Commencement

The 76^th Commencement Exercises of the College of Staten Island will be held rain or shine. However, in the event of lightning, we will temporarily pause the ceremony. 

If directed to proceed indoors by the College, please do not delay and move in an orderly fashion when exiting the Great Lawn. Staff and Public Safety Officers will inform everyone once it is safe to return outdoors for the ceremony to resume.

Pre-Procession Instructions (before the graduates enter the Great Lawn)

Graduates on Alumni Walk

• Graduates lined up on the North Side of Alumni Walk (between the fountain and the Campus Center) should proceed directly into the Campus Center
• Graduates lined up on the South Side of Alumni Walk (between the fountain and the Library) should proceed directly into the Center for the Arts (1P)

Guests seated on the Great Lawn

• Public Safety Officers will guide guests seated on the Great Lawn into building 1A or 2A, whichever is closest to their seating location.
  • Those seated to the right of the main aisle should proceed into building 2A
  • Those seated to the left of the main aisle should proceed into building 1A

Post-Procession Instructions (all graduates are seated on the Great Lawn)

Graduates seated on the Great Lawn

• Graduates seated on the Great Lawn should proceed into building 1A or 2A, depending on their seating location.
  • Those seated to the right of the main aisle should proceed into building 2A
  • Those seated to the left of the main aisle should proceed into building 1A

Guests seated on the Great Lawn

• Public Safety Officers will guide guests seated on the Great Lawn into the Center for the Arts (1P) directly behind the seating area.

*IMPORTANT* Please note that all buildings are multiple floors, and everyone is encouraged to move into the buildings and proceed as they are able away from the doors so as not to obstruct access to entrances and exits.

To all Candidates for Graduation and Guests:

As the College of Staten Island prepares to celebrate its 76^th Commencement ceremony, please note that the college has an obligation to provide a safe, orderly atmosphere at all its events. The college shall not and will not allow any disruptions that will substantially detract from the planned events of the day. Any person who does not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave the area, failure to do so may result in an arrest. Students may also be subject to disciplinary action.

To make this event a positive experience for everyone, please review and follow these important Commencement Guidelines for the safety and enjoyment of everyone.

CANDIDATES for graduation:

• Attending graduates should be respectful of others, including CSI staff and faculty, fellow graduates, and all invited guests so that the ceremony can run smoothly.
• PROHIBITED ITEMS
  • Noise making devices of any type, including but not limited to, air horns, drums, alarm devices, or any other items that may disrupt the ceremony or interfere with others’ ability to hear are strictly prohibited.
  • Any type/size signs, banners, flags, balloons, or any other items that obstruct others’ ability to view the ceremony are strictly prohibited.
• Students are asked to be mindful of the rules and regulations for maintaining public order during Commencement. These rules are stated in Article 129a, also known as the Henderson Rules.
• IMPORTANT: All candidates for graduation remain students of the College of Staten Island until their degree is officially conferred. As such, they must adhere to all policies applicable to currently enrolled students.

• Violations of Commencement guidelines may result in a disciplinary referral to the Office of Student Affairs, which may delay the posting of the degree until the matter is resolved.

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Guests attending Commencement:

As the College of Staten Island prepares to celebrate its 76^th Commencement ceremony, please note that the college has an obligation to provide a safe, orderly atmosphere at all its events. The college shall not and will not allow any disruptions that will substantially detract from the planned events of the day. Any person who does not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave the area, failure to do so may result in an arrest. Students may also be subject to disciplinary action.

To make this event a positive experience for everyone, please review and follow these important Commencement Guidelines for the safety and enjoyment of everyone.

• PROHIBITED ITEMS
  • purses, bags, backpacks, flags, signs, banners, weapons, balloons, and noisemakers of any kind.
• There are two options of approved bags that may be carried into the ceremony area:
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar); or
  • Small clutch purses, approximately the size of a hand, or 4.5″ x 6.5″ with or without a handle or strap.
• Note: While diaper bags and strollers are allowed for families with babies/toddlers, all items will be checked.
• Entry into the ceremony will be denied to those in possession of prohibited items.
• Anyone in the ceremony area in possession of prohibited items may have them confiscated and/or asked to leave.

