Q: How do I participate in Commencement?
A: By now all candidates should have submitted a completed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar’s office. This form is available on the Student Resources section of myMarist. The information collected on the form will be used to order your diploma and for the commencement program. If you did not submit an Application for Graduation, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

 

Q: When and where is Commencement?
A: The Marist College 77th Commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 19. Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held outdoors on the Campus Green. Students, faculty, and staff will assemble for the procession at 5:15 p.m. between the Lowell Thomas Quad and the Hancock Center. Students will need their lineup cards to participate in the ceremony. The procession is scheduled to begin promptly at 5:45 p.m. Candidates for bachelor's degrees will march together, led by their marshal, and will be called to the platform to receive their diploma covers in alphabetical order. Candidates for master's degrees will march together, led by their marshal, and will be called to receive their diploma covers by graduate program. Lineup cards will be collected from students as they approach the platform.

 

Q: Who will correctly pronounce my name?
A: Marist wants to make sure each name called on Commencement day is pronounced correctly. On or about March 27, students will receive an email introducing them to MarchingOrder, an organization working with Marist to record graduate names and print lineup cards. You will first be asked to register on the site and set up a unique password. Once registered, you will be able to access the site and provide the correct pronunciation of your name. If you have questions, please call the Media Center at (845) 575-3635. The deadline for recording names is April 17. 

 

Q: Can I use my chosen name or do I have to use my legal name at Commencement?
A: Marist’s Chosen Name Policy concerning Commencement is found here.

 

Q: Do you know who the speaker will be?
A: Jerome Pickett ’98/’22MBA will serve as commencement speaker at the ceremony for adult undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students. Click here to read Pickett's bio.

 

Q: Are there announcements available that I may send to relatives and friends?
A: Orders for personalized announcements can be placed online at http://collegegrad.herffjones.com.

 

Q: How do I order my cap and gown?
A: Cap and gown orders were due on January 31, 2023. Directions for ordering were emailed to graduates in November 22 and are available here. A Marist computer account access code and password are required. 

 

Q: When do I pick up my cap and gown?
A: Cap and gowns will be available on Tuesday, May 16 – Thursday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Friday, May 19, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., in Donnelly Hall.  Please remember that a photo ID is required.

 

Q: What is a lineup card and why do I need it?
A: It is imperative that all graduates have a lineup card for the Commencement ceremony.  A lineup card indicates that you are eligible to graduate. Information contained on the card will help you find your place in line in the academic procession and will trigger your name to be read as you cross the stage. You will not be allowed to line up or cross the stage without a lineup card.

The Registrar's Office should be contacted immediately if the lineup card is lost.

 

Q: Where do I pick up my lineup card?
A: Lineup cards will be available on Thursday, May 18, from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Donnelly Hall. Please note that a photo ID and a signed college Alcohol Policy Statement are required to obtain the lineup card.

 

Q: Is there a rehearsal?
A: There is no rehearsal for Friday's Commencement ceremony. There will be plenty of staff on hand to help the graduates line up.  Graduates should assemble for the Commencement procession at 5:15 p.m. between the Lowell Thomas Quad and the Hancock Center. 

 

Q: What is the suggested attire?
A: Weather conditions have varied from picture perfect to extreme rain or heat. Graduates are advised to dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather. Bring sunblock and sunglasses for sunny conditions. Wear shoes appropriate for grassy areas. Also, students should be cautious of the clothes they wear underneath their gowns. Neither the College nor the manufacturer of the caps and gowns guarantees that they are colorfast.

 

Q: Are tickets required and is there a limit to how many guests can be invited?
A: No, tickets are NOT required for the outdoor ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No saving of seats will be allowed.  

 

Q: What if it rains?
A: In the case of rain or severe weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the McCann Center. Details will be available on the Marist website (agfi.ngskmc-eis.net).

 

Q: When should my guests arrive?
A: Family and guests are encouraged to arrive before 5:30 p.m. However, no guests will be permitted to enter the actual ceremony site before 5:00 p.m. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 1.5 hours. You are invited to join fellow graduates and their families at a reception immediately following graduation at Saint Peter's Meadow.

 

Q: What about parking?
A: Family and guests are encouraged to arrive before 5:30 p.m. to better ensure a parking space. Vehicular access to the campus will become increasingly difficult as the parking lots fill. Parking will be available on the east and west campuses.

