General Information

What is the difference between commencement and graduation?

Commencement is the formal ceremony at which the college recognizes the completion, or anticipated completion, of students’ academic degrees and happens one time per academic year (at the end of the spring semester). Graduation is the individual student’s completion of all the college’s degree requirements, and the graduation date will be different from the date of the Commencement Ceremony.

When is Commencement?

The 2026 Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for May 28, 2026 (confirmed date).

Will there be a rehearsal for the ceremony?

There will not be a rehearsal for the ceremony. However, staff will be providing instructions during the ceremony.

Will honors be recognized at the ceremony?

Honors will not be recognized at the ceremony. However, academic honors may be noted in the commencement program for undergraduate students who have graduated as of February 2026 or earlier.

Where can I get the Commencement Program?

The official commencement program will be available to students at Commencement. A digital version will also be available on the morning of the ceremony online.

What should I do if something comes up and I am not able to attend this year’s Commencement?

A graduate is allowed tickets for only one Commencement for each degree or certification. Once tickets are accepted for that degree, the graduate’s name is removed from any subsequent list for tickets. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, contact us to cancel your request or return your accepted tickets. If you wish to maintain your option to attend a later ceremony, you should not accept tickets for this year’s ceremony. However, if you should accept tickets but are unable to attend, return the tickets to Student Affairs.

When can I pick up my diploma?

The Office of the Registrar notifies graduates by e-mail when diplomas are available. Ensure that your e-mail is updated in CUNYFirst. For more information, visit the Registrar’s webpage on Diploma Distribution.

Will my preferred name be used for my Diploma?

You may already know that your preferred name and gender are honored at CUNY and Brooklyn College.  Your preferred name as listed in CUNYfirst will be used in the program at commencement.

To change your preferred name at Brooklyn College, use this form.  Here are the instructions for changing your preferred name for CUNY.  If you also want your preferred name to appear on your diploma, you would need to do a legal name change.  For more information on how to obtain a legal name change, go to information via NY Courts. The process can take as long as three months, so don’t hesitate to begin now! You can request a fee waiver as well as per the information in the link.

Eligibility

Can I participate if I am finishing my required classes in the summer?

Summer graduates who would like to participate in the 2026 Commencement Ceremony must have filed for graduation by March 15.

Note: Students who file for graduation after March 15 may not have their name listed in the commencement program and may not be able to participate in the 2026 Commencement Ceremony.

What do I do if I missed the File for Graduation Deadline?

If you missed the filing deadlines of February 15th and March 15th but are completing your requirements, you may do the following in order to attend Commencement.

1) File for graduation for the next available semester.

2) Email degreeaudit@brooklyn.cuny.edu to let them know that you missed the filing deadline and ask them if they can move your graduation date to the correct semester (Spring 26 or Summer 26). 

3) Once your graduation status is updated in CUNYFirst, email commencement@brooklyn.cuny.edu so we can verify.

There are no extensions to the deadline.

Cap and Gowns

How do I purchase my cap and gown?

Eligible students are required to wear the official Brooklyn College cap and gown to Commencement. Please check the Commencement Checklist for further details.

How much is my cap and gown?

Undergraduate students wear a maroon cap and gown with the college seal on the front and the purchase price is $40. Master’s students wear a black cap and gown with the college seal on the front, in addition to a hood that indicates the academic school. The purchase price for Masters is $60. It is recommended students ship their cap and gown to their home for faster delivery.

How to I find out what Academic School I am in?

Brooklyn College is divided into 5 Academic Schools. Every academic department belongs to one of the schools. Visit https://www.brooklyn.edu/academics/schools/ to find out which Academic School your department belongs to. Master’s students wear a hood at Commencement in the color assigned to their school.

KOPPELMAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (Hood color is tan)
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION (Hood color is light blue)
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (Hood color is white)
SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (Hood color is gold)
SCHOOL OF VISUAL, MEDIA AND PERFORMING ARTS (Hood color is dark brown)

Tickets

How do I request commencement tickets?

Please check the Commencement Checklist for further details.

How many tickets can I request?

You may request up to four guest tickets. You will also receive a separate ticket for yourself. Graduates confirm their attendance through the ticket request process.

Can I get extra tickets?

Unfortunately, extra tickets are not available in advance. The availability of extra tickets will be determined only after regular ticket distribution ends. The process for requesting extra tickets is on the Commencement Checklist. There is no guarantee that extra tickets will become available.

Do I need a ticket for myself?

Yes. In addition to your guest tickets, you will also receive one ticket for yourself. You must have your ticket in order to enter Barclays Center. Guest and students use separate entrances.

Are guests required to have a ticket?

All guests are required to have a ticket.

Are children required to have a ticket?

Children, with the exception of infants and toddlers who remain on an adult’s lap, must have a ticket. Children are not permitted to march or sit with the graduates.

Will there be any tickets for sale?

No. Commencement tickets are free. Any student engaging in the selling of tickets may be subject to disciplinary action by the college.

Venue (Barclays Center)

How do I get to Barclays Center?

For instructions on transportation, refer to the Barclays Center transportation guide.

What can I expect to take place during the ceremony?

