Undergraduate Ceremonies: Faculty Information
Below is important information regarding commencement ceremonies and event logistics.
Ceremony Times and Arrivals
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
First Ceremony:
- 9 am: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests
- 10 am: Ceremony begins
Second Ceremony:
- Noon: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests
- 1 pm: Ceremony begins
Third Ceremony:
- 3 pm: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests
- 4 pm: Ceremony begins
Thursday, May 25
First Ceremony:
- 8 am: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests
- 9 am: Ceremony begins
Second Ceremony:
- 10:30 am: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests
- 11:30 am: Ceremony begins
Third Ceremony:
- 1 pm: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests
- 2 pm: Ceremony begins
Seating Reservations
You are able to select whether you plan to attend as a member of the platform party or the audience. Platform party members are required to wear regalia. Each ceremony will have a reserved section for FIT faculty as well as facilities for those staying to attend multiple ceremonies. Each event will be approximately 90 minutes in length and will be held outdoors in the park, rain or shine.
Your name will be added to the backstage entrance list. Venue personnel, not FIT staff, are responsible for check-in, which is why it is important that you RSVP.
The deadline to RSVP for any seat is May 10.
Faculty and Administrator RSVP for Commencement
Academic Regalia
Academic regalia—the traditional cap, gown, and tassel—is required attire for everyone who has a role in the commencement exercises and plans to sit onstage among the platform party. Faculty and administrators' regalia will be available for pickup May 15 through 19 at Barnes & Noble at FIT.
Transportation
Since access to mass transit is readily available, there will be no transportation provided by FIT.
Venue Entrance
On commencement day, enter the park at Fifth Avenue and East 69th Street—the main entrance for the event. Proceed straight to East Drive, go across East Drive, and turn right up the path to the Mother Goose statue with benches encircling it. The path will lead you to Rumsey Playfield. It is approximately a four-minute walk from Fifth Avenue. Proceed to the backstage entrance where the Rumsey Playfield personnel responsible for check-in will direct you.
Robing Area
The platform party robing area has been set behind the stage for the Board of Trustees, Foundation directors, honorees and guests, administrators, and faculty, and will be outfitted with tables, chairs, and mirrors. The area will be staffed by FIT personnel during the event, so personal belongings may be left there. Restrooms are nearby.
Following the recessional, the platform party will return to the robing area. Please note that administrators and faculty are responsible for returning rented regalia to Barnes & Noble at FIT.
Refreshments
A table with light refreshments, located adjacent to the robing area, will be available to platform party members throughout the events.
Commencement Exercises
The platform party will line up backstage near the robing rooms and proceed to the stage. College staff will be available to direct the platform party procession line approximately 15 minutes before each ceremony.
An announcer and video screens will also be available to direct the event.
Each event will be approximately 90 minutes in length from the start of the procession.
Proceedings
The proceedings of the event are guided by a script, which will be delivered by Friday, May 19, to all those with speaking or support roles.
Program
Programs will be available at seats on the stage.
Further details will be posted when available. This page last updated: April 28, 2023.