Academics

Commencement Planning Resources

Congratulations to the spring 2026 graduates! This resource hub provides ceremony schedules, ticketing, regalia, travel, parking, guest information, and day-of details. Find everything graduates and families need to prepare for a smooth and successful celebration at Manhattan University.

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Image of Manhttan University standing undergraduates at Commencement

Commencement Planning

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may participate in Commencement?

Commencement is open to all students who have graduated with a degree in September 2025, December 2025, and February 2026 or who will graduate in May 2026. There are no additional ceremonies held during September, December, or February. 

All eligible students can participate in the May 2026 Commencement, except those who participated in a previous Commencement ("walkers").

Where is Commencement being held?

Commencement ceremonies are held at the Draddy Gymnasium at Manhattan University.

Where do students line up before the Commencement ceremony?

On the day of Commencement, graduating students will assemble in the designated areas listed below. You will be instructed to check in with your advisors, where you will be given a reader's card for the ceremony and line up in alphabetical order by school.

For Undergraduates 

On the day of Commencement please go to the following location according to your school of enrollment:

SchoolLocation
Arts & SciencesSmith Auditorium
EngineeringChapel of De La Salle and His Brothers
BusinessChapel of De La Salle and His Brothers

For Graduate

On the day of Commencement, please go to the following location according to your school of enrollment:

SchoolLocation
Graduate Smith Auditorium

How many tickets will each graduating student receive?

For the Undergraduate ceremony, students will receive up to five guest tickets.

For the Graduate ceremony, students 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. 

Will Commencement ceremonies be live-streamed?

Yes. Anyone who is unable to attend the event can watch a live stream on Manhattan University’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/manhattancollege

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed in June to the home address on file with Manhattan University. Graduates will also receive a digital diploma by email that can be shared on social media and used for personal or professional purposes.

After receiving the digital diploma notification, students will have 72 hours to confirm or update their mailing address to ensure the printed diploma is sent to the correct location.

For questions about diploma delivery, please contact Jasper Central at jaspercentral@manhattan.edu

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Graduate students process into the commencement ceremony at Manhattan University surrounded by family, faculty, and guests.
Graduate Commencement

Friday, May 15, 2026 | Draddy Gymnasium

Graduate Commencement is open to all students who have graduated with a degree in September 2025, December 2025, and February 2026 or who will graduate in May 2026. There are no additional ceremonies held during September, December, or February. 

All eligible students can participate in the May 2026 Commencement, except those who participated in a previous Commencement ("walkers").

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Students are recognized on stage during Spring Honors at Manhattan University as faculty and classmates celebrate their achievements.
Spring Honors Convocation

Friday, May 15, 2026 | Draddy Gymnasium 

The Spring Honors Convocation recognizes students for academic achievements throughout their college education. Spring inductees of the honor society Epsilon Sigma Pi will be recognized. Membership is the University's highest scholastic honor for which undergraduates of all academic programs are eligible. Additionally, more than 50 medals and prizes will be awarded and next-in-merit honorees will be acknowledged.

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Students and guests gather inside The Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers during Baccalaureate Mass at Manhattan University.
Baccalaureate Mass

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | The Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers

The annual Baccalaureate Mass at 10:00 a.m. welcomes all graduating students and their guests to gather in reflection and celebration. Held in The Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers, the Mass marks the spiritual opening of the University’s commencement ceremonies. As the symbolic heart of Manhattan University, the Chapel provides a meaningful setting to honor achievements, offer gratitude, and look ahead to the future. This longstanding tradition invites the community to begin the day together before the formal conferral of degrees.

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Undergraduate graduates stand together in regalia during commencement at Manhattan University awaiting the conferral of degrees.
Undergraduate Commencement

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Draddy Gymnasium

Commencement is open to all students who have graduated with a degree in September 2025, December 2025, and February 2026 or who will graduate in May 2026. There are no additional ceremonies held during September, December, or February. 

All eligible students can participate in the May 2026 Commencement, except those who participated in a previous Commencement ("walkers").