Commencement 2024

Graduate in Cap and Gown

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from Suffolk County Community College! Our commencement ceremonies are an opportunity for you to be recognized for your hard work and achievement by your family, friends, guests and the entire college community.

This year, Suffolk County Community College will host two commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Commencement exercises will take place at 10:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. in the Field House of the Suffolk Credit Union Arena on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood.

If you have any questions, please reach out via email to commencement@sunysuffolk.edu.


Eligibility to Participate in Commencement

The Class of 2024 includes all students who complete degree and certificate requirements in January, May or August 2024.

You must file the application for graduation whether or not you wish to attend the commencement ceremony.

The application for graduation is now open. Apply online at sunysuffolk.edu/login. Navigate to Student Dashboard. Select Student Profile and then Apply for Graduation.

You must file your application for graduation before April 1st in order to access your tickets for the graduation ceremony and have your name listed in the graduation program and on the Class of 2024 T-shirt.


Prior to The Ceremony

Regalia: All students must wear regalia to participate in the graduation ceremony. Regalia (cap, gown, hood and tassel) may be pre-ordered online starting March 18th via herff.ly/suffolkcc through April 19, 2024. Orders will ship to your home during the first two weeks of May.

Regalia can be purchased in person through the campus bookstores beginning on April 22, 2024.

The cost for the Associate Degree regalia package is $41.45 + tax. If you do not need to purchase the complete regalia set, individual pieces are available. You may use cash, Follett gift card, personal check, or debit/credit card with photo ID as your payment options.

The last opportunity to purchase regalia from the bookstore is Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). After that date, sizes cannot be guaranteed.


Tickets

Graduation ceremony tickets will be available starting on March 18th at 12:00 p.m. Please note that students will not be able to access commencement tickets until they have completed their application for graduation and the application has been processed. Students who have completed their application will be able to select their ceremony and receive up to four free graduation tickets. Tickets are available on a first-come/first-served basis with limited tickets for each ceremony.

Access Tickets

Starting on Monday, March 18th, all graduates are encouraged to RSVP online via the college's commencement website in order to select the ceremony they prefer to attend, and to print one graduate ticket and up to four complimentary guest tickets.

Each person (including the graduate) who plans on attending the ceremony MUST have a ticket. Tickets are NOT automatically reserved for each graduate, as not all graduates attend the ceremony. Therefore, each graduate MUST print their own graduate ticket and can print up to a maximum of four (4) guest tickets beginning on Monday, March 18, 2024. Guest tickets will be available on a first come/first served basis and go quickly. In the event one of the ceremonies reaches full capacity, graduates will be directed to RSVP for the alternate ceremony time.

Once tickets are gone, no more will be made available. NO ONE will be admitted without a ticket. Guests without tickets will be able to view a live web stream of the commencement ceremony online at www.sunysuffolk.edu.


Graduation Exit Survey

The Graduate Exit Survey is an opportunity for you to share your feedback about your college program and experience. Your thoughtful responses will improve the educational experience for future students.

If you complete the survey your name will be will be entered into a lottery to be drawn on April 8, 2024 for two extra commencement tickets (40 tickets are available for 20 winners). Notification will be made by e-mail immediately after the drawing. A second lottery will be held and will include everyone who does not win during the first drawing at Commencement Rehearsal on May 2, 2024 at the Grant Campus. The gifts include amazon gift cards (2= $100.00, 6=$50.00 and 12=$25.00).

Complete the SURVEY today to be entered into the raffle for two additional graduation tickets.


Rehearsal Night

A rehearsal for graduates has been planned for Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Suffolk Credit Union Arena on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. At rehearsal, we will discuss where to assemble preceding the commencement exercises and procedures to follow during those exercises. As an added convenience, the Michael J. Grant Campus bookstore will open until 8:00 p.m. so students who haven't yet purchased their cap and gown will have a chance to do so following rehearsal.


Commencement Day

  • Morning Commencement exercises will begin on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Graduates should report to the lobby of the Suffolk Credit Union Arena on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood no later than 9:00 a.m. and will be directed to their designated robing area.

  • Afternoon Commencement exercises will begin on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Graduates should report to the lobby of the Suffolk Credit Union Arena on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood no later than 1:00 p.m. and will then be directed to their designated robing area. Please do not leave valuables in the robing areas; robing areas will not be locked.

  • NOTE: Strollers or infant carriers are not allowed in the seating area. Strollers/carriers brought into the ceremony building will need to be brought to the stroller parking area provided under the bleachers. Please remember that infants/toddlers must have a ticket to attend the ceremony, even if they are sitting on a lap. Also note that graduates are restricted from carrying infants or bringing small children with them as they come to the stage and receive their diploma cover.


Important Safety and Security Information

Out of respect for fellow graduates, please remain seated until the completion of the ceremony; this includes refraining from leaving your seat to take pictures and departing before the ceremony ends. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, students should arrange to meet their family and friends outside of the building in order to avoid crowding within the facility. In accordance with New York State and Suffolk County fire code, no balloons will be permitted in the facility.


Disability Accommodations

Any student who will require accommodations in order to attend and fully participate should contact the Office of Disability Services. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible and an interpreter will be signing throughout the ceremony. Handicapped parking is limited and drivers are encouraged to arrive early. If you have a guest who will need accommodations, please have them contact Disability Services: (631) 451-4045.


Additional Information

Photographs
A professional photographer has been retained to take individual photos of you as you receive your diploma. The photographer will correspond with you directly, approximately one week after commencement. You are under no obligation from the college to purchase these photos. Special areas have been designated outside for you to take photos after the ceremony.

Alumni Association
All graduates are members in the college's Alumni Association upon graduation.

Diplomas
You will receive the cover for your diploma on the day of commencement. Approximately 8-12 weeks following your graduation date, your diploma will be mailed to the address indicated on your Application for Graduation.

Flowers and Tee Shirts
There will be a vendor selling flowers and Class of 2024 T-shirts located at both the front and back entrances to the Field House before and after both ceremonies. Flowers and shirts can be pre-ordered HERE and picked up at the flower tent on Commencement day.

Last Updated: 3/18/24