Congratulations, graduates! Below is detailed information about what to expect on Commencement day.
Commencement will take place on the Mount Carmel Campus Quad.
-
Saturday, May 10
-
Sunday, May 11
Ceremonies will be held outdoors rain or shine and will run approximately 2-2.5 hours in length. In the event of severe weather, the ceremonies will move indoors to the M&T Bank Arena on the York Hill Campus. While there are no tickets required for the outdoor ceremonies, there will be tickets required for the severe weather indoor ceremonies. Please see the tickets section for more information
Ceremony Protocol
Commencement is an academic ceremony. All graduates and guests are expected to be respectful by remaining in your seats until the full ceremony concludes and the recessional has taken place.
Entrance/Parking
Graduates should arrive to the Mount Carmel Campus 90 minutes prior to their ceremony. We'll communicate information about parking and drop off arrangements, and line-up location as it becomes available.
Guests should follow the directions of parking attendants and signage.
Food
Please plan to eat a meal before arriving to campus; food in the line-up area will need to be discarded before processing. Note that the dining hall will not be open; however, a light reception of cookies will be provided after the ceremony.
Line-up
We'll update graduates with details about line-up closer to the event.
At line-up you will be given a card with your name, degree and line-up number. Keep this card with you at all times. You will line up numerically using the number on your card to assist you. Staff will also be on hand to help.
Procession
Approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, the procession will begin. Graduates will be led onto the Quad and to their seats. From here, you will follow the directions the faculty marshals and staff will provide during the ceremony. Keep your name card with you at all times.
Please be advised that the processional route crosses campus; we recommend you consider this when choosing footwear.
Graduates approaching the stage
Later in the spring semester, graduates will receive line-up location assignments via email and this site will also be updated. Graduates will receive a card with their name when they check in. Keep this card with you including when your group is called to the stage. You will hand in this card when you walk up on stage and your name will be announced. You will then proceed to the center of the stage to pick up your diploma (this is also where doctorate candidates will be hooded) and then exit the stage and return to your seat. Faculty marshals will assist with directing graduates.
Crossing the Stage
When it is your group’s turn to cross the stage, you will be led to the stage area by faculty marshals. Take your name card with you and hand it to the name reader once you come up onto the stage. Your name will be read and you will cross the stage to receive your diploma cover.
Doctorate Candidates
Doctorate candidates follow the above information for crossing the stage. In addition, you should have your hood draped over your left arm. Once you hand the name reader your name card, proceed to the farthest hooder and hand them your hood. They will then hood you and you will take your diploma cover and return to your seat.
Professional Photography
Guests will not be able to approach the stage for a photograph. A professional photographer from Island Photography will be located at the stage and will take your photo. For everyone's safety, guests must not block the aisles in an attempt to take their own photographs.
Use the Restroom Before Procession; Remain Seated During Ceremony
Graduates are encouraged to use the restrooms at the line up location prior to the procession. Once the ceremony has begun, graduates will not be permitted to leave your seats except for the time when you receive your degree.
Severe Weather
Please be aware that the ceremony is outdoors, rain or shine. In the event of rain, graduates will receive poncho to wear. Guests must bring their own rain gear. Umbrellas will only be permitted at the back of the Quad while standing.
In the event of severe weather, we will move the ceremony indoors to the M&T Bank Arena on the York Hill Campus. Tickets will be needed for the indoor ceremony and 6 severe weather tickets will be issued to each graduate in April (3 for the basketball arena, where ceremony is held and 3 for the adjacent hockey arena where ceremony will be livestreamed). Please see the tickets section for more information
Water
Water bottles will be placed at each graduate's chair. Graduates will not be permitted to process in carrying water bottles.
Attire
Please keep in mind the weather when planning your attire for the day and consider wearing sunscreen. You will be in direct weather and there will be no shade.
Post-Ceremony
Once the ceremony concludes, the platform party and faculty will recess to the rear of the Quad; graduates will follow. A light reception will be served under the tent on the Quad. You will be able to meet your guests there. Golf carts will also be available to transport those needing mobility assistance with returning to the parking areas. We ask that you do not stop a cart already moving.
Commencement Livestream
Livestreams of the ceremonies are available on this site. Recordings will remain on the site for several months after the ceremonies for viewing and will be available on the Quinnipiac YouTube channel.
Health Guidelines
If you or a guest are not feeling well, we encourage you to stay home and enjoy the ceremony using the livestream link.