We appreciate your cooperation in making this a safe, respectful, and joyful celebration for everyone.

Regalia and Spirit Gear Pop-Up Shop

When:

• Wednesday    5/14        12-5pm
• Thursday        5/15        12-8pm
• Friday             5/16        12-5pm
• Monday          5/19        12-5pm
• Tuesday         5/20        12-8pm
• Wednesday   5/21         12-5pm
• Thursday       5/22         12-5pm
• Tuesday         5/27        12-8pm

Where:

Building 3A – First Floor, Dolphin Services

Cost:

• Undergraduate (cap, gown, and tassel) package: $35
• Graduate (cap, gown, hood, and tassel) package: $50
• CSI 2025 Tassel: $5

How to Pay:  Students may purchase regalia and spirit gear via Finbucks, credit card, check, or money order. Cash and mobile pay are NOT accepted.

Important Details: 

• Don’t wait until the last minute! You are encouraged to purchase and pick up your regalia during the first week of the Pop-Up Shop. As Commencement approaches, we will likely start running out of some of the sizing ranges and cannot guarantee we will have your height range in stock. Cap and gown regalia come bundled together and cannot be sold separately.
• Please DO NOT iron your gown as it will damage the gown, and you will have to purchase another package. To get out any wrinkles you can use a steamer or hang up the gown in your bathroom before taking a hot shower so the steam can release the wrinkles.
• Exchanges can only be done for gowns that were purchased in their accurate height range. If you buy a gown outside your height range, we may not be able to exchange it later.

• All sales are final. There are no refunds, and any exchanges need to take place before May 28 and with the original receipt. 

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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: Thursday, 5/15 through Friday, 5/23 (appointments available 9am-7pm)
Where: Campus Center, 1C-215
Cost: $10 sitting fee
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!

Graduation Survey

What’s next after graduation? CSI would like to learn about your experiences at CSI and how your College education prepared you for your career path. Prior to graduation, but after your application has been approved or awarded, please complete a brief Graduation Survey, which is accessible in your To Do List on CUNYfirst. To access the survey, follow the steps below. 

1. Sign into CUNYfirst
2. Click on the Student Center
3. Click on Tasks and Holds
4. Choose the Graduation Survey from the To Do List
5. Complete the survey (You’ll know it is complete because it will no longer appear on your graduation checklist).

The College-Wide Ceremony

The seventy-sixth Commencement of the College of Staten Island will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 9:30 am. Candidates should be at the College by 8:15 am to participate in this ceremony.

All graduates should report to Alumni Walk, located between the campus center and the library (see campus map), with the exception of the following:

• School of Business report to the front of building 3N
• School of Education report to the front of building 3S
• Mathematics Department report to the front of building 1S
• Chemistry Department report to the front of building 6S
• English Department report to the front of building 2S

The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed. There will be several camera feeds, so your family and friends at home or abroad will enjoy a high-quality experience. Open captioning will be available. The livestream link will appear on the CSI website by 9:00 am on May 28.

Ceremony Guidelines for Candidates for Graduation

As the College of Staten Island prepares to celebrate its 76^th Commencement ceremony, please note that the college has an obligation to provide a safe, orderly atmosphere at all its events. The college shall not and will not allow any disruptions that will substantially detract from the planned events of the day. Any person who does not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave the area, failure to do so may result in an arrest. Students may also be subject to disciplinary action.

To make this event a positive experience for everyone, please review and follow these important Commencement Guidelines for the safety and enjoyment of everyone.

Graduates are reminded:

• Attending graduates should be respectful of others, including CSI staff and faculty, fellow graduates, and all invited guests so that the ceremony can run smoothly.
• PROHIBITED ITEMS
  • Noise making devices of any type, including but not limited to, air horns, drums, alarm devices, or any other items that may disrupt the ceremony or interfere with others’ ability to hear are strictly prohibited.
  • Any type/size signs, banners, flags, balloons, or any other items that obstruct others’ ability to view the ceremony are strictly prohibited.
• Students are asked to be mindful of the rules and regulations for maintaining public order during Commencement. These rules are stated in Article 129a, also known as the Henderson Rules.
• IMPORTANT: All candidates for graduation remain students of the College of Staten Island until their degree is officially conferred. As such, they must adhere to all policies applicable to currently enrolled students.

