SLU will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our 2023 graduates with a in-person Commencement Ceremony. Here you will find all of the information you will need in order to participate. The ceremony will also be LIVE streamed right here on SLU’s Commencement webpage.
Contact
Any questions, concerns or comments please email: commencement@slu.cuny.edu
Graduation Checklist and Key Dates
Please carefully review the Graduation Checklist and consult the Key Dates calendar to ensure you have all the information for participation in the 2023 Commencement Ceremony. For questions related to commencement contact commencement@slu.cuny.edu. For questions regarding graduation contact your advisor.
- Meet with your advisor to ensure graduation requirements are met.
- Apply for graduation via CUNYfirst. Deadline to apply for spring graduation is March 15th. If you have questions, please contact your advisor and the Office of the Registrar at registrar@slu.cuny.edu.
- Order your cap and gown through Jostens. Last day to order is April 12th, 2023. Graduating students who order regalia by April 12th can pick up their regalia at the Commencement Information Session in May.
- RSVP & Order Tickets for Commencement Ceremony, Commencement Information Session and Graduation Portrait no later than April 28th.
- Complete SLU 2023 Graduation Survey
- Nominate a Student Speaker by April 7th
- Update contact information in CUNYfirst and with the SLU Alumni Association for future alumni communications.
- Email commencement@slu.cuny.edu no later than May 5th if you or your guest need any accommodations.
- Wednesday, March 15
Deadline to apply for spring graduation - Friday, April 7
Student Speaker nomination deadline - Wednesday, April 12
Last day to order your cap and gown
Graduating students who order regalia by April 12th can pick up their regalia at the Commencement Information Session in May. - Friday, April 28
Last day to RSVP & order tickets for Commencement Ceremony, Commencement Information Session, and Graduation Portrait - Tuesday, May 2
Graduation Portraits (5:00pm-7:30pm) - Thursday, May 4
Graduation Portraits (5:00pm-7:30pm) - Friday, May 5
Last day to email commencement@slu.cuny.edu if you or your guest need any accommodations - Thursday, May 18
Commencement Information Session; Pick up Cap & Gown, Tickets, Graduation Cap Decoration (5:00pm-6:30pm) - Monday, May 22
Commencement Information Session; Pick up Cap & Gown, Tickets, Graduation Cap Decoration (5:00pm-6:30pm) - Tuesday, May 23
Commencement Information Session; Pick up Cap & Gown, Tickets, Graduation Cap Decoration (5:00pm-6:30pm) - Thursday, June 1
Commencement Ceremony
Commencement Day
Arriving at the venue
- Graduating students and faculty must arrive by 3:00pm
- Guests should arrive by 3:30pm
- Graduates, guests, faculty, and staff use the side entrance located at 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
- COVID-19 vaccination and masks are no longer required, but strongly encouraged for all individuals attending the ceremony.
As you approach the New York City Public Library entrance, please be prepared to follow the instructions for security screening, and to present your ticket.
Venue visitor guidelines
The New York Public Library prohibits carts, large bags, bags on wheels, backpacks, or collections of bags that are larger than 24” x 16” x 10”. Additionally, beverages, liquids, water bottles, balloons, cake, and food are not permitted in the library. The New York Public Library reserves the right to inspect any and all packages, boxes, bags, purses, backpacks or similar items (collectively, “packages”) and the contents thereof that you and your guests bring into the library facility. Please review the New York Public Library visitor guidelines.
Accessibility
SLU is committed to ensuring that the Commencement Ceremony is accessible to everyone. Graduates and guests who need accommodations for the commencement ceremony should contact commencement@slu.cuny.edu no later than May 5th. Learn more about the accessibility of the New York Public Library here.
Venue Directions
New York City Public Library – Main Branch
476 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
New York, NY 10018
Subway
- B/D/F/M/7 train to 42 Street–Bryant Park/Fifth Avenue
- 1/2/3/N/Q/R/W train to Times Square–42 Street
- 4/5/6 train to Grand Central–42 Street
Bus
M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M42, and M55 buses all stop outside or near the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
Tickets
Graduates are eligible for up to four (4) tickets for guests. A ticket is required for all guests, except children under the age of two (2) years, who will remain on an adult’s lap. RSVP & Reserve Tickets no later than April 28th. Additional tickets are not available due to venue capacity.
Tickets will be distributed to graduates at SLU during the Commencement Information Sessions on May 18, May 22, and May 23 (5:00pm-6:30pm), 14th Fl, room 1425.
Ordering Graduation Regalia
All graduates who elect to march at the Commencement Ceremony must have a cap and gown. “Graduation Regalia” includes a cap, gown, and tassel. Masters’ degree students also wear a hood.
Graduation regalia and other graduation items are available for purchase online through Jostens.
SLU has a limited number of caps and gowns available for students to borrow upon request, on a first come, first served basis. Email commencement@slu.cuny.edu no later than May 5th.
The last day to order graduation regalia is April 12th, 2023.
Graduation regalia orders will be available for pick up at SLU during the Commencement Information Sessions on May 18, May 22, and May 23 (5:00pm-6:30pm), 14th Fl, room 1425.
Graduation Portraits
Graduates have the option of taking graduation portraits at SLU. Reserve graduation portrait session no later than April 28th.
On-campus portrait sessions:
- Tuesday, May 2, 5:00pm – 7:30pm, 14th Fl, room 1425
- Thursday, May 4, 5:00pm – 7:30pm, 14th Fl, room 1425
To schedule your appointment for on-campus portrait session please follow these steps:
1. Visit the Thornton Studio website.
2. Select: “Schedule Appointment”
3. Enter School Code: 04765
Graduates have the option of taking graduation portraits at Thornton Studio, if unable to attend the portrait sessions at SLU. Visit Thornton Studio website and enter School Code: STUDIO when scheduling appointment.
The portrait sitting is free and you can view your portrait proofs. If you need to reschedule. Select a new date & time, your previous appointment is automatically canceled.
Please dress as you would for a job interview. Academic attire will be available.
If you have any questions email: info@thorntonstudio.com and mention CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies in your Subject Line.
Student Speaker Nomination
Do you know a graduating student whose experience captures SLU’s commitment to social justice and equity and can serve to inspire fellow graduates? We are seeking a student speaker for the Commencement Ceremony. If you would like to nominate yourself or a fellow graduate, please complete the nomination form and return to commencement@slu.cuny.edu by April 7th.
Diplomas
Diplomas are available approximately three to four months after each official graduation term. Please check the Office of the Registrar for more information.