Undergraduate Ceremonies: Faculty and Administrator Information
Below is important information regarding commencement ceremonies and event logistics.
Ceremony Times and Arrivals
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
First Ceremony:
- 9 am: Graduates arrive
- 9 am: Participants in the procession are scheduled to arrive
- 9 am: Doors open for guests
- 10 am: Ceremony begins
Second Ceremony:
- Noon: Graduates arrive
- Noon: Participants in the procession are scheduled to arrive
- Noon: Doors open for guests
- 1 pm: Ceremony begins
Third Ceremony:
- 3 pm: Graduates arrive
- 3 pm: Participants in the procession are scheduled to arrive
- 3 pm: Doors open for guests
- 4 pm: Ceremony begins
Wednesday, May 25
First Ceremony:
- 9 am: Graduates arrive
- 9 am: Participants in the procession are scheduled to arrive
- 9 am: Doors open for guests
- 10 am: Ceremony begins
Second Ceremony:
- Noon: Graduates arrive
- Noon: Participants in the procession are scheduled to arrive
- Noon: Doors open for guests
- 1 pm: Ceremony begins
Academic Regalia
Academic regalia—the traditional cap, gown, and tassel—is required attire for everyone participating in commencement exercises.
Transportation
Since access to mass transit is readily available, there will be no transportation provided by FIT.
Venue Entrance
On commencement day, enter the park at East 69th Street and Fifth Avenue—the main entrance for the event. Proceed straight to East Drive, go across East Drive, and turn right up the path to the Mother Goose statue with benches encircling it. The path will lead you to Rumsey Playfield. It is approximately a four-minute walk from Fifth Avenue. Proceed to the backstage entrance where the Rumsey Playfield personnel responsible for check-in will direct you.
Robing Area
The platform party robing area has been set behind the stage for the Board of Trustees, Foundation directors, honorees and guests, administrators, and faculty, and will be outfitted with tables, chairs, and mirrors. The area will be staffed by FIT personnel during the event, so personal belongings may be left there. Restrooms are nearby.
Following the recessional, the platform party will return to the robing area. Please note that administrators and faculty are responsible for returning rented regalia to Barnes & Noble at FIT.
Refreshments
A table with light refreshments, located adjacent to the robing area, will be available to platform party members throughout the events.
Commencement Exercises
The platform party will line up backstage near the robing rooms and proceed to the stage. College staff will line be available to direct and line up the platform party at approximately 15 minutes before each ceremony and will direct the processional by approximately 9:45 am for the 10 am ceremony; 12:45 pm for the 1 pm ceremony; and 3:45 pm for the 4 pm ceremony.
An announcer and video screens will also be available to direct the event.
Each event will be approximately 90 minutes in length
Proceedings
The proceedings of the event are guided by a script, which will be delivered by Friday, May 20, to all those with speaking or support roles.
Program
Programs will be available at seats on the stage.
Note: At this time, graduates and their guests will not be required to provide proof of
vaccination or to wear masks to attend the commencement ceremonies. However, these
conditions are subject to change should federal, New York State, New York City, or
venue guidelines change due to the pandemic.
Further details will be posted when available. This page last updated: May 23, 2022.