FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the commencement ceremony going to be held?
Thursday, January 21, 2010, from 3:00PM to approximately 5:00PM. Only those guests with commencement tickets will be admitted into the Hunter College Assembly Hall during that period.

Should I wait to get commencement tickets if I'm not sure I'll pass my courses or have successfully completed my thesis?
No, don't wait. You should follow the instructions posted on this web site and at Commencement Countdown. Be sure to pick up your tickets on the dates listed. You must adhere to the deadline for picking up tickets or you may be unable to get tickets even if you have completed your requirements for graduation.

How many commencement tickets do I get? Is it possible to get more?
Eligible graduating students who have submitted an online Commencement Attendance Response Form will receive a total of three (3) guest tickets: two (2) for the Hunter College Assembly Hall and one (1) for the Kaye Playhouse, where the ceremony will be broadcast live. Additional tickets, if available, will be by “lottery” only. Click here to link to the part of this site that discusses ticket distribution. On the day of the ceremony, only graduates in a gown, and guests with tickets may enter the Hunter College Assembly Hall to attend the ceremony.

Does my child need a ticket?
Children, with the exception of infants and toddlers who remain on an adult's lap, must have a ticket. Security officers will enforce this policy.

I have family in another country that would like to attend my commencement. Can Hunter College help me get permission for them to enter the U.S. for the ceremony?
No. Hunter College cannot arrange entrance into the United States. However, you can contact mary.michael@hunter.cuny.edu, and request a commencement letter stating that you have applied to graduate and will be attending the Commencement ceremony. You need to provide your name, the name of each individual you are inviting from outside the US, that individual’s address and passport number and the country and city of the US Consulate where the individual will be applying for the Visa. Only the student graduating, with appropriate identification, may obtain this letter.

Will they call my name during the ceremony?
No. Because of the overall number of graduates participating in the ceremony, the College is unable to call each individual’s name without significantly lengthening the program. However, during the ceremony, the recipients of the various degrees are asked to stand as a group.

How do I know if I’m eligible to March?
A student may march in the Winter Commencement if s/he has completed all degree requirements prior to September 1, 2009 for September graduates and January 21, 2010 for January graduates.

As a graduate, must I wear a cap and gown to participate in the ceremony?
Yes. To participate in this memorable event, you must be robed. The various processions and seating of graduates and faculty in their colorful attire are highlights of the Commencement Exercises. For information on obtaining the cap and gown, consult the College’s commencement Web site, or contact the Hunter College Bookstore at 212-650-3970.

I have to show my employer that I am graduating so I can get the day off. Can I get a Commencement Program before January 21, 2010?
No, the commencement programs are first available to graduates on January 21, 2010, the day of commencement. You may obtain a Degree Audit Application Status letter showing that you have applied for graduation in OASIS, Room 217, Hunter North.