will be eligible to purchase academic attire. Academic attire is required to participate in the commencement ceremony.

    Caps and gowns must be ordered online in advance. March 22, 2024: DEADLINE to order for Grad Fair pick up.  Regalia packages will be distributed at the Manhattan University Grad Fair on April 23rd, from 12 - 4 p.m., at Kelly Commons, second-floor lounge.

    Ship-to-home options are also available.  April 15, 2024: DEADLINE to order for ship-to-home. (S&H fee applies)

    Click the link for more information.

    ORDER NOW

    Cords - Recognized clubs and academic honor societies may apply for permission to wear cords at Commencement by emailing the Provost's office at commencementcords@manhattan.edu.

  • Official University Photography & Videography

    Individual Student Photos

    Each student will have their photo taken during the Commencement ceremony as they cross the stage by Island Photography. Proofs of these photos and purchase options will be emailed to each student by Island Photography following Commencement. 

    General Commencement Photos & Videography

    University photographers and videographers will be active throughout the day. Photos will be posted to manhattan.photoshelter.com several days after the event. High-resolution photos can be downloaded free of charge.

    Guest Photography

    Guests who will be taking photographs during Commencement may not enter the aisles at any time during the academic procession. Also, no one is permitted to enter the student seating area for any reason. Please be mindful not to obstruct the view of other guests as you are taking photos. 

  • Diploma Delivery

    Diplomas will be mailed in June to students' home addresses on file with the University. Students will also be sent a digital diploma that can be used for all social media outlets.

    Students will be able to confirm and/or update their mailing address in the 72 hours following the email notification of the digital diploma. This will ensure diplomas are delivered to the correct addresses.

    For any questions, please email registrar@manhattan.edu 

  • Commencement Speaker

    Alex Cohen, philanthropist and owner of the New York Mets, will deliver the keynote address and receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at our Graduate Commencement on May 17, 2024! Ms. Cohen grew up in Washington Heights and was a commuter student during her college days at Manhattan University, where she studied communications.

    As President of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Ms. Cohen has directed over $1.2 billion in grants to support changemaking non-profit organizations and initiatives, including several major programs right here at Manhattan University. Most recently, the Foundation created the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Scholarship Fund, which covers nearly 90% of tuition and fees for commuter students from underserved communities majoring in STEM fields. Ms. Cohen also leads the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the New York Mets.

    Ms. Cohen's unwavering dedication to improving lives and communities through philanthropy is truly inspirational. As a member of the Manhattan University community, we are honored to recognize her remarkable achievements and impact.

    Learn more about this Commencement speaker