The City College of New York Commencement
Information for the Graduating Class of 2008

WHEN      Friday, May 30, 2008

TIME        Students must be in line no later than 9:45 a.m.
                 Guests must be seated no later than 9:45 a.m.
                 Ceremony begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE    The Shepard Quadrangle
                   Convent Avenue at 138th Street

Come to the GRADUATE SALUTE April 15  or 16 in the Great Hall to learn more!

CAPS & GOWNS
Caps and Gowns may be purchased and picked up (without pre-ordering them)
in NAC 1/211 from 12:00 pm
to 7:00 pm on the following dates:

o    Wednesday, May 21
o    Thursday, May 22
o    Thursday, May 29
o    Friday, May 30 from
      8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

PRICE
Bachelor Student Keeper Cap, Gown, and Tassel
$25.00

Master Student Keeper Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood   
$50.00

PAYMENT
Cash, Credit Cards or Debit Cards, NO CHECKS.
Wear your academic robe closed.  Your cap should be centered on your head with the mortarboard (the top) flat, not tilted.  Caps tend to slip; hairpins will help.  No jeans please; wear shoes, not sneakers.  For undergraduates, ensure the tassel on your cap is at the front on the right side; then, when the President confers the degrees near the end of the ceremony switch the tassel to the left.  The cap and gown is yours to keep.

GUESTS AND TICKETS*
You do not need a ticket for commencement  but tickets for guests* are required.  This applies to everyone who needs a seat; infants & toddlers under 2 who will sit on adults' laps do not need tickets.  .  Your guests must be seated by 9:45 a.m. otherwise they will be unable to enter the Shepard Quadrangle until after the Faculty and Platform Party have marched.

Each graduating senior will be given a sufficient amount of tickets; please limit the amount you require to your immediate family and friends.  Please only take the number of tickets you will need.

Tickets may be picked up in NAC 1/211, from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the same time you pick up your cap and gown on:    

Wednesday, May 21    
Thursday, May 22
Thursday, May 30

You must have your student ID to pick up your tickets. Lost tickets cannot be replaced. You may pick up tickets for a friend who is graduating.  To do so, you must bring a copy of your friend’s ID, and asigned note from him/her saying that you are authorized to pick up his/her tickets.

If your guests need assistance (e.g.,wheelchair access, sign language interpretation), please notify us as soon as possible by calling 212-650-7378.

WEATHER
The ceremony will go on rain or shine.  You and your guests should prepare for the possibility of inclement weather.


ASSEMBLY LOCATION FOR GRADUATES
Graduates may begin to line up at 9:15 am on Friday, May 30th and must be in line by 9:45 am.    Click here for a map of the seating chart.

• Social Science, Science and CWE  will line up on the north side of 140th Street between Convent Avenue and St. Nicholas Terrace (outside Steinman Hall) by the  red balloons
• Humanities and Artswill line up on the south side of 140th Street between Convent Avenue and St. Nicholas Terrace across from Steinman Hall by the  yellow balloons
• Education will line up between the Administration building and Shepard Hall (Convent Avenue at approximately 138th Street) by the green balloons
• Engineering, Bio Med, and Architecture  will line up between the Administration building and Marshak Hall (Convent Avenue at approximately 137th Street) by the  blue balloons.
  

Each school will be led in by an usher carrying their school banner.

PARKING
No parking will be available on campus.  We recommend that you start early and take public transportation, car-pool, or get dropped off if possible.  The public parking facility nearest the College is on St. Nicholas Avenue at 144th Street; rates are very reasonable.

DURING THE CEREMONY
Please emphasize to your guests that aisles and walkways must remain clear and that they and you must remain seated during the entire ceremony and procession.

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAMS
A program will be on your chair when you take your seat.

PHOTOS
The Commencement ceremony will not be professionally photographed.  Photo locations will be set up for public use from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and for an hour after the ceremony.

DIPLOMAS
Diplomas are not presented at Commencement.  Students will be notified by mail when they are available for pick up.  Be sure the Registrar’s office has your correct address.