Commencement

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Class of 2026 

College of Staten Island’s 77th Commencement Ceremony

Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026

Time: 9:30am

Location: The Great Lawn, College of Staten Island

Important Dates:

December 8-10 – Senior Portraits (see Preparing for the Commencement Ceremony)

March 1 – deadline to apply to graduate for June 2026 (see Instructions to Candidates for Graduation)

May (dates coming soon) – Cap & Gown Pop-Up Shop

ATTENTION: Expand each blue banner located below to view important information you and your guests need to know.

Questions? Email commencement@csi.cuny.edu for assistance.

What is the difference between graduation and Commencement? 

  • Graduation is the process of applying for completion of your degree program via CUNYfirst through the Registrar’s Office.
  • Commencement refers to the ceremony for graduates on May 28, 2026. There is one Commencement ceremony each academic year at the end of the Spring semester. To participate in Commencement, students must have filed for graduation by the established deadlines. 

Graduation and Commencement are NOT the same.

  • To participate in Commencement, students must have filed for graduation by the established deadlines.
  • For students to “graduate” and receive their diploma, they must have successfully completed all courses and have met all degree requirements.
  • As a reminder, you must apply for graduation to initiate the official review of your records to determine whether you have satisfied all of the requirements and will be eligible to receive your degree.
  • Spring and Summer 2026 graduates are invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony even though final grades or requirements may not yet be complete if they have filed for graduation by the deadline (March 1, 2026) for those semesters.

Apply for Graduation 

Students are eligible to apply for graduation once they have earned 45 credits towards an associate's degree, 94 credits towards a bachelor's degree, and at any point at the graduate level. Students should apply for graduation before the deadline in the semester they will complete their final requirements: see Graduation Application Deadlines below.

The deadline to file for fall 2025 graduation was October 1, 2025. 
The deadline to file for spring 2026 graduation is March 1, 2026. 
The deadline to file for summer 2026 graduation is July 1, 2026.

For instructions on how to apply and to view your application status, click here.

If you experience issues applying online via CUNYfirst, please email degreeaudit@csi.cuny.edu.

Am I eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony? 

The college holds one Commencement each academic year—at the end of the spring semester. Students who will complete their degree requirements in fall 2025, winter 2026, spring 2026, or summer 2026 are eligible to participate in the May 28, 2026 ceremony.

Senior Portraits

Capture your special moment with graduation pictures taken by Picture This, CSI’s official senior portrait photographer.  SITTINGS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

When: Monday, 12/8 through Wednesday, 12/10 (appointments available 9am-7pm) 
Where: Campus Center, 1C-215 
Cost: $10 sitting fee  (cash, money order, or checks payable to Picture This)
How to schedule your appointment: Contact Picture This at 718-447-4607, weekdays during business hours.

Notes:

  • Cap & gown poses, as well as your own attire included in your sitting.
  • Limited graduation regalia will be available to use.
  • Photos cannot be corrected or retouched.
  • Don’t delay! Schedule your appointment NOW to guarantee availability.
  • In-studio appointments are also available. Contact Picture This for more information! 

Tributes to the Class of 2025

Tributes to the Class of 2024

Tributes to the Class of 2023

Tributes to the Class of 2022

Tributes to the Class of 2021