 

Q: Are there special arrangements for parking and seating for disabled guests?
A: The College has made arrangements to have the ceremony interpreted in sign language for the hearing impaired. There will be a designated seating section to accommodate disabled guests. Students may request disabled seating tickets and parking permits in the Registrar's Office starting Wednesday, May 3. A limit of one disabled parking permit and two disabled seating tickets per graduate will be issued. Guests with disabled parking permits should enter through the north entrance and be prepared to show their disabled parking permit to the security guard, who will then direct you to the appropriate parking area. Lots are reserved for vehicles with handicapped license plates, handicapped parking placards issued by a municipality, or special parking permits issued by the College Registrar. Please note that there is no access to the handicapped parking areas from the south entrance.

 

Q: Is there an alcohol policy?
A: Alcohol is not permitted before or during the Commencement exercises and will be confiscated if brought to the ceremony. Please advise all guests of this policy. Graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony will be required to sign a statement to acknowledge that they understand the College's alcohol policy in order to obtain their lineup card on Thursday, May 18.

 

Q: Will my guests be able to take pictures during the ceremony?
A: Professional photographers will be on hand to photograph all graduates as they shake hands with President Kevin Weinman. Three to four weeks after graduation, the graduate will receive two proofs from which prints may be ordered. If you have any questions, please contact Island Photography directly at (800) 869-0908. Due to the large number of people attending Commencement, it is necessary to restrict access to the platform and the graduates' seating area. Guests will not be able to walk or stand in the aisles to take photographs or to videotape. However, there will be a designated area for families to take pictures following the ceremony.  The Commencement program, which you will receive on Commencement day, will show the location of this area.

 

Q: When do I receive my diploma?
A: Diplomas will be mailed by Wednesday, June 14 to all who have met graduation requirements. Graduates must be clear of all financial obligations, including loan exit interviews and library fees, before their diploma will be mailed. Questions about financial obligations should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services (845) 575-3230.

 

Q: What are the bookstore hours on Commencement day?
A: For your convenience, the bookstore will be open on Friday, May 19, from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Diploma frames are available at the bookstore for purchase.

 

Q: What if my guests need overnight accommodations?
A: For those students whose guests will need overnight accommodations, there are a variety of options to local Hudson Valley  hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts.

 

Q: How many cords or other accessories (such as medals, sashes or stoles) can I wear over my gown?
A: Graduates are permitted to wear accessories over their gowns provided they are earned for academic distinction and are provided by Marist College. 

 

Helpful Hints
Cords, Tassels, and Other Attire:

- Your tassel should be worn on the right until all graduates have crossed the stage and President Weinman confers all degrees.

- Remember the ground and stage can get wet, even if it’s not raining. Please wear sensible shoes.

- The weather can be unpredictable, so remember both your umbrella and your sunblock.

- Graduates should be cautious of the clothes they wear underneath their gowns. Neither the College nor the manufacturer guarantees that they are colorfast.

Q: How do I participate in Commencement?
A: By now all candidates should have submitted a completed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar’s office. This form is available on the Student Resources section of myMarist. The information collected on the form will be used to order your diploma and for the commencement program. If you did not submit an Application for Graduation, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

 

Q: When and where is Commencement?
A: Commencement for traditional undergraduates in the Class of 2023 will take place on the Campus Green on Saturday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m. The graduates will begin lining up at 9:15 a.m. between the Lowell Thomas Quad and the Hancock Center and the procession will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m.

 

Q: Who will correctly pronounce my name?
A: Marist wants to make sure each name called on Commencement day is pronounced correctly. On or about March 27, students will receive an email introducing them to MarchingOrder, an organization working with Marist to record graduate names. Students will first be asked to register on the site and set up a unique password. Once registered, you will be able to access the site and provide the correct pronunciation of your name. If you have questions, please call the Media Center at (845) 575-3635. The deadline for recording names is April 17. 

 

Q: Can I use my chosen name or do I have to use my legal name at Commencement?
A: Marist’s Chosen Name Policy concerning Commencement is found here.

 

Q: Do you know who the speaker will be?
A: Best-selling author of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and cartoonist Jeff Kinney will address traditional undergraduates of the Class of 2023 at Marist College’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20 on the Campus Green. Click here to read more about Kinney.