• Violations of Commencement guidelines may result in a disciplinary referral to the Office of Student Affairs, which may delay the posting of the degree until the matter is resolved.

  ---

Inclement Weather

The Commencement ceremony is held outdoors on the Great Lawn, rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the College may opt to delay the start of the ceremony. All attendees should check the weather before arriving on campus and plan accordingly.

Tickets for Guests

Tickets are not required for guests to attend the College-wide ceremony on the Great Lawn. Please be mindful that seating is extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking and Other Transportation Information

Please be mindful that parking is extremely limited and will be available at all marked lots on campus. Try to make every effort to carpool to the College. Please convey this to your guests as well.

The Great Lawn, where the College-wide Commencement Ceremony will be held, is a considerable walk from the College’s parking lots (see campus map). Therefore, comfortable footwear is recommended.

Loop Road Shuttle Service

• Six (6) Loop shuttles will operate continuously from 7:00am through 3:00pm, servicing the Loop Road only.
  • The Center for the Arts/Administration Circle will be closed for Commencement.
  • Instead, for Commencement only, a Loop Road shuttle will stop by the Administration Circle exit on Loop Road by 2A.
• Four (4) of the Loop shuttles can service Accessibility requests and will operate from 7:00 am through 3:00pm.
  • Please call Public Safety at 718-982-2111 for requests

MTA

• MTA buses (including the S93) will stop at the main gate on Victory Boulevard.
• The S93 will be dropping off and picking up at the front gate only from the start of their schedule until 3:00pm.
  • Please utilize the loop bus to move around campus.
  • The S93 will resume stops at 1A after 3pm

Rideshare

Students and guests using rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft, or car services) to travel to or from campus for the Commencement ceremony should direct their drivers to Parking Lot 1, located directly behind Building 2A. This area is designated exclusively for drop-off and pick-up.

The College-Wide Ceremony

The seventy-sixth Commencement of the College of Staten Island will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 9:30 am at the College of Staten Island – 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York.

The ceremony will be held outdoors on the Great Lawn, rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the College may opt to delay the start of the ceremony. All attendees should check the weather before arriving on campus and plan accordingly.

The music prologue begins at 9:00 am, and the ceremony starts promptly at 9:30 am; however, you are encouraged to arrive as early as 8:15 am with your graduate since there will be limited parking available and a high volume of traffic entering through the front gate.

Ceremony Guidelines for Guests of the Commencement Ceremony

As the College of Staten Island prepares to celebrate its 76^th Commencement ceremony, please note that the college has an obligation to provide a safe, orderly atmosphere at all its events. The college shall not and will not allow any disruptions that will substantially detract from the planned events of the day. Any person who does not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave the area, failure to do so may result in an arrest. Students may also be subject to disciplinary action.

To make this event a positive experience for everyone, please review and follow these important Commencement Guidelines for the safety and enjoyment of everyone.

• PROHIBITED ITEMS
  • purses, bags, backpacks, flags, signs, banners, weapons, balloons, and noisemakers of any kind.
• There are two options of approved bags that may be carried into the ceremony area:
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar); or
  • Small clutch purses, approximately the size of a hand, or 4.5″ x 6.5″ with or without a handle or strap.
• Note: While diaper bags and strollers are allowed for families with babies/toddlers, all items will be checked.
• Entry into the ceremony will be denied to those in possession of prohibited items.
• Anyone in the ceremony area in possession of prohibited items may have them confiscated and/or asked to leave.

We appreciate your cooperation in making this a safe, respectful, and joyful celebration for everyone.

Tickets for Guests

Tickets are not required for guests to attend the College-wide ceremony on the Great Lawn. Please be mindful that seating is extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking & Transportation Information

Please be mindful that parking is extremely limited and will be available at all marked lots on campus. Try to make every effort to carpool to the College. Please convey this to your guests as well.

