Guest Information

The Crowd
Over 10,000 people will be on the Quad. Your patience and cooperation will be appreciated. The college is enjoying a period of expansion. Extra care should be taken when walking near construction sites.

Department Events
A campus map and a listing of events that follow the Commencement Ceremony will be in the back of your program. The listing of events is also on this web site, Click Here.

Diagram/Map
In May, each Graduate who has replied to the April mailing is sent 2 copies of a Commencement map showing procession routes, graduate and guest seating, etc. Grads are encouraged to share maps with guests.

Diplomas
They are not distributed at the Commencement Ceremony. They are mailed to Graduates approximately 12 weeks after completion and verification of all requirements. Graduates should Be sure to keep address current with the registrar.

Engraved Brick in Alumni Plaza (In front of Jefferson Hall)
A wonderful and historic way to honor a Graduate, Click Here for information.

Graduate Line Up Time for 2009
Must be at line-up position by 8:25 AM

Graduate Seating on Quad
The Commencement Map sent to participants will show 4 blocks of graduate seats - one for each division. [Arts & Humanities, Education, Math & Natural Sciences and Social Sciences]. The reverse side of the map identifies the departments in each division.

Lost & Found
At Kissena gate Security Office

Marshals
Volunteer faculty & staff members (in gowns and carrying ceremonial batons) should be able to answer your questions.

Meeting Place
Our Commencement attracts over 10,000 people, you should definitely pick a place to meet Graduates after the Ceremony. Note: Please stay in place for the platform party recessional. There is no Graduate Recessional.

Parking
All lots will be open at 7AM and remain open until filled. Click Here for driving directions. The use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Bus companies will schedule extra runs and have expeditors on hand to assist with crowd flow.

Note: If you park on the street be sure to observe parking regulations.

Programs
Guests please pick up at Blue Program Tents on Quad. Graduates receive programs at line-up. Baccalaureate and Commencement programs will be available at Kiely 143 for many days after Commencement.

The Quad
A beautiful large relatively flat and partially shaded grassy plain in the center of the campus. The back rows are 500 feet from the stage. You might wish to bring binoculars, sunscreen, visors, sun hats and water. The Quad can become quite warm.

Rain
Commencement is rain or shine. If rain plan is in effect (Graduates line up indoors and wait for procession instructions) there will be a Rain Flag ("R" on white flag) flying on the Quad Flagpole.
The College web site qc.cuny.edu will also have up to the minute information concerning the rain plan as will the Switchboard (718) 997-5000.

Refreshments
A stand will be setup at the back of Jefferson Hall.

Seating on Quad
There will be thousands of seats on the Quad (no tickets required). First Come - First Seated
Guests should be seated by 8:35 AM latest. Many guests arrive as early as 7-7:30AM.

Senior Photos
Graduates receive information from Student Life Office.

Shoes
Comfortable shoes are strongly suggested for walking on the Quad grass.

Souvenirs
Vendors will be set up at both ends of the Quad.

Sunshine
It can be quite warm on the Quad. Dress accordingly. Bring a fan? If you bring a sun umbrella, please be considerate of those seated behind you. Some guest seats are in the shade.

Tickets
The only event that requires tickets will be the Education Division Ceremony which will take place in Colden Auditorium about 30 minutes after the Commencement Ceremony ends on the Quad. Education Graduates obtain tickets through their department. Click Here for information. Colden Auditorium doors will open at 11AM for guests who choose not to attend the Quad ceremony.

Times of Events

Video Equipment
The use of personal video equipment is allowed to the extent that it does not obstruct the view of other guests. Please be considerate and aware of others in the audience. Aisles and stage areas must be kept clear.

Wheel Chair Access
Click here for information

Wheel Chairs/Stroller Placement
May not be placed in the aisles. Please ask a marshal or security representative to remove a chair to make a space not in the aisle.

Yearbooks
The Queens College Silhouette Yearbook (published continuously since the first graduating class in 1941) makes an excellent Graduation Gift. Graduates receive yearbook information from the Student Life Office.