 

Q: How long does the ceremony last?
A: The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours. Following the ceremony, you are invited to join fellow graduates and their guests at a reception under the tent on Saint Peter's Meadow.

 

Q: How do I obtain graduation announcements?
A: Orders for personalized announcements can be placed online at http://collegegrad.herffjones.com.

 

Q: How do I order my cap and gown?
A: Cap and gown orders were due on January 31, 2023. Directions for ordering were emailed to graduates in November 2022 and are available at agfi.ngskmc-eis.net/regalia. A Marist computer account access code and password are required. If you did not place an order by January 31, 2023, please contact the Registrar’s office.

 

Q: When do I pick up my cap and gown?
A: Cap and gowns will be available from Tuesday, May 16 through Friday, May 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 20, 8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m., in Donnelly Hall. Please remember that a photo ID is required.

 

Q: Is there an alcohol policy?
A: Alcohol is not permitted before or during the Commencement exercises and will be confiscated if brought to the ceremony. Please advise all guests of this policy. Graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony will be required to sign a statement to acknowledge that they understand the College’s alcohol policy. You must have signed the statement prior to obtaining a lineup card on Thursday, May 18. Also, please remember that the Campus Green is a smoke free zone.

 

Q: What is a lineup card and why do I need it?
A: A lineup card indicates that you are eligible to graduate. Information contained on the card will help you find your place in line in the academic procession and will trigger your name to be read as you cross the stage. You will not be allowed to line up or cross the stage without a lineup card. The Registrar’s office should be contacted immediately if a lineup card is lost. 

 

Q: Where do I pick up my lineup card?
A: Lineup cards will be available on Thursday, May 18, from 1:00-4:30 p.m. in Donnelly Hall. Please note that a photo ID and a signed college Alcohol Policy Statement are required to obtain the lineup card.

 

Q: Is there a rehearsal? Am I required to attend?
A: All Saturday graduates are required to attend a mandatory rehearsal on Friday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. Students will convene between the Lowell Thomas Quad and the Hancock Center in the area designated for their school. School banners will be prominently displayed. Lineup cards are needed for rehearsal, which is expected to last approximately one hour.

 

Q: What time do I line up on Commencement day?  What time does the procession begin?
A: Graduates and faculty will assemble for the procession at 9:15 a.m. between the Lowell Thomas Quad and the Hancock Center. Lineup cards are required to participate in the ceremony. The procession is scheduled to begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Candidates and faculty will march together, led by their marshal, and be seated by school. Graduates will be called to receive their diplomas in alphabetical order by school. Lineup cards will be collected from graduates as they approach the platform.

 

Q: How should I dress?
A: Students should be cautious of the clothes they wear underneath their gowns. Neither the College nor the manufacturer of the caps and gowns guarantees that they are colorfast. Weather conditions have varied from picture perfect to extreme rain or heat. Graduates are advised to dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather. If it is raining, you may want to bring umbrellas. Bring sunblock and sunglasses for sunny conditions. Wear shoes appropriate for grassy areas. 

 

Q: When should my guests plan on arriving?
A: Family and guests are encouraged to arrive early to better ensure a parking space and seating. However, no guests will be permitted to enter the actual ceremony site before 8:30 a.m. Guests should be in their seats no later than 10:30 a.m. 

 

Q: Are tickets required and is there a limit to how many guests I can invite?
A: Tickets are NOT required for the outdoor ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are asked to limit their party to six guests out of consideration for their fellow graduates. No saving of seats will be allowed.  

 

Q: I have a guest who is disabled. Is there special seating?
A: There will be a designated seating section to accommodate disabled guests and one other person from their party. Access requires a disabled seating ticket. Graduating students may request disabled seating tickets (a limit of two tickets per graduate) in the Registrar’s office beginning Wednesday, May 3. The ceremony will be interpreted in sign language for the hearing impaired.

 

Q: Where do I park?
A: Family and guests are encouraged to arrive before 9:45 a.m. to better ensure a parking space. Parking will be available on the east and west campuses. Lots reserved for handicapped parking are for vehicles with handicapped license plates or placards issued by a municipality. Guests with handicapped permits should enter the north entrance only and be prepared to show their permits to the security guard, who will direct them to the appropriate parking area. There is no access to handicapped parking from the south entrance. For a complete list of parking sites and instructions, please see the campus map.

