Commencement

Social Media for Graduation Season

• Grads: Enjoy CUNY’s graduation cap Instagram AR filter, with custom colors for each campus. You can find it on @cunyedu’s profile under the filters section (the stars ✨). Tap the screen to cycle between the school logos. Be sure to use the hashtags #CUNY2021 and #CSIGrad2021.
• CUNY also created GIFs and stickers that students can add to their graduation-based stories on Instagram.  To find these, search GIFs for "CUNY 2021."

Caps and Gowns

• Caps and gowns may be purchased here.  Note:  Students graduating with an associate degree will order the bachelor's degree package as it is the same cap and gown.

Senior Portraits

• As your official senior photographer, PICTURE THIS*, appreciates the opportunity to capture the success of your graduation.  The senior portrait is particularly important this year as it may be used for your personalized slide for the virtual commencement ceremony. 
• Due to COVID-19, PICTURE THIS* will be taking senior portraits in their studio only. For your safety, the studio is following all COVID-19 precautions and protocols.
• You must make an appointment by calling their office at 718-447-4607, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
• There will be a $10 sitting fee. Cash, money orders or checks payable to CSIA will be accepted.
• SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW TO GUARANTEE AVAILABILITY.  SITTINGS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
• Your session includes poses in your cap and gown, as well as other attire of your choosing, such as for a professional headshot.
• Limited graduation regalia will be available and sanitized after every use, but we encourage you to bring your own cap and gown for optimal safety.  Caps and gowns are available for purchase from the CSI Bookstore.

*PICTURE THIS is located at:
218 St. Pauls Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10304
718-447-4607

Degrees and Diplomas

• Degrees will be awarded in CUNYfirst within one month of the end of the semester, at which point graduates will be sent a congratulatory email to let them know their degree has been awarded, and any transcripts they request going forward will verify their degree information.
•  All emails will be sent to your preferred email address listed in CUNYFirst. To update your contact information in CUNYFirst, follow these directions.  While doing so, please check the spelling of your name as it appears in CUNYfirst.  If you have difficulty with this, please email us at degreeaudit@csi.cuny.edu for assistance.
• 7-10 weeks after degrees are awarded, graduates will receive an email notification with instructions for electronically claiming their diploma through the Parchment website. Please be advised that any holds that would prevent a transcripts' issuance will also prevent the diploma from being sent out (Bursar, Collections, Financial Aid Exit Interview, etc.). Please email degreeaudit@csi.cuny.edu once the hold is lifted, and the team will be able to send the diploma to you via Parchment within 1-2 business days.

To claim your Parchment account, please follow these 3 simple steps:

• Check your email for the award notification from Parchment.
• Follow the link to set up your Parchment digital credentials account.
• Share your digital diploma on Facebook and LinkedIn or download a secure .pdf version.

Benefits of a Digital Diploma

• Your digital diploma will always be accessible through your Parchment account.   You can login and download or share it again and again -- at no cost to you. Once you claim your account and log in, you can share your achievements!
• Easily share your digital diploma with employers with a secure and verified link.
• Share with family and friends on social media like Facebook and LinkedIn.
• View your digital diploma online at any time with permanent access through Parchment.com.
• Download your digital diploma and save it as a PDF.  Digital Diplomas can serve as an Alternative to the Apostille.
• Many countries recognize digital diplomas. Parchment Award diplomas are supporting the needs of international credentials.

Paper Diplomas

• Once you can access and view your digital diploma on the Parchment website, your paper diploma will not be far behind. Diplomas will be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to the mailing address we have on file for you, and you can check the status of your order through the Parchment website.
• Once you log in to your Parchment Account, click on Orders at the top of the page.
• On the next page, you will see the status of any diplomas you have requested and their status. Digital diplomas will show Delivery Type: Electronic, while paper diplomas will show the Delivery Type: Mail.

If you have difficulty accessing your Parchment account or issues with your login, you can contact Parchment directly for assistance on their website.

Note:  If you ever need an additional copy of your paper diploma, please email degreeaudit@csi.cuny.edu for assistance.

Additionally, if you graduated in January of 2020 or earlier and need assistance with a diploma, please contact degreeaudit@csi.cuny.edu

Tributes to the Class of 2020

• CSI tribute to the class of 2020
• Class of 2020 Graduates
• CUNY celebration video
• Virtual Commencement for Class of 2020 Graduates