Congratulations
to the Class of 2023!
We are so proud of you. You have accomplished something truly impressive and we cannot wait to celebrate with you on your Big Day.
Below is important information regarding Commencement.
Date and Location
We are delighted to announce that Commencement will take place this year at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in midtown Manhattan. It is a beautiful venue and a perfect setting to celebrate this important milestone in our students’ lives.
Thursday, June 15
Radio City Music Hall
1260 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas)
Between W. 50th and W. 51st Streets
New York City
Directions to Radio City Music Hall are available here.
Who Walks in June?
Students who completed their studies in the Fall 2022 or Winter 2023 semester, as well as those who will do so in the Spring 2023 semester, will participate at Commencement on June 15th.
Our "August Grads" -- those completing their degree requirements during the Spring semester -- will walk at Commencement and hear their name called just like the other grads. Understandably, they will not receive their diploma nor have program completion reflected on their transcript until all degree requirements are met. (See below for more information about diplomas.)
Those finishing their studies in the Fall 2023 semester will participate in next year's Commencement (June 2024).
Our St. Lucia campus graduates will be celebrated at a separate Commencement there in October.
Purchasing Your Cap and Gown
Graduates participating in Commencement are required to wear a gown with cap/tassel and hood purchased through our vendor, Oak Hall. Exception: NSLS and Delta Mu Delta students are permitted to wear stoles or medals available through those organizations.
An online ordering site will go live in late February or early March. Watch your College email for the announcement.
Please note: You will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony without the proper, designated attire.
Gowns, hoods, or stoles may not be altered with decorations or other customization. You may, however, decorate the top of your cap.
Guest Tickets
All graduates and guests wishing to attend Commencement are required by Radio City Music Hall to have a ticket. The tickets will only be available through the Ticketmaster and MSG apps. You will need to download BOTH
You should use the same set of log-in credentials for both. You can use your College email address or a personal email -- it's completely up to you.
We do not yet know how many guest tickets each graduate will receive.
Once the Winter semester ends, we will have a better sense of the size of the graduating class and will be able to announce the number of tickets.
Children two years old and above are required by the venue to have their own ticket.
Children under that age do not need one, but they are required to stay on a guest's lap.
Two Ceremonies
There will be two separate ceremonies held on June 15th to accommodate our sizable graduating class and graduates’ guests. One will be held mid-morning and the other in the afternoon.
Graduates will be assigned to attend a specific ceremony, which will be based on the academic school that coincides with their major.
We will announce which schools walk in the morning and which ones walk in the afternoon later this spring.
COVID Protocols
All attendees will be strongly encouraged to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
Proof of vaccination will not be required unless there's a change in City regulations or it becomes necessary in the face of increasing infection rates.
Receiving Your Diploma
Your diploma will be ready approximately two or three months after the completion of your last semester. It takes us a little time to confirm your credentials and print the beautiful documents.
Those who finished their programs at the end of the Fall 2022 semester will be contacted by the Registrar’s Office in February or March with information on how to have your diploma sent to you.
Commencement Rehearsal
There will not be a rehearsal prior to Commencement.
Don't worry — we will let you know where to go and what to do on your big day! You'll be absolutely fine without a practice run.
Order Your Class Ring
A class ring is a wonderful way to remember your time at Monroe.
Balfour is our official class ring jeweler and they have some lovely designs to fit nearly any taste and budget. Watch your College email for announcements about their on-campus visits.
Class rings are available for purchase online here. When asked for our college representative's number, please specify 1528.
Please feel free to reach out to Bonnie Shapiro, our Balfour representative, directly at bonnie.shapiro@balfour.com with any questions about the class rings or to order one.
Portrait Sittings on Campus
We do not have any plans at this time for formal portrait sittings on campus.
However, there will be an opportunity to pose for a photo at Radio City Music Hall and as part of Student Activities’ graduation-related programming later this spring. Details will be announced soon. Keep watching your College email for updates!
No Classes on June 15
In keeping with our Commencement tradition, classes will not be held on Thursday, June 15th.
College offices remain open.