Undergraduate-Level Commencement Exercises

Be sure to stay up-to-date. Visit the Commencement website often, check your St. John's email account and St. John's Connect for updated information.

1. Review and print the Undergraduate-Level Commencement Exercises 2023 Student Information Book.
2. Confirm your eligibility to graduate in May 2023 with your school/college advisor.
3. Order your diploma, starting March 7.
   - Log onto University Information System (UIS) via signon.stjohns.edu
   - Go to the Student Tab
   - Select Graduation > Application for Diploma
   - Your diploma will not be ordered until you submit an application
   - The last day to order your diploma is Tuesday, May 16
4. Register to participate in the Commencement Exercises.
   - An email will be sent to your St. John's email account on March 28
   - You will receive instructions on how to logon to MarchingOrder to register for commencement
5. Purchase your keepsake academic attire through the Herff Jones website. Visit the Academic Attire page here for instructions on how to purchase attire.
6. Remember to complete the Graduating Student Survey and share your opinions! The Office of Institutional Research will email you a personalized link to the survey. 
7. Visit the University information System (UIS) to:
   - Review your transcript for accuracy of grade changes, transfer credits, etc.
   - Check your account for holds (parking tickets, general fees, etc), and clear all holds with the Bursar's Office
   - Update your home address and contact information
8. Do you have family or guests coming from outside the United States? If they need travel documentation, please visit the Registrar's Office to complete a request form.
9. Pick up your tickets to attend the Baccalaureate Mass from the Queens and Staten Island Campus Ministry Offices.
10. Celebrate your graduation in style! Visit the Keepsake Items page, and Digital Swag (coming soon).
11. Use our Virtual Photo Booth, and Graduate Cap and Gown Filters and tag your posts with #SJUGrad.
12. Send a congratulatory message to fellow graduates on the Celebrate the Class of 2023 page.
13. Like us @StJohnsNow to receive important graduation information.
14. Follow us @StJohnsU.

Baccalaureate Mass ~ Queens Campus
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Doors open: 3 p.m.
Mass begins: 4 p.m.
St. Thomas More Church

Baccalaureate Mass ~ Staten Island Campus
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Doors open: 3 p.m.
Mass begins: 4 p.m.
Upper Level, Student Campus Center

Family Graduate Dinner ~ Queens Campus
(for Queens Campus undergraduate students only)
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Doors open: 5 p.m.
Dinner begins: 5:30 p.m.
Carnesecca Arena

Family Graduate Dinner ~ Staten Island Campus
(for Staten Island Campus undergraduate students only)
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Doors open: 5 p.m.
Dinner begins: 5:30 p.m.
Upper Level, Student Campus Center

Undergraduate-Level Commencement Exercises
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Seating area opens: 7:30 a.m.
Ceremony begins: 10 a.m.
Great Lawn, Queens Campus

Graduates must register to attend and participate in the Undergraduate-Level Commencement Exercises. Students who have been deemed eligible to participate by their respective dean's office may register to attend the Commencement Exercises. To confirm your eligibility status, contact your dean's office.

Graduates will receive communications via their St. John's email with instructions on how to register.

• Registration begins on Tuesday, March 28 and ends on Monday, April 24.
• Graduates will submit a pronunciation recording and provide the phonetics of their name which will assist in preparing the recording of their name for use as they cross the stage on commencement day.
• Following registration, graduates will be able to claim their five (5) guest tickets online.
• Registration must be completed for graduates' personalized GradPass to be created.

Each student must complete the registration process on the MarchingOrder Site in order to receive their personalized GradPass on Commencement Day.

• On Commencement Day, students will check-in at their line-up areas, receive and have their GradPass scanned.
• As the graduate approaches the stage during the calling of names, their GradPass will be scanned a second time.
• The GradPass will allow for the pre-recorded name of each graduate to be announced as the graduate walks across the stage. It will also allow for the graduates' name to be displayed on the large viewing screens, as the graduate walks across the stage.
• After the graduate crosses the stage, they are expected to return to their seats for the remainder of the ceremony and to recess out together with their fellow classmates.

