Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the commencement ceremony, graduation requirements, procedures, deadlines and other details for the Class of 2024. Be sure to check your email regularly for updates.
Eligibility and Participation
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Graduation is the Registrar’s official confirmation that you have met all the degree requirements. Commencement is the ceremony hosted by LaGuardia Community College that celebrates graduation.
How do I know that I have graduated?
LaGuardia will notify you by mail when the Registrar’s evaluation of your record is complete, and you have met all your degree requirements.
I have 60 credits; am I ready to graduate?
Most students are close to graduation when they reach 60 credits. You can check your progress online by using DegreeWorks, or speaking with an advisor.
How and when should I apply for graduation?
You need to add GRD000 Intent to Graduate to your CUNYfirst profile in Session I of the semester you intend to graduate. You must add this indicator even if you do not participate in the commencement ceremony.
Students with this indicator will have their academic records reviewed by the Office of the Registrar to certify their graduation.
Students who have registered for Intent to Graduate before the deadline (March 12, 2025) will have their names listed in the printed Commencement program.
What happens after I “apply” for graduation?
After the semester ends, the Registrar will evaluate the records of students with GRD000 on their CUNYfirst profiles, determine whether they have met the degree requirements, and confirm if you have graduated.
If you have not met all requirements, you will receive an email explaining how to resolve them. If you don’t meet these requirements by the end of the semester in which you applied for graduation, you need to re-apply for graduation and be re-evaluated the following semester.
Who can participate in June’s Commencement ceremony?
The 2025 commencement ceremony is for graduates of the 2024-2025 academic year which includes Fall 2024 graduates and Spring 2025 potential graduates (those who filed “Intent to Graduate”).
I registered for Intent to Graduate; can I participate in the 2025 ceremony?
Yes, if you applied for Intent to Graduate for Spring 2025 – Session I & II, then you are welcome to participate in the ceremony.
What do I need to do if I am graduating with honors?
Fall 2024 graduates: an asterisk (*) or a double asterisk (**) will appear next to your name in the commencement program booklet, indicating those that have graduated “with honors” or “with high honors.” In addition, honors designations will be noted on your diploma.
Spring 2025 candidates for graduation: after records have been evaluated by the Office of the Registrar, honors designations will be noted on your diploma.
Ceremony
When and where is Commencement?
LaGuardia will celebrate the achievements of LaGuardia’s 53rd graduating class on Friday, June 20, 2025. Our ceremony will be held on the Quad at Queens College, and begins promptly at 9 a.m. Please see a campus map designating graduate and guest areas.
How can graduates participate in the celebration?
Be sure to register for “Intent to Graduate” ahead of the March 12, 2025 deadline.
Academic regalia (cap and gown) are required for graduates to participate in the ceremony.
Will my name be printed in the Commencement Program?
If you filed Intent to Graduate by the deadline (March 12, 2025), your name will be in the printed Commencement program.
Where should we enter the Queens College campus?
Graduates are directed to utilize the Main Gate or Gate 1, both located on Kissena Blvd. Guests are welcome to enter the campus here. Please note that guest parking is not available for the event.
Guests that require mobility assistance should contact Jhony Nelson. Commencement Crew staff will also be available to direct guests to accessible routes to the Quad.
Are tickets required?
Yes. Graduates will receive a total of four wristbands that serve as tickets for Commencement; one wristband for themselves, and three guest wristbands. All graduates and guests must wear their wristband for entry to Queens College. Wristbands will be distributed in the M-Building Gym during cap and gown pick-up—even if your cap and gown was shipped to your home. RSVP here.
What time should guests/audience members arrive?
Family and friends wearing their guest wristbands should arrive around 8 a.m. Our ceremony will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and latecomers will not be admitted to the Quad until after the academic processional is complete. Family and guests are welcomed to arrive with their graduates beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Please note that seating is not assigned and is available on first-come, first-served basis.
Will sign language interpreters be provided during the ceremony?
Yes; throughout the ceremony, American Sign Language interpretation will be available – please contact Jhony Nelson for to arrange seating approximate to the interpreters.
Who should I contact if I or one of my guests has other accessibility needs?
To obtain accommodations, please contact Jhony Nelson.
Will the event be livestreamed?