 

Q: What if it rains?
A: Unless weather conditions are severe, Commencement will take place rain or shine on the Campus Green. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may be delayed from its scheduled start if clearing is anticipated within a reasonable period. Announcement of a delayed ceremony will be made on campus prior to 10:30 a.m. Commencement morning. Only in the rare event of extreme weather, such as dangerous lightning or tornado- or hurricane-like conditions, will the College implement a Severe Weather Contingency Plan and move to smaller ceremonies held indoors. Please check agfi.ngskmc-eis.net for updates or call the Weather Hotline (845) 575-5500. 

 

Q: What if my guests need overnight accommodations?
A: For those students whose guests will need overnight accommodations, there are a variety of options to local Hudson Valley hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts.

 

Q: Where do I meet my guests after Commencement?
A: We suggest that you prearrange a meeting place with your parents at the conclusion of the full recessional.

 

Q: When do graduates have to be out of their rooms?
A: All residence halls will close at 5:00 p.m. on Commencement day, Saturday, May 20.

 

Q: Are there additional campus weekend activities?
A: Various campus organizations conduct special celebrations with students, families, and friends. Students will receive separate invitations, with reservations required, for these events.

 

Q: What about Senior Week activities?
A: At the end of March, you will receive an email regarding 2023 Senior Week Schedule outlining all the activities planned by the Senior Week Committee under the direction of Student Activities. 

 

Q: When do I receive my diploma?
A: Diplomas will be mailed by June 14 to all who have met graduation requirements. Graduates must be clear of all financial obligations, including loan exit interviews and library fees, before their diploma will be mailed. Questions about financial obligations should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services (845) 575-3230. 

 

Q: What are the bookstore hours on Commencement day?
A: For your convenience the bookstore will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20. Diploma frames are available at the bookstore for purchase.

 

Q: Is there a yearbook I can purchase? 
A: No. The yearbook is decided by the class each year and this year one is not being produced.

 

Q: How do I purchase a class ring?
A: Questions or information regarding class rings should be directed to Balfour at www.Balfour.com. Please contact our Regional Account Manager, Caitlyn Lennie, at (407) 690-1621 or (850) 906-3557, email clennie@iconicgroup.com.

 

Q: How many cords or other accessories (such as medals, sashes or stoles) can I wear over my gown?
A: Graduates are permitted to wear accessories over their gowns provided they are earned for academic distinction and are provided by Marist College. 

 

Helpful Hints
Cords, Tassels, and Other Attire:

- Your tassel should be worn on the right until all graduates have crossed the stage and President Weinman confers all degrees.

- Remember the ground and stage can get wet, even if it’s not raining. Please wear sensible shoes.

- The weather can be unpredictable, so remember both your umbrella and your sunblock.

- Graduates should be cautious of the clothes they wear underneath their gowns. Neither the College nor the manufacturer guarantees that they are colorfast.

Q: Who participates in the ceremony?
A: All candidates who have completed the Application for Graduation form, notifying the Registrar's Office of their attendance, will participate in the ceremony. The ceremony is outdoors, rain or shine, in order to accommodate the more than 12,000 friends and family members who wish to attend.

 

Q: What is the date and time of Commencement?
A: Commencement will take place on the Campus Green on Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. The graduates will begin lining up at 9:15 a.m. and the procession will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m.

 

Q: How long does the ceremony last?
A: The ceremony is expected to last approximately 2 hours. Following the ceremony, you are invited to join graduates and their families at a reception under the tent located at Saint Peter's Meadow.

 

Q: Do you know who the speaker will be?
A: Best-selling author of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and cartoonist Jeff Kinney will address traditional undergraduates of the Class of 2023 at Marist College’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20 on the Campus Green. Click here to read more about Kinney.

 

Q: Will my son/daughter be individually recognized?
A: Yes, each graduate's name will be announced as he or she crosses the stage as long as the ceremony is held outdoors. 

 

Q: What is the Baccalaureate Awards Ceremony and when/where will it be held?
A: The College sponsors a Baccalaureate Awards Ceremony to recognize the special achievements of graduating students in academic and community affairs. Award recipients will be notified at least one week prior to the ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Friday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the James J. McCann Center.  Each award recipient will receive four tickets. Award recipients are asked to arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. and guests no later than 1:45 p.m. After 1:45 p.m., anyone wishing to attend the awards ceremony will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony will last approximately one hour.

