FAQ
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Commencement is the formal ceremony at which the college recognizes the completion, or anticipated completion, of students' academic degrees. Graduation is the individual student's completion of all the college's degree requirements.
Can I participate if I am finishing my required classes in the summer?
Summer graduates who would like to participate in the 2023 Commencement must have filed for graduation by March 15.
Note: Students who file for graduation after March 15 may not have their name listed in the commencement program and may not be able to participate in the 2023 Commencement.
When is Commencement?
The 2023 Commencement will tentatively take place on Thursday, June 1, at 9 a.m. in Barclays Center. Date and location will be confirmed in the beginning of the spring semester.
How do I purchase my cap and gown?
Eligible students are required to wear the official Brooklyn College cap and gown to Commencement. The dates for ordering cap and gown will be confirmed in the spring semester.
How do I request commencement tickets?
Eligible students are required to request tickets using our online commencement system via the BC WebCentral Portal. The dates for requesting tickets will be confirmed in the beginning of the spring semester.
How many tickets can I request?
You may request up to four guest tickets. You will also receive a separate ticket for yourself. Graduates confirm their attendance through the ticket request process.
Can I get extra tickets?
Unfortunately, extra tickets are not available in advance. The availability of extra tickets will be determined only after regular ticket distribution ends. The process for requesting extra tickets is on the Commencement Checklist. There is no guarantee that extra tickets will become available.
Are guests required to have a ticket?
All guests are required to have a ticket.
Are children required to have a ticket?
Children, with the exception of infants and toddlers who remain on an adult's lap, must have a ticket. Children are not permitted to march or sit with the graduates.
Will there be any tickets for sale?
No. Commencement tickets are free. Any student engaging in the selling of tickets may be subject to disciplinary action by the college.
Do I need a ticket for myself?
Yes. In addition to your guest tickets, you will also receive one ticket for yourself. You must have your ticket in order to enter Barclays Center. Guest and students use separate entrances.
Will my guests and I enter through the same doors?
No. Guests will enter Barclays Center from a separate entrance than the students. You must make sure that you have your ticket and that your guests have access to their tickets separately.
Will there be a rehearsal for the ceremony?
There will not be a rehearsal for the ceremony. However, staff will be providing instructions during the ceremony.
How do I get to Barclays Center?
For instructions on transportation, refer to the Travel Directions as well as the Barclays Center transportation guide.
What can I expect to take place during the ceremony?
Students arrive at Barclays Center and gather in the designated area as directed by staff. Details regarding the order of the program will be available at the beginning of the spring semester. Diplomas will not be distributed during the ceremony.
Will honors be recognized at the ceremony?
Honors will not be recognized at the ceremony. However, academic honors may be noted in the commencement program for undergraduate students who have graduated as of February 2023 or earlier.
What if I'm late for the ceremony?
All graduates are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. If you are late, you may be seated outside of your academic school and degree section.
What if my guests are late for the ceremony?
Guests may enter the ceremony after the designated start time. We recommend you advise your guests to be early, as the best seating in each section is on a first come, first served basis.
Are there accessible accommodations for graduates and guests with disabilities?
If you are a graduating student who requires accessible seating, contact us by May 13.
Barclays Center provides accessible seating for guests. However, accessible seating is available only within specific sections, slightly separated from the other seating within the sections. To help your family and friends sit in close proximity to those friends and family seated in the accessible sections, it is very important that your guests arrive together and early, as seating is general admission.
All accessible seating for guests will be monitored by Barclays Center Guest Services. Barclays ushers will ensure that accessible seating is reserved for guests with accessible seating needs.
For more information, refer to the Barclays Center website.
What should I do if I feel ill during the ceremony?
EMS will be on standby. Consult with the nearest staff member to obtain assistance.
Will there be refreshments available?
Refreshments may be purchased if there are available vendors within Barclays Center.
Are any items prohibited from the venue?
Refer to the Barclays Center A–Z guide for items prohibited from the venue.
Where can I get the Commencement Program?
The official commencement program will be available to students at Commencement. A digital version will also be available on the morning of the ceremony online.
Will my family be able to see me, and can they come up front to photograph me during the ceremony?
Guests must remain seated so that all guests may see their graduate. Guests will not be permitted to enter the student seating area.
Where can I meet my guests after the ceremony?
Graduates and guests will be using various exits. Arrange a meeting location prior to the ceremony.
What should I do if something comes up and I am not able to attend this year's Commencement?
A graduate is allowed tickets for only one Commencement for each degree or certification. Once tickets are accepted for that degree, the graduate's name is removed from any subsequent list for tickets. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, contact us to cancel your request or return your accepted tickets. If you wish to maintain your option to attend a later ceremony, you should not accept tickets for this year's ceremony. However, if you should accept tickets but are unable to attend, return the tickets to Student Affairs.
When can I pick up my diploma?
The Office of the Registrar notifies graduates by e-mail when diplomas are available. Ensure that your e-mail is updated in CUNYFirst. For more information, contact the Enrollment Services Center via e-mail.