Yes! We are pleased to provide a livestream of our ceremony for family and friends to enjoy at home and around the world. Please visit laguardia.edu/commencement on June 20 to view.
Additional Information
Drones, air horns, noisemakers, large signs, balloons, and other items that may disrupt the ceremony or other’s ability to view or hear the ceremony, are prohibited.
Diplomas
How will I receive my diploma?
LaGuardia and CUNY have partnered with Parchment to deliver both a digital and hard copy diploma in a safe and secure manner. You will receive an email and text message (if applicable) from Parchment with a link to view, download and share your digital diploma.
A hard copy of your diploma will also be mailed to the home address you have on file. Make sure we have your correct address and name:
- To verify your home address, go to the CUNYfirst Student Center click “Profile,” then “Addresses.” Check that your home address is listed correctly; if not, click on it and make updates.
- Your legal name is listed in your Profile in the CUNYfirst Student Center. Click on “Personal Details” to verify that your legal name is listed correctly. If you need to change your legal name, please complete the Personal Data Change Request form and submit it to the Registrar at registar@lagcc.cuny.edu. Note:
Graduates can expect an email update about their diplomas as soon as six weeks after Commencement.
For questions about diploma delivery, please contact Parchment at congratulations@parchment.com.
What can I expect to see on my diploma?
- The name of the College and CUNY
- Your name as it appears in CUNYfirst
- Your earned credential (e.g., Associate in Art, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, Certificate)
- The year of graduation
Graduation Attire and Portraits
Can I order a cap and gown?
Academic regalia is required to participate in the Commencement Exercises. Please visit the Herff Jones website to place your order. Orders may be placed for on-campus pick up in early June or can be shipped to your residence. The deadline to order for on-campus pick up is April 25, 2025; and the deadline for home delivery orders is May 9, 2025..
Can I order a class ring?
Rings are available through Herff Jones; please visit their website for details.
Can I purchase graduation portraits?
Portraits are available for purchase through Thornton Studios; they will be available in the M-Building Gym during cap and gown pick up (June 3, 4 and 5; no appointment necessary).
Can PTK members wear honor cords?
Yes; if you are a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, please visit ptk.org to view available options.
Information for Guests
What is the date, time and location of LaGuardia’s Commencement?
We will celebrate the achievements of LaGuardia’s 52nd graduating class on Friday, June 21, 2024. Our ceremony will be held on the Quad at Queens College, and begins promptly at 9 a.m. Please see a campus map designating graduate and guest areas.
Please note the Quad is primarily grass, which may be damp in the morning hours; be sure to choose appropriate footwear.
Where should we enter the Queens College campus?
Graduates are directed to utilize the Main Gate, located on Kissena Blvd. Guests are welcome to enter the campus here. Please note that guest parking is not available for the event.
Are tickets required?
Yes, every audience member is required to have their own wristband ticket. Graduates are receiving three guest wristband tickets and may request additional wristbands when they pick up their cap and gown in early June. Graduates will be notified of the availability of additional wristband tickets no later than June 14.
What time should guests/audience members arrive?
Family and friends with guest wristband tickets should arrive around 8 a.m. Our ceremony will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and latecomers will not be admitted to the Quad until after the academic processional is complete. Family and guests are welcomed to arrive with their graduates beginning at 7:30 a.m. Please note that seating is not assigned and is available on first-come, first-served basis.
Will the event be livestreamed?
Yes! We are pleased to provide a livestream of our ceremony for family and friends to enjoy at home and around the world. Please visit laguardia.edu/commencement on June 21 to view.
What accommodations are available for guests with special needs?
Throughout the ceremony, American Sign Language interpretation will be available – please contact Jhony Nelson for assistance.
Guests that require mobility assistance should also contact Jhony Nelson for assistance. Commencement Crew staff will also be available to direct guests to accessible routes to the Quad.
Accommodations requests must be submitted no later than 5pm on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Additional Information
Air horns, noisemakers, large signs, and other items that may disrupt the ceremony or other’s ability to view or hear the ceremony, are prohibited.
Outdoor Heat Safety Tips:
- Avoid strenuous physical activity.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothes.
- Put a hat on to protect your face and head.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
- Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or sugar.
Adapted from NYCEM.