Communications Archive—Undergraduate
Commencement 2024 Communications Archive—Undergraduate Ceremonies
An archive of emails sent to students graduating with an associate's or bachelor's degree who plan to participate in the spring 2024 commencement ceremonies.
We are happy to inform you that today's 4:30 ceremony will be held with no delays. A storm earlier caused a small disruption, but we have made up the time and are back on schedule.
Due to a rain delay earlier today, the doors for the 1:15 ceremony will now open at 12:30 pm to allow for the first ceremony's attendees to exit. Ceremony time remains at 1:15 pm.
As predicted, the storm has passed the Central Park venue. At 10:30, we will open the doors. Warning: the grounds are very wet. Please take precautions when entering.
Due to the prediction of lightning and hard rain in the next 30 minutes, out of an abundance of caution, today's 10 am ceremony is being delayed until 11 am. Doors will open at 10:30 am.
For your safety, the venue has recommended those who are already onsite shelter in the covered area near Bethesda Fountain in Central Park.
Those who have yet to arrive, please delay your arrival.
Congratulations, graduate! It's time to celebrate!
We are eager to see you and celebrate your achievements at FIT’s 2024 Commencement this Wednesday and Thursday at Central Park.
Here are some quick tips, reminders, and links for your big day.
The event is at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Enter at Fifth Avenue at 69th Street; the path at this entrance leads directly to
the venue.
Don't forget your cap and gown: They're required. Monday, May 20, is the last day
to pick up your regalia at the FIT Campus Store. No regalia wil be sold at the ceremony.
Your ticket and your guests' tickets were emailed to your FIT email address; the sender
is See Tickets. Note: Please confirm your ceremony date/time on your ticket is correct;
find the schedule here. If you haven't received your ticket, email [email protected].
You and your guests should arrive one hour before your ceremony; this helps ensure
you have time to get through security and that your guests find seating together,
which is first come, first seated.
Stop by the celebration area to pick up refreshments and gifts. Please allow yourself
time to visit them before your ceremony begins, or you can order commemorative merchandise ahead of time.
The ceremonies will be livestreamed here and on the commencement website. The stream will also provide live captioning.
Commencement involves a good deal of standing and walking, sometimes on uneven ground.
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and discourage high heels.
Remember, at this event you will be held to the same expectations and standards outlined
in the Code of Student Conduct. Any individuals who violate these policies will be asked to leave the ceremony.
If you need more specifics, you can find them on the undergraduate student information page.
Helpful Links
General Undergraduate Ceremony Info
Undergraduate Ceremony Schedule
Security Protocols at the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
Commencement Week is finally here, and we are excited to share this momentous occasion with you and your guests!
As you may know, this marks the fourth time we've celebrated at Central Park, and we are happy to be returning to this iconic location. The Rumsey Playfield venue has security protocols in place for our events and we wanted to share them with you.
Please read the details below before you arrive.
What to expect
As you enter Rumsey Playfield, you will go through the venue's security checkpoint. The security screening may include metal detector wands and pat-downs. Personnel will also be performing spot checks on the small clear bags that are allowed at the venue (see the complete list of prohibited items below).
We ask for your patience and support so that all attendees may enter the venue with minimum delay.
Prohibited items
To help ensure everyone’s safety, and in compliance with the event site’s policies, the following items are prohibited:
- BAGS, BACKPACKS, AND SUITCASES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
Exceptions will be made for medical device bags and small clear bags no larger than 12” wide x 12” tall x 16” long (30cm W x 30cm H x 40 cm L).
Note: There are no bag storage facilities on the grounds. - flammable items
- lighters, matches, or other flame-making devices
- confetti
- flags, banners, signs