Frequently Asked Questions

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Commencement FAQ


  • When is Commencement?

    Commencement has been scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024. Graduates must arrive at Noon. The ceremony will begin at 1pm.

  • Where is Commencement?

    Commencement will take place at Nassau Live Center, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, located at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY 11553.

  • How early do I need to arrive prior to the Commencement ceremony?

    Graduates must arrive by Noon to Nassau Coliseum.

  • How long is the ceremony?

    The Molloy University Commencement Ceremony is approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours.

  • What do I wear to Commencement?

    All candidates participating in Commencement must wear their cap, tassel, gown and hood. Candidates should wear dress clothes beneath their academic attire. We do not recommend that you wear high heels, as you will be climbing stairs and walking down the aisle.

    Academic Attire can be ordered here: https://molloy.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome

    Order Your Academic Attire
  • How many guests can I bring to Commencement?

    You are allowed to bring as many guests as you'd like. There will be no tickets required for Commencement. Seating is first come first served.

  • Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

    Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed, and can be found at www.molloy.edu/student-life/student-affairs/commencement/

  • Can I sit with my friends at Commencement?

    Seating is done by the School you are graduating from. For example, if you and your friend are both graduating from the School of Arts and Sciences, you can sit together.

  • Is photography admitted during Commencement?

    Guests are welcome to take photographs from their seats but may not stand in the aisles or block the view of other guests. Only official photographers will be permitted in the roped off section and platform area. After the ceremony is completed, there will be ample opportunity for individual and family photos.

    A commercial photographer from Island Photography will take an individual portrait of each graduate in front of a set backdrop, as well as a photograph of you receiving your diploma cover. The proofs of these pictures will be sent to the graduate. There is no obligation to purchase these pictures. The customer service number for Island Photography is (800) 869-0908.

  • What is the difference between Commencement and Graduation?

    Commencement is the ceremony recognizing the graduation candidates for a certain term.

    Graduation refers to the degree conferral of a student’s degree once it has been determined that the candidate has met all the degree requirements. When students apply for graduation, they are indicating that they anticipate completing their degree requirements in the specified term. This application will allow students to participate in the Commencement.

  • Who is eligible for Graduation and who is eligible to participate in Commencement?

    • Students are eligible to be a graduation candidate when they expect to complete their degree requirements in the current term and submit a graduation application form. Each candidate for graduation is responsible for obtaining clearance for graduation including satisfactorily completing all general education, major, related, minor, residency and the liberal arts and science requirements, and GPA requirements. Please note that degree requirements vary per program and students should consult with their academic advisors to determine specific requirements.

    • Students who are eligible to apply for graduation and apply by the specified deadlines are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

  • How soon do I need to complete my Graduation Application Form?

    The deadlines to apply for candidates receiving degrees or certificates are as follows:

    • October 1st for December/January Graduation – Participate in January Commencement ceremony.

    • January 1st for May Graduation – Participate in May Commencement ceremony.

    • March 1st for August Graduation – Participate in May Commencement ceremony.

    To ensure that your name is included in the Commencement program, it is important to adhere to the above deadlines.

  • I don’t plan on attending Commencement. Do I still need to apply for graduation?

    Yes. Students who have completed degree requirements but who have not applied for graduation will not receive a diploma nor will the degree be conferred.

  • I am not going to complete all of my requirements by the end of the Spring semester. Can I still walk in the ceremony?

    • Yes, but only if you have applied for graduation and your records show you are pursuing the credits needed during the Summer for Spring graduation OR pursuing the credits during Intersession for Fall graduation. This is determined if you are registered for missing courses in Summer or Intersession or are working on Incompletes that are expected.

    • The graduation review often occurs after the Commencement ceremony. Attending the ceremony does not mean the student’s degree has been conferred. Students who applied to graduate but have not met the requirements during the term specified on the graduation application will have their graduation term moved to the term in which the missing work will be completed and will be reevaluated during the new term.

  • What happens if I have outstanding holds for unpaid bills?

    Students with outstanding holds for unpaid bills or equipment will not have confirmations of their degrees released to any outside agencies or employers until cleared with all Molloy University offices.

  • Do candidates receive their diplomas at Commencement?

    • No. Diplomas are not available during the Commencement ceremony. A diploma cover is handed out on stage during the ceremony.

    • Students will receive an electronic diploma to their Molloy email address and a hard copy of their diploma to their home address on file with Molloy approximately one month after the degree conferral date. If students wish to have their hard copy diploma held for pick-up or sent to another address, please email registration@molloy.edu.

    • Transcripts that are requested with “Hold for Degree” will be sent once the degree has been conferred. The degree conferral date as well as any degree distinction will be on the transcript.

  • What is degree distinction?

    Degree distinction applies only to undergraduate students.

    To be eligible for any degree distinction (Graduation Honors) students must have earned at least 60 credits at Molloy and achieved the cumulative GPAs listed below. Credits from Challenge examinations and Experiential Learning (EL) are not considered credits earned at Molloy.

    Categories of Degree Distinction:

    • Cum Laude: index of 3.60 or better
    • Magna Cum Laude: index of 3.75 or better
    • Summa Cum Laude: index of 3.90 or better

  • Can I wear the same cap and gown I used for previous Honors Convocation?

    You may use the same cap and gown from Honors Convocation, as long as you have the University attire, and have purchased the hood.

  • Where do I purchase my academic attire?
  • Where can I order a class ring?

    Rings may be ordered from Jostens Rings, click here.