Information for Guests

Hotels, Campus Map, and Directions

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests as we celebrate St. John’s Law Commencement 2024. Here is some information to help with your planning. For hotel information, directions to St. John’s Queens Campus, and a campus map please visit our Directions and Area Hotels page.

Commencement Day Timeline

4 p.m.  Student Arrival and Line-up: Taffner Field House
4:50 p.m.  Commencement Procession Begins: Carnesecca Arena
5 p.m. Commencement Ceremony: Carnesecca Arena

All are welcome to attend a reception in Taffner Field House immediately after the Ceremony.

Dinner Reservations

The Commencement ceremony will take about two hours. If you’re going out for dinner afterwards, we recommend that you make your reservations for 8 p.m. or later.

Venue Information

Most of the seats in Carnesecca Arena are bleacher seats. You can take photos during the ceremony, but please remain in your seat while taking them. No food or drink is permitted in the Arena.

Parking

Please plan to arrive early. You can enter campus through any of the gates and park for free and without a permit in one of the campus parking lots on a first come, first served basis. There is also street parking near campus, but it may require a short walk to St. Thomas More Church and Carnesecca Arena. Please note that parking in traditionally restricted zones—such as blocking fire hydrants, fire lanes, and handicapped parking spots—will not be permitted and may result in a fine or towing. Escorts and handicapped parking will be available. Anyone with special needs may call the St. Johns Public Safety Department at 718- 990-6281.

Safety and Security Measures

St. John’s Department of Public Safety would like to advise all Commencement 2023 celebrants of the safety and security measures that will be in place. Your patience, understanding, and cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

The Department of Public Safety will work closely with the New York City Police Department and will assign officers to all ceremony entrance points. They will check all bags and packages, so please only bring necessary items and review the list below for items that aren’t allowed in Carnesecca Arena:

• Backpacks
• Handbags or tote bags bigger than 10"x10"x10"
• Sealed packages of any kind
• Bottles or cans (glass or metal)
• Aerosol cans or noisemaking devices
• Alcoholic beverages
• Animals (unless a service animal)
• Flags, banners, or signs
• Any materials constituting unauthorized advertising or promotion
• Laser pointing devices

These enhanced security measures help ensure that this special day is enjoyable for our graduates and their guests by providing a safe and secure venue for the Commencement ceremony. We thank all in advance for their cooperation.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Theresa Duggan or call her at 718-990-6320.