Commencement FAQs

Is there a rehearsal?
All bachelor’s degree graduates are required to attend a mandatory rehearsal on Friday, May 17 at 11:30 AM in Cardinal Hayes Auditorium. The rehearsal is expected to last approximately one hour. Accelerated BS in Nursing, Bridge Program, and master’s graduates do not attend the rehearsal.

What if I cannot attend the rehearsal?
Students who cannot attend the rehearsal must contact the Office of Student Affairs to receive information for line-up and name pronunciation.

What is the Baccalaureate Mass and Hooding? When and where will it be held?
Mount Saint Vincent sponsors an Undergraduate Baccalaureate Mass and Hooding Ceremony, which is a special recognition ceremony for our graduates, held on Friday, May 17 at 4 PM in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. The ceremony is similar to a graduation in that there is a processional and a recessional, and faculty and graduates are dressed in academic garb. Graduates are expected to wear their caps and gowns to the Mass. The Mass will last approximately 1.25 hours.

What is the date and time of Commencement?
The College of Professional and Graduate Studies Commencement and Hooding (this includes graduates of Accelerated BS in Nursing program) will take place in Cardinal Hayes Auditorium on Thursday, May 16 at 6 PM. Graduates will begin lining up at 5 PM and the processional will begin promptly at 5:45 PM.

Commencement for graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees and students graduating from the Bridge Program will take place on the Great Lawn on Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 AM. Graduates will begin lining up at 9 AM and the procession will begin promptly at 10 AM.

How long does the ceremony last?
The graduate and professional ceremony is expected to last approximately 1 hour. The undergraduate ceremony is expected to last approximately 1.5 hours.

Will my graduate be individually recognized?
Yes, each graduate’s name will be announced and the graduate will walk across the stage. Graduates will be called to the stage by degree, in no particular order.

Are tickets required?
Tickets are not required for the Commencement ceremonies. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis—saving seats will not be allowed.

What is the suggested guest attire?
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 if attending the undergraduate ceremony. Bring sun block and hats for sunny conditions. Wear shoes appropriate for grassy areas.

When should guests plan on arriving?
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to better ensure a parking space and seating. For Thursday’s College of Professional and Graduate Studies Ceremony, guests are encouraged to arrive at 5 PM. For Saturday’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, guests will not be permitted to enter the tent before 8:30 AM.

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

Are there any special arrangements needed for guests with physical disabilities?
Requests for accessible seating, handicapped parking permits, and sign language interpretation can be made to the Office of Student Affairs no later than Friday, April 26.

There will be a designated seating section to accommodate disabled guests. Special requests are limited to one parking permit and two special-seating tickets per graduate. As guests enter the campus, they should be prepared to show their parking permit to the security guard, who will direct them to the appropriate handicapped parking area. Marked handicapped parking spaces are reserved for vehicles with handicapped license plates, handicapped parking placards issued by a municipality, and special parking permits issued by the University.

What about parking?
Family and guests are encouraged to arrive early to better ensure a parking space. For Thursday’s College of Professional and Graduate Studies Ceremony, parking will be on campus only with a valid parking pass. For Friday’s undergraduate events, parking will be first-come, first-served on campus. For Saturday’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, parking will be off campus at Empire City Casino in Yonkers, NY. Shuttle buses will be available to bring guests to and from campus. Vehicular access to the campus will become increasingly difficult as the parking lots fill. Graduates with current campus parking permits will be able to park on campus on Commencement Day. All parking information has been communicated directly to graduates.

What if my guests need overnight accommodations?
For guests who need overnight accommodations, below is a list of local hotels within 20-30 minutes from UMSV:

Is there a lost and found on campus?
Lost items will be turned in at the Office of Safety and Security in the Maloney Center, located in the lower level of the library. Inquiries about lost articles may be made in person or by calling 718.405.3722.