All guests are required to present a ticket for entry to the Undergraduate-Level Commencement Exercises on the Great Lawn or Simulcast location. Family and guests should arrive early and be seated by 8:15 a.m. (1 hour prior to the start of the procession) or by 8:45 a.m. the latest.

Seating for guests is based on the order of arrival, and seats cannot be saved. All ticket holders must be present at the time of entry to be seated together. Children under the age of two do not require a ticket, however, they must be seated on an adult's lap.

Students will be able to assign, print and/or email their allotted five (5) guest tickets from the MarchingOrder Site. Students are required to complete their registration, and provide phonetics for the pronunciation of their pre-recorded name before they can assign their guest tickets. 

Each graduate participating in the Commencement Exercises will receive five (5) guest tickets.

Guest tickets will be scanned on the day of the ceremony. Tickets cannot be assigned to more than one individual or be duplicated. Tickets can only be scanned once, for admittance into the ceremony.

Additional tickets are not available. It is recommended that Graduates in need of additional tickets, reach out to fellow Johnnies who may not be utilizing all their tickets.

The Commencement Exercises will also be streamed live for those guests unable to attend the ceremony on our Commencement website at www.stjohns.edu/commencement.

Graduates must submit an online diploma application in order to receive their diploma. The last day to order your diploma is Tuesday, May 16.

Instructions for the Online Application for Diploma:

1. Log onto University Information System (UIS) via signon.stjohns.edu
2. Go to the Student tab
3. Select Graduation > Application for Diploma

Diplomas will be available after Friday, July 14, dependent upon the date the diploma was ordered. Contact your dean's office for more information.

Diplomas are ordered throughout the spring term, if a student applied late for their diploma, it will not be available at the beginning of diploma distribution. Be sure to call your dean's office beforehand to confirm your diploma is available. Please contact the Registrar's Office for more information regarding the ordering process. 

Queens Family Graduate Dinner
(for Queens Undergraduate Students Only)
Saturday, May 20, 2023
5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Carnesecca Arena
Hosted by Student Government, Inc.

As your time at St. John's comes to an end, it is only fitting that you take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments with those who have helped make them possible. The Family Graduate Dinner will honor the graduating Class of 2023, along with their families who have shown endless support throughout the years.

Reply by Friday, April 28, 2023

• Students must complete the online form and purchase tickets to attend the event.
• The online form can be completed here.

Admission and Tickets

• This event is only for Queens students who graduated in December 2022 or will graduate in May 2023.
• Registration is required and you are entitled to a total of five tickets (Graduate + 4 guests).
• Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis and this dinner sells out every year.
• Graduates must bring their StormCard and online ticket confirmation in order to attend.
• The dress code for this event is business attire.

This event is subject to change based on current public health conditions and recommendations of health experts.

For more information, please contact Natalie Storelli at [email protected]

Staten Island Family Graduate Dinner
(for Staten Island Undergraduate Students Only)
Saturday, May 20, 2023
5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Upper Level, Student Campus Center

As your time at St. John's comes to an end, it is only fitting that you take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments with those who have helped make them possible. The Office of Student Affairs will host the Family Graduate Dinner to honor the graduating Class of 2023, along with their families who have shown endless support throughout the years.

Registration and tickets are required to attend the event. Please contact David Gachigo at 718-390-4190 for more information.

YEARBOOK:
Graduates can order their yearbook from Jostens and parents and friends can build an ad to celebrate their graduate's achievements. Purchase your yearbook today! Click here for more information.  

SENIOR PORTRAITS:
Senior portraits will be taken on campus in April. Schedule your appointment today by going to www.ouryear.com or call 1-800-687-9327 during business hours to schedule your appointment.  

To schedule your appointment online at www.ouryear.com, you will be prompted to set-up a new appointment and to enter your school code. Queens Campus Students should enter school code 87128 and Staten Island Campus Students should enter school code 87130.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Queens Campus Graduates can contact Jack Flynn, [email protected]

Staten Island Campus Graduates can contact David Gachigo, 718-390-4190.