Students arrive at Barclays and gather in the designated area as directed by staff.  Students will be pre-seated in the designated seating area based on the academic school.  The ceremony begins with a presentation of each school within Brooklyn College, followed by the faculty and platform party processions. There will be several speakers, followed by the conferring of degrees by school. Diplomas will not be distributed during the ceremony and students do not walk across the stage.

What if I’m late for the ceremony?

All graduates are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. If you are late, you may be seated outside of your academic school and degree section.

What if my guests are late for the ceremony?

Guests may enter the ceremony after the designated start time. We recommend you advise your guests to be early, as the best seating in each section is on a first come, first served basis.

Are any items prohibited from the venue?

Refer to the Barclays Center A–Z guide for items prohibited from the venue.

Will there be refreshments available?

Refreshments may be purchased if there are available vendors within Barclays Center.

Will my family be able to see me, and can they come up front to photograph me during the ceremony?

Guests must remain seated so that all guests may see their graduate. Guests will not be permitted to enter the student seating area.

Where can I meet my guests after the ceremony?

Graduates and guests will be using various exits. Arrange a meeting location prior to the ceremony.

Are there accessible accommodations for graduates and guests with disabilities?

If you are a graduating student who requires accessible seating, contact us by May 13.

Barclays Center provides accessible seating for guests. However, accessible seating is available only within specific sections, slightly separated from the other seating within the sections. To help your family and friends sit in close proximity to those friends and family seated in the accessible sections, it is very important that your guests arrive together and early, as seating is general admission.

All accessible seating for guests will be monitored by Barclays Center Guest Services. Barclays ushers will ensure that accessible seating is reserved for guests with accessible seating needs.

For more information, refer to the Barclays Center website.

What should I do if I feel ill during the ceremony?

EMS will be on standby. Consult with the nearest staff member to obtain assistance.

Review the following checklist carefully and make note of the stated deadlines. Make sure to contact the commencement team if you are not able to complete any of the following steps prior to the deadline. Also, please check our Commencement FAQs.

Important Dates

2026 Commencement Guide

This guide provides important information to help you prepare for the ceremony at Barclays Center. Reviewing the guide in advance will help ensure a smooth Commencement experience.

What the guide covers:
– Ceremony day schedule and arrival expectations
– Student and guest entrance locations
– Ticketing and mobile entry information
– Security policies and prohibited items
– Venue rules and ceremony procedures

Click here to view the Commencement Guide

Step 1: File for Graduation (Required)

To participate in the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, you must file for graduation in CUNYfirst by the published deadlines. Eligible students are those graduating in Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026.

How to File for Graduation:

1. Log in to CUNYfirst.
2. Go to the Student Center tile.
3. Select the Graduation tile.
4. Click Application for Graduation in the left sidebar.
5. Choose Apply for Graduation for the academic program you’re completing.
6. From the Expected Graduation Term dropdown, select your intended term.
7. Click Continue, review your information, and then select Submit Application.
8. A confirmation message will appear once your application is submitted.

Note: Undergraduate students must have completed at least 90 credits before filing for graduation.

CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies Graduates
This step does not apply to you.  Speak with the CUNY BA Registrar to confirm your graduation status and email us to confirm your participation in the ceremony.  All other steps and deadlines on this checklist apply. 

Graduation Audit Status
To check the status of your application, visit the Graduation Audit page.

Step 2: Overseas Invitation Letter (Optional) | Closes April 24

If you are inviting guests from outside the United States to attend the 2026 Commencement Ceremony and require supporting documentation for their visa application, you may submit an Invitation Letter Application for Overseas Guests.

Be sure to also provide your overseas guest with a commencement ticket, as the invitation letter alone does not grant entry to the ceremony.

To request a letter, please fill out the following form:
Invitation Letter Application for Overseas Guests Form

Step 3: Order Your Class Ring and Graduation Announcements (Optional)

Commemorate your achievement with your college ring from Balfour. Your Brooklyn College ring will represent your most unforgettable years and the institution where it all happened. You can also share your special moment with friends and family with graduation announcements. To order your class ring and graduation announcements, call 877.225.3687 or visit the Balfour website. A Balfour representative will be on campus on the following dates:

• April 28 – 29 (12 – 6 pm) | Boylan Cafeteria

Step 4: Take Senior Photos for the Yearbook (Optional)

Senior photos are a long-held tradition, and we hope you join in on that legacy. Senior photos will appear in the 2026 edition of Broeklundian, the Brooklyn College Yearbook.

The sitting is free & you can view your portrait proofs online. Please dress as you would for a job interview. Cap & gown will be provided by the photographer. Your hands will show in several photos. You will receive about (10) portrait poses.

On campus photo sessions will take place by appointment on:

• Last session on campus – April 29 – May 2 | 152 Ingersoll Hall Extension

To schedule an appointment:

• Go to thorntonstudio.as.me/02687

If you need to change your appointment, select a new date and time, your previous appointment is automatically canceled.

Step 5: Order Your Cap and Gown (Required) | Deadline: April 24, 2026

All students attending the Commencement Ceremony must wear the official Brooklyn College cap and gown. Information on picking up cap and gowns shipped to campus will be provided by email after the deadline.

