Commencement FAQs

Below are answers to some of the other questions graduates frequently ask.

Be sure to visit our main Commencement page for additional information.

Is Commencement the same as Graduation Day?
Yes, Commencement is the actual ceremony held to recognize students who will have completed their program requirements and earned their degrees.

When is Commencement?
We are hosting Commencement on Thursday, June 13. There will be two ceremonies -- one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We will announce closer to June which schools are assigned to each ceremony.

How do I make sure my name is correct on my diploma?
Candidates who will fulfill their degree requirements at the end of the current semester will receive an email with instructions to complete the Degree Candidate Verification Form, which is where you can double-check the spelling of your name.  

I heard that President Jerome gives shout-outs during his speech to family members graduating together. How do I make sure my family member and I get on that list?   
Yes, he does! We will invite graduates to share their family members' information in May.

Will my name be read at the ceremony?
Yes! Every graduate will have their name announced as they walk across the stage. (How exciting is that?!) 

Are students who finished their degree requirements in December 2023 allowed to walk in the June Commencement ceremony? What about students who won’t finish until August?
Yes!  If you finished at the end of the Fall 2023 semester, you are welcome to participate in Commencement in June. Students taking their final classes during the Spring 2024 semester walk as well, as do those who finished at the end of the Winter semester.

Are Monroe Online graduates eligible to walk in Commencement?
Yes, absolutely! 

Are Saint Lucia graduates included in the New York ceremony?
The Saint Lucia campus holds its own Commencement in October.

Saint Lucia students may request to attend the New York Commencement instead by contacting Aritha Emmanuel (aemmanuel@monroecollege.edu) in Saint Lucia and Jackie Ruegger (jruegger@monroecollege.edu) in New York. 

Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No. Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony. They are sent home to the graduates approximately two months after their final semester. You will also receive a digital copy of your diploma via our partner, Parchment. Keep an eye on your College email for information about it. 

Who do I contact if I have special needs (i.e. mobility, hearing, other) should I choose to participate in the ceremony?
Please contact Jackie Ruegger in the President’s Office at jruegger@monroecollege.edu. 

Will there be a photographer?
Yes, a professional photographer will be on hand to take a picture as you walk across the stage and shake the hand of President Jerome or Chairman Jerome. An additional photo opportunity will be available on site. You will receive information in the mail from the vendor after the ceremony about obtaining copies of your pictures. 

Will the ceremony be videotaped?
Yes, the College will be videotaping Commencement. Later in the summer, we will share a highlights video showcasing special moments from both ceremonies. 

When are the academic awards ceremonies held? 
Students graduating with Latin honors will be celebrated at virtual events in June. Invitations will be sent by Academic Affairs to those graduates whose final cumulative GPA results in graduating with cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude honors.

When will King Graduate School hold its Hooding & Award ceremony?
It will take place a day or two prior to Commencement. An email will be sent with all of the details. 

Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact Jackie Ruegger in the President’s Office at jruegger@monroecollege.edu.