Graduate Responsibilities:

• Arrive at your assembly location no later than 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 21.
• Wear your academic attire (gown, hood, and cap) to the Commencement Exercises. Your tassel should be on the right side of your cap.
• Wear comfortable footwear and clothing, bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
• If rain is in the forecast, bring a small umbrella. NOTE: Umbrellas will not be permitted on stage during the calling of names.
• It is strongly recommended not to bring personal belongings.
• Graduates will be provided water and, if needed, a rain poncho.
• Be sure to pick-up your personalized GradPass, available at check-in.
• Follow the line-up, processional and recessional instructions of your academic deans, marshals and event staff.
• Once directed to your row in the graduate seating area, remain standing until the end of the invocation.
• Follow the instructions for the calling of your name as you are asked to walk across the stage.
• If you need assistance during the Commencement, please locate your dean, event staff, or a Public Safety Officer.

Assembly and Line-up Locations:

• There is no rehearsal for the Commencement Exercises.
• Each school/college has a designated assembly and line-up location (see below).
• The academic deans will be in the assembly area to check-in graduates, and to distribute their personalized GradPass.
  • St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
    Marillac Hall, 2nd Floor
  • The School of Education:
    St. Albert Hall, Basement
  • The Peter J. Tobin College of Business:
    D'Angelo Center, 2nd and 3rd Floors
  • College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences:
    D'Angelo Center, 1st Floor
  • The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies:
    Marillac Hall, 3rd Floor

Student Procession to the Great Lawn

• The academic procession will begin on either side of the Great Lawn at 9:15 a.m.
• Students will enter the seating area through the side aisles of the graduates seating area.
• The program will officially begin as soon as all graduates and faculty have reached their seats and the members of the Platform Party are at their seats.
• The schools and colleges will process in the following order followed by the members of the faculty.

Ceremony Photography and Video

• There will be professional photographers from Grad Images® taking photographs of the graduates on Commencement day.
• A copy of the live streamed video will be available for viewing on the Commencement website following the ceremony.
• Guests will not be able to approach the stage area or graduate seating area prior to the start of the ceremony or for the duration of the ceremony for any reason, including photography and videotaping.

Public Safety

• Please only bring necessary items with you on the day of Commencement. Please visit the Commencement Public Safety Advisory page for a listing of items that are not permitted into the arena.

Lost and Found

• The Office of Public Safety will collect and hold any items that are lost or found, during the ceremony. If you need to report or find a lost item, please see a Public Safety Officer.

Inclement Weather Plan

• The Commencement Exercises is held on the Great Lawn, rain or shine.
• If it is raining or rain is in the forecast on Commencement day, graduates and guests should come prepared with the appropriate rain gear. Graduates and guests will receive a poncho, if it is raining; guests are advised to also bring raincoats and something to cover the seat of the lawn chair. Graduates should note that umbrellas will not be permitted on stage.
• If the ceremony is underway and severe weather conditions exist, the ceremony may be abbreviated and the calling of student names and the greeting of deans on stage may be omitted from the program. If the ceremony is abbreviated, graduates and guests should follow instructions as announced. It is advised that graduates prearrange a meeting place with family and guests in case the ceremony is abbreviated.
• If the ceremony cannot be held on the Great Lawn due to extreme or dangerous weather, the ceremony may be cancelled or postponed. No indoor facility on campus can accommodate the graduating class and thousands of guests. Every reasonable effort will be made to hold the ceremony as planned.

Will graduate names be called?

Yes, as an institution, we understand the importance of calling the names of each of our graduates. As part of the ceremony, graduates will scan their GradPass prior to crossing the stage allowing for their name to be announced as they walk across the stage and their name and degree to appear on the screens for family and guests to view.

Where can I obtain my GradPass?

Student's can obtain their personalized GradPass on the day of their ceremony. Students must complete the registration process in order for a GradPass to be created. The student's GradPass is customized for each student and cannot be shared amongst graduates. It will allow for the graduates name to be announced during the ceremony and their name and degree to appear on the screens as the graduate walks across the stage.

How long is the Commencement Exercise?

