Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University

Class of 2023 Commencement

We look forward to celebrating all you’ve accomplished!

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2023 Commencement Schedule

Ceremonies will be held rain or shine and will run approximately 2-2.5 hours in length.

Friday, May 12

M&T Bank Arena, York Hill Campus

  • 1 p.m. — School of Law Commencement

  • 5 p.m. — School of Medicine Commencement

Saturday, May 13

Quad, Mount Carmel Campus

  • 10 a.m. — School of Business and School of Computing and Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

  • 3 p.m. — School of Health Sciences Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

Sunday, May 14

Quad, Mount Carmel Campus

  • 10 a.m. — College of Arts and Sciences and School of Communications Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

  • 3 p.m. — School of Nursing and School of Education Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

Post-Ceremony Reception

We invite you to join us for a reception at the conclusion of your ceremony. The reception will offer light refreshments and an opportunity to meet up with your families and take photos. The faculty and platform parties also attend the post-ceremony reception. The reception is not mandatory.

Tickets and Seating

Eligibility

Students eligible to participate in Commencement will be sent communications about their ceremony through their Quinnipiac email. If you have any questions about your eligibility, or to confirm your eligibility, please connect with your academic adviser. 

Tickets

  • All graduates in our Saturday and Sunday ceremonies will receive 6 tickets each.

    • All guests for the Saturday and Sunday ceremonies will need tickets to access the Mount Carmel Quadrangle, where the ceremonies will take place.

    • Further information on registering for tickets will be sent to graduates in early April.

  • There will be no tickets required for the School of Law and Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine ceremonies being held on Friday because of smaller ceremony sizes.

Seating

Seating will be general admission. Staff will be available to assist you in finding a seat.

Tickets should either be printed clearly (no fading ink) or displayed on a mobile device for entry to the ceremony.

  • Seating will be outdoors on a flat grassy surface for the Saturday and Sunday ceremonies.

  • Seating for the Friday ceremonies will be in the arena stadium seats.

Seating for those with disabilities will be available and wheelchairs can be accommodated. Staff will be able to assist you on arrival. Please note that the university does not provide wheelchairs.

Ceremony Guidelines and Etiquette

Commencement is an academic ceremony marking a major milestone for our graduates and their families. 

Please keep the following expectations in mind for the ceremony:

  • For graduates: Your gown should be fully zipped and your tassel should be on the right of your cap. You will be invited to move it to the left of your cap during the ceremony.

  • For graduates: Please be mindful of your footwear. You will be walking in a procession and recession, as well as coming on stage when your name is read.

  • Please be considerate with applause when names are being read so that all graduates and their families and guests can hear their name being called.

  • All graduates and guests are expected to be respectful of all graduates, faculty and staff for the full commencement experience and stay for the entire ceremony. Please limit movement to use of restrooms only and return to your seat promptly. 

  • Be respectful to all speakers and give them your attention.

  • Remain seated unless asked to stand or process/recess (if able).

  • Phones should be kept on silent or vibrate.

  • Pets are not allowed on campus during the ceremony. Only certified service animals will be permitted.

Weather Guidelines

Weather Policy

The Saturday and Sunday ceremonies will take place on the Quadrangle on the Mount Carmel Campus. Ceremonies will take place outside rain or shine. 

Outdoor Weather

The Quadrangle is an open, unshaded space. Please plan accordingly as the ceremonies will run roughly 2-2.5 hours each including the time you are seated prior to the beginning of the ceremony. A tent providing shade as well as indoor livestream areas will be available, but please plan for the weather conditions.

Please note that the grass and sidewalks will develop puddles and sogginess in the rain. Please plan footwear and clothing accordingly. Please bring raincoats and ponchos. Umbrellas will only be permitted if standing at the rear of the audience so that they do not block the view of other guests. 

More to Explore

Commencement Fair

Tuesday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Commencement Fair will take place in the Recreation and Wellness Center on the Mount Carmel Campus on Tuesday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Graduates will be able to pick up their cap and gown (if they selected on-campus pickup), and also enjoy music, photos, treats, giveaways, games and more!

Additional Events for Graduates

Events celebrating our graduates and life-skills themed workshops will take place throughout the semester and include the following. Information on all events will be emailed to all eligible graduates as each event approaches.

  • Countdown to Commencement

  • Easy Finance Hacks for Your Life

  • That’s Sew Easy

  • Class of 2023 Pub Night

  • The Give Back Guide

  • The Absolute Beginners Guide to Meal Prepping

  • Creating Community and Making Connections

  • A Quick Spin in Car Buying

  • Vibe Out in Your Home or Apartment

  • You Auto Know

  • Class Toast for Graduates

Post-Ceremony Reception

There will be a reception at the conclusion of each ceremony. The reception will offer light refreshments and the opportunity to meet up with your families and to take photos. The faculty and platform parties also attend the post-ceremony reception. The reception is not mandatory.

Additional Details

Explore more information about Commencement on the following pages:

Details and information for graduates and guests

Travel, parking and accommodations

Commemorating the day
Caps and gowns, diplomas, photography, cords, announcement cards, class rings, flowers, merchandise

You’re a Bobcat for Life

Welcome to the Alumni Family

You're now a Bobcat for Life and part of a network of more than 60,000 alumni — worldwide!

We are commited to remaining connected with you throughout your journey — no matter where it may take you. If you haven't already, please join Bobcat Connect, Quinnipiac’s exclusive platform for connecting students and alumni with a passionate network commited to helping you achieve lifelong personal and professional success.

Bobcat Connect Alumni Website

If you’d like to connect with the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, please email alumni@qu.edu.

Questions?

If you have questions about Commencement after reading through the site, please contact quevents@qu.edu for assistance.

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