 

Q: Are there announcements available that may be sent to relatives and friends?
A: Orders for personalized announcements can be placed online at http://collegegrad.herffjones.com.

 

Q: Are tickets required for the Commencement ceremony and is there a limit to how many guests can be invited?
A: Tickets are NOT required for the outdoor ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are asked to limit their party to six guests out of consideration for their fellow graduates. No saving of seats will be allowed. 

 

Q: What is the suggested guest attire?
A: Weather conditions have varied from picture perfect to extreme rain or heat. Graduates and guests are advised to dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather. If it is raining, you may want to bring umbrellas, appropriate rain gear, and a covering for your chair. Bring sunblock and hats for sunny conditions. Wear shoes appropriate for grassy areas.

 

Q: When should guests plan on arriving?
A: Family and guests are encouraged to arrive early to better ensure a parking space and seating. However, no guests will be permitted to enter the actual ceremony site before 8:30 a.m.

 

Q: Is there reserved seating for Commencement?
A: No. Seats are reserved only for the graduates and special Commencement guests.

 

Q: Are there any special arrangements needed for guests with physical disabilities?
A: The College has made arrangements to have the ceremony interpreted in sign for the hearing impaired. There will be a designated seating section to accommodate disabled guests. Requests for disabled seating tickets and parking permits can be made to the Registrar's Office by the graduating senior starting Wednesday, May 3. A limit of one disabled parking permit and two disabled seating tickets per graduate will be issued. As guests enter the campus, please be prepared to show your disabled parking permit to the security guard, who will direct you to the appropriate parking area. Lots are reserved for vehicles with handicapped license plates, handicapped parking placards issued by a municipality, or special parking permits issued by the Registrar's Office. Guests with handicapped permits should enter at the north entrance. There is no access to the handicapped parking areas from the south entrance.

 

Q: Is indoor seating available in the event of rain or extreme heat?
A: In addition to the outdoor seating area, the College offers live-broadcasting of the ceremony at posted campus locations. These locations offer air-conditioned venues for guests who prefer to be out of the "elements."

 

Q: What about parking?
A: Family and guests are encouraged to arrive early to better ensure a parking space. Vehicular access to the campus will become increasingly difficult as the parking lots fill. The south entrance of the campus will be the first to close. The Beck, Lower West Cedar, Upper West Cedar, and Fulton Street lots will be available for guest parking.

 

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Unless weather conditions are severe, Commencement will take place rain or shine on the Campus Green. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may be delayed from its scheduled start if clearing is anticipated within a reasonable period. Announcement of a delayed ceremony will be made by 10:30 a.m. Commencement morning. Please check agfi.ngskmc-eis.net for updates or call the Weather Hotline (845) 575-5500.

 

Q: Will I be able to take pictures during the ceremony?
A: The College has hired Island Photography to photograph all graduates as they shake hands with President Kevin Weinman. Proofs and order forms will be mailed to the student's permanent address during the summer. As a courtesy to the graduates and all in attendance, we ask that you remain in your seats during the Commencement exercises. Our staff is instructed to restrict access to the platform and the graduates' seating area. Guests will not be able to walk or stand in the aisles to take photographs or videotape. However, there will be a designated area for family to take pictures following the ceremony. The Commencement program, which you will receive on Commencement day, will show this location. Please be considerate of the families around you. 

 

Q: Are there additional campus weekend activities?
A: Various campus organizations conduct special celebrations with students, families, and friends. Students will receive separate invitations, with reservations required, for these events.

 

Q: What if my guests need overnight accommodations?
A: For those students whose guests will need overnight accommodations, there are a variety of options to local Hudson Valley hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts.

 

Q: Is there a lost-and-found on campus?
A: Lost items will be turned in at the Security Office in Donnelly Hall. Inquiries about lost articles can be made in person or by calling (845) 575-3000, ext. 2282.

 

Q: When do the residence halls close?
A: All residence halls will close at 5:00 p.m. on Commencement day, Saturday, May 20.

 

Q: How many cords or other accessories (such as medals, sashes or stoles) can my graduate wear over their gown?
A: Graduates are permitted to wear accessories over their gowns provided they are earned for academic distinction and are provided by Marist College.