Great care has been taken to ensure the ceremony is completed as quickly and smoothly as possible. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 2 1/2 hours. Graduates and guests are asked to please show respect to all graduates and remain until the end of the ceremony and the student recession has ended.

What happens in the event of rain, severe, or extreme weather?

The Undergraduate-Level Commencement Exercises will be held outdoors, on the Great Lawn of the Queens campus, in an uncovered space, rain or shine. 

• If it is raining or rain is in the forecast for the ceremony, graduates and guests should come prepared with the appropriate rain attire. Graduates and guests will receive a poncho if it is raining; guests are advised to also bring raincoats and something to cover the seat of the lawn chair. Graduates should note that umbrellas will not be permitted on stage.
• If the ceremony is underway and severe weather conditions exist, the ceremony may be abbreviated and the calling of student names and the greeting of deans on stage may be omitted from the program. If the ceremony is abbreviated, graduates and guests should follow instructions as announced. It is advsied that graduates prearrange a meeting place with family and guest in case the ceremony is abbreviated.
• If the ceremony cannot be held on the Great Lawn due to extreme or dangerous weather, the ceremony will be cancelled or postponed. No indoor facility on campus can accommodate the graduating class and thousands of guests. Every reasonable effort will be made to hold the ceremony as planned.

How do I order my diploma?

Eligible students can order diplomas by visiting UIS via signon.stjohns.edu, selecting the Student Tab and then Graduation > Application for Diploma. 

When can I expect to receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be available after July 14, 2023, dependent upon the date the diploma was ordered. Student's should contact their dean's office for more information. 

Do I need to purchase academic attire to attend the Commencement Exercises?

Yes, wearing academic attire (cap, gown and hood) is both a tradition and a requirement to participate in the Commencement Exercises. For more information regarding purchasing keepsake academic attire, please visit the Academic Attire page found here.

Does the University provide honor society cords for its graduates?

For more information regarding honor society cords and stoles, and how to receive them, students should contact the honor society's administrator or dean's office.

Please note that the University does not offer cords for Latin Honors (Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude).

Where can I purchase keepsake items and other stoles for graduation?

Please visit the Keepsake Items page found here, for information on how to purchase keepsake items for your graduation.

Do guests need tickets to attend the Commencement Exercises?

Yes, guests will need to present and scan their assigned ticket, either electronically or in printed form, upon arrival to the Great Lawn. Please note that once a ticket is scanned, it will not allow for additional scans or entry to the ceremony.

Graduates will be able to claim and assign their guest tickets once they complete their registration to attend the ceremony.

Seating for guests is based on the order of arrival, and seats cannot be saved. All ticket holders must be present at the time of entry to be seated together. Children under the age of two, do not require a ticket, however must be seated on an adult's lap. 

Will the University livestream the Baccalaureate Mass?

Yes, the Queens Campus Baccalaureate Mass will be streamed live. Please use this link to view the Queens Campus Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Will the Commencement Exercises be streamed live?

Yes, the Undergraduate-Level Commencement Exercises will be streamed live on Sunday, May 21st and will be available on the Commencement Website.

Will a Commemorative Book with graduate names be available to students and family?

Yes, the Digital Commemorative Books with graduate names will be available for graduates and family to view, print and download. The digital format can be found on the Commencement website starting Monday, June 26, 2023. 

Will students and guests receive a program book on the day of the Commencement Exercises?

Graduates will receive a shortened program book at the Commencement Exercises. Guests will receive a QR code to access a digital copy of the program book.

Who do I contact if I have other questions regarding the Commencement Exercises?

If you have questions regarding Commencement planning, please contact the Office of University Events via email at [email protected]

If you have questions regarding academic requirements, please contact your dean's office, their contact information can be found by visiting the Important Contacts page.

Graduates and Guests are permitted to park on campus. Due to the large number of guests in attendance, there may be a shortage of parking on campus. Guests and graduates are advised to carpool.

Allow ample time to find parking and if parking on our neighborhood streets, please be sure to follow local NYC parking regulations where applicable.

For directions to the Queens Campus, and local hotels, please click here. For the Queens Campus Map, download a PDF of the map here.