The Great Lawn, where the College-wide Commencement Ceremony will be held, is a considerable walk from the College’s parking lots (see campus map). Therefore, comfortable footwear is recommended.

Loop Road Shuttle Service

• Six (6) Loop shuttles will operate continuously from 7:00am through 3:00pm, servicing the Loop Road only.
  • The Center for the Arts/Administration Circle will be closed for Commencement.
  • Instead, for Commencement only, a Loop Road shuttle will stop by the Administration Circle exit on Loop Road by 2A.
• Four (4) of the Loop shuttles can service Accessibility requests and will operate from 7:00 am through 3:00pm.
  • Please call Public Safety at 718-982-2111 for requests

MTA

• MTA buses (including the S93) will stop at the main gate on Victory Boulevard.
• The S93 will be dropping off and picking up at the front gate only from the start of their schedule until 3:00pm.
  • Please utilize the loop bus to move around campus.
  • The S93 will resume stops at 1A after 3pm

Rideshare

Students and guests using rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft, or car services) to travel to or from campus for the Commencement ceremony should direct their drivers to Parking Lot 1, located directly behind Building 2A. This area is designated exclusively for drop-off and pick-up.

Commencement Program

Commencement programs will be distributed to graduates and their guests on Commencement Day. It will feature a QR code with a link to the Commencement booklet listing all degree candidates.

Guests with Accessibility Requests

Guests with mobility concerns should inquire at the entrance gates about special on-campus transportation. They will be directed to a designated drop-off point where they and one companion can access special transportation to and from the ceremony site. If a particular need should arise while on campus, please notify a uniformed Public Safety Officer.

For other accommodation requests, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services at 718.982.2510 or Access@csi.cuny.edu.

Livestream

The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed. There will be several camera feeds so your family and friends at home or abroad will enjoy a high-quality experience. Open captioning will be available. 
The livestream link will be on the CSI website by 9:00 am on May 28.

For Further Information

If you need additional information about Commencement, email commencement@csi.cuny.edu or call 718.982.2335 during regular business hours. 

2025 Post-Commencement Departmental Exercises

Questions regarding Post-Commencement Departmental Exercises are to be directed to your major’s departmental chairperson or the dean of the division/school.

To find contact information for departmental chairpersons or deans, use this link.

Dear Class of 2025,

Please support the 2025 Senior Class Gift – Give Danny the Dolphin a Makeover!

The Senior Class Gift campaign is an opportunity for seniors to come together one last time before graduation to promote a philanthropic spirit among the graduating class. By giving back to their alma mater, CSI seniors take their first steps toward becoming proud alumni and help ensure a bright future for the next generation of CSI students.

This year, we’re rallying together to give our beloved mascot, Danny the Dolphin, a much-needed makeover! After a whirlwind year of spreading school spirit—at games, parades, and even the NYC Marathon—Danny deserves some new clothes!

We suggest a $25 donation in honor of our class year, but any amount counts! Plus, all donors of $10 or more will receive a blue and gray spirit cord to wear at Commencement.

Let’s make the Class of 2025 unforgettable—donate today and help Danny keep the CSI spirit alive!

Any questions? Please contact Jackie Lamberti, Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving at jacqueline.lamberti@csi.cuny.edu.

Congratulations and thank you,

Adrian Rosales, Student Government President  
Ashley Villalva Student Government Vice President

 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, 2025. 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. 
• Spring and Summer 2025 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, 2025) 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 2024 graduation was October 1, 2024.
• The deadline to file for spring 2025 graduation is March 1, 2025. 
• The deadline to file for summer 2025 graduation is July 1, 2025. 

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 2024, winter 2025, spring 2025, or summer 2025 are eligible to participate in the May 28, 2025 ceremony. 

Tributes to the Class of 2024

• Commencement Photo Gallery
• Degree Candidates Listing 2024
• Commencement Brochure 2024 

Tributes to the Class of 2023

• Commencement Exercises/Program and Candidates 2023
• Degree Candidates Listing 2023
• CSI Gallery - 2023 Commencement Photos

Tributes to the Class of 2022

• 2022 Candidates for Graduation
• CSI Commencement Photo Gallery

Tributes to the Class of 2021