All Undergraduate Students will select the Bachelor Cap, Gown & Tassel option. The class of 2026 stole is optional.
Bachelor Ordering Instructions (pdf)

All Master’s Students will select their academic school. The class of 2026 stole is optional.
Master’s Ordering Instructions (pdf)

Order your cap & gown at https://www.buildagrad.com/brooklyn

CAP AND GOWN ORDER DEADLINES

• Now to APRIL 3 – Cap and gowns may be shipped to campus (free shipping) and to home ($13 shipping fee)
• APRIL 4 to APRIL 17 – Cap and gowns may be shipped to home ONLY for a $13 shipping fee
• APRIL 20 to APRIL 24 – Cap and gowns may be shipped to home with expedited shipping fee of $25 only.
• APRIL 24 is the last possible date to purchase a cap and gown.

Step 6: Ticket Request (Required) | Deadline: April 24, 2026

You must complete this step after filing for graduation (see Step 1). 

The Commencement Ticket Request System is available to eligible students only. The system is now open and will close on April 24 (no extensions). Make sure you select the link based on your degree.

All students attending the Commencement Ceremony must request their guest tickets. Each graduate may request up to four (4) guest tickets. Every graduate will automatically receive one (1) graduate ticket for entry into the ceremony.

Request your tickets here:

• Bachelor’s Ticket Request: https://pub.brooklyn.edu/commencement/login.jsp
• Master’s Ticket Request: https://pub.brooklyn.edu/commencement/login.jsp?division=G

Step 7: Extra Ticket Request (Optional) | Deadline: April 24, 2026

You will not be able to complete this step until you filed for graduation (see Step 1). 

All students attending the Commencement Ceremony can also request extra guest tickets in the Commencement Ticket Request System at the same time regular guest tickets are requested (see Step 6). Extra tickets are not guaranteed and you may not receive the amount requested.

Step 8: Receiving and Transferring Tickets (Required)

Ticket Distribution starts in May. Tickets will be distributed in batches. Please allow 2-3 business days before checking the Brooklyn Nets App for the tickets.

Commencement tickets will be provided electronically through the Brooklyn Nets app (Apple Store | Google Play Store) to the email you supplied in the ticket request form. You must keep one (1) mobile ticket for yourself. It is your responsibility to send the remaining mobile tickets to your guests.

Tickets cannot be printed or screenshotted.

Instructions on Transferring and Accepting Tickets:

• Viewing and Sending Tickets – Brooklyn Nets App
• Viewing and Sending Tickets – Computer/Web browser

Step 9: Cap and Gown Pick Up – Ship to School Orders ONLY | May 12 -14

Any cap and gown orders that were shipped to campus will be available to pick up in May. More details to come.

Step 10: Receiving Extra Tickets (Optional)

Make sure to include your extra ticket request with your ticket request.
Extra tickets are not guaranteed. If available, they will be distributed after initial tickets have been distributed.

Step 11: Purchase Yearbook (Optional)

The Brooklyn College Yearbook is produced by the student members of the Broeklundian club.  Pre-order your yearbook today at https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/BC2026.

Step 12: Submit Content for the Yearbook & for the Barclays Jumbotron(Optional)

Want to be part of a special Commencement moment? Submit a photo and message thanking your parents, professors, or anyone who helped you reach graduation for inclusion in the Brooklyn College yearbook.  Your submission may also be selected to be featured in Commencement materials, including a video that will be featured at the Barclays Center ceremony.

Yearbook/Jumbotron Content Submission Form

You can email bcbroeklundianyearbook@gmail.com with any questions regarding the yearbook. 

Step 13: Suites at Barclays (Optional)

We know that you want to celebrate this joyous occasion with all your biggest supporters, and four tickets may not be enough. Therefore, we have collaborated with the Barclays Center to provide graduates’ families with suite-level access at discounted rates.

The suites provide perfect sightlines of the stage. Guests seated in the suites have guaranteed admission through a separate entrance but cannot sit in the main arena.

Suite options are limited:
– 16 person suites for $1,000
– 24/27 person suites for $1,500

Please reach out to Premium@bseglobal.net to purchase.

Step 14: Receiving Your Diploma

Since fall 2019, new Brooklyn College graduates have received their diploma electronically. Once degrees have been processed, students will receive an e-mail notification with instructions on how to claim their digital diploma.

Once you receive your digital diploma, it will always be accessible through your Parchment account. You can log in and download or share it at no cost.

For more information, please visit the DIPLOMA DISTRIBUTION webpage.

Step 15: Join the Alumni Family

The Office of Alumni Engagement at Brooklyn College is excited to welcome you to the alumni community.

All upcoming graduates are invited to share their story—your experiences, your dreams, and what’s next. Select stories will be featured as we honor the Class of 2026 across our alumni platforms. Inspire the next generation of Bulldogs! #BCGrad2026

There are many ways to stay connected with the college. Get an alumni ID to receive discounts, access the BC library and more. You can also give back to help students in various ways. Find out more on the alumni website brooklyn.edu/alumni