Undergraduate Ceremonies: Faculty Information

Below is important information regarding commencement ceremonies and event logistics.

Ceremony Times and Arrivals

First Ceremony: 

  • 9 am: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests

  • 10 am: Ceremony begins

Second Ceremony: 

  • 12:15 pm: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests

  • 1:15 pm: Ceremony begins

Third Ceremony: 

  • 3:30 pm: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests

  • 4:30 pm: Ceremony begins

Fourth Ceremony: 

  • 9 am:  Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests

  • 10 am: Ceremony begins

Fifth Ceremony: 

  • 12:15 pm: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests

  • 1:15 pm: Ceremony begins

Sixth Ceremony: 

  • 3:30 pm: Graduates arrive; procession participants arrive; doors open for guests

  • 4:30 pm: Ceremony begins

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. No accommodations will be granted after this date. 

Faculty and Administrator RSVP for Commencement

Academic regalia—the traditional cap and gown—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 through the Campus Store in May.

Since access to mass transit is readily available, there will be no transportation provided by FIT.

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 to go 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. Venue staff will check you in and provide a wristband for access to the backstage area.   

Getting to Rumsey Playfield

For 2024, the faculty and administrators robing area will be located in the large tent backstage.

The robing tent will be outfitted 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 the Campus Store at FIT.

A table with light refreshments, located adjacent to the robing tent, will be available throughout the events.

The platform party will line up backstage near the robing rooms and proceed to the stage. College staff will be directing the platform party procession line approximately 15 minutes before each ceremony.

Each event will run approximately 90 minutes in length from the start of the procession.

The proceedings of the event are guided by a script, which will be delivered by Friday, May 17, to all those with speaking or support roles.

Programs will be available at seats on the stage. 

Further details will be posted when available. This page last updated: November 10, 2023.