--- title: "Graduate Commencement" url: "/academics/resources/commencement-planning/graduate-commencement" type: page date: 2026-05-02 updated: 2026-05-02 --- # Graduate Commencement ## Graduate Commencement Commencement is open to all students who graduated in September 2025, December 2025, or February 2026, as well as students who will graduate in May 2026. There are no additional commencement ceremonies held in September, December, or February. All eligible students may participate in the May 2026 Commencement ceremony, except those who have already participated in a previous Commencement as “walkers.” ### Timeline #### Friday, May 15, 2026 TimeEvent2:30 p.m.Graduates report to designated assembly areas.3:00 p.m.Doors open for seating in Draddy Gymnasium. Tickets are required for all guests.4:00 p.m.Procession and ceremony begin. ### #### Tickets / Graduation Clearance Checklist Tickets are required to attend the Commencement ceremony. Graduates will receive up to eight guest tickets. Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves, and there is no charge for tickets. Ticket distribution details will be shared later in the spring. Children under 2 years old may attend without a ticket but must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap and may not occupy their own seat. ### Graduation Clearance Checklist Students may log in to Self-Service beginning **Wednesday, March 18, 2026** to review their graduation checklist. All requirements must be completed **before April 17, 2026** to be eligible to receive commencement tickets. Once all checklist items are completed, students will receive an email with instructions on how to access their digital tickets. **To receive tickets, you must complete the following requirements:** - **Tuition Balance\*** Pay all outstanding tuition balances. - **Senior Survey\*** Complete the Qualtrics senior survey. - **Exit Loan Counseling** Required for students with Federal Direct Stafford Loans or Federal TEACH Grants. This must be completed at [studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov). Notification is sent separately prior to the checklist. **\* Indicates a required item.** For questions, contact Jasper Central (Student Accounts, Registrar, and Financial Aid) at or 718-862-7100. ### #### Cap and Gown Distribution **Academic attire is required to participate in the Commencement ceremony.** *Caps and gowns must be ordered online in advance.* ### Regalia Order Deadlines **April 1, 2026: Deadline for Grad Fair pickup** Regalia packages will be distributed at the Manhattan University Grad Fair on April 29, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Kelly Commons, second-floor lounge. *Ship-to-home options are also available.* **April 20, 2026: Deadline for ship-to-home orders** (Shipping and handling fees apply) Order your cap and gown: [Order Your Cap and Gown ](https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/) ### Cords Student Government-sponsored clubs and organizations should check their email throughout the spring semester for information regarding commencement cords for club members. Questions about **club-related commencement cords** should be directed to . Questions regarding cords for academic honor societies should be directed to the appropriate faculty moderator or dean’s office. ### #### Official University Photography & Videography ### Photography & Videography #### Individual Student Photos Professional commencement photos will be provided by Island Photography. Each graduate will be photographed twice: once during their on-stage recognition and again in a portrait-style photo after exiting the stage. Within 48 hours, graduates will receive email proofs with the option to view and purchase photos. There is no obligation to purchase. For questions, contact Island Photography at [800-869-0908](tel:18008690908) or . #### General Commencement Photos & Videography University photographers and videographers will capture moments throughout the day. Photos will be posted several days after the event at [manhattan.photoshelter.com](https://manhattan.photoshelter.com). High-resolution images will be available for free download. #### Guest Photography Guests may take photos during Commencement but may not enter the aisles during the academic procession. **No one is permitted to enter the student seating area at any time.** Please be mindful of other guests and avoid obstructing views while taking photographs. ### #### Diploma Distribution Diplomas will be mailed to students' home addresses on file with the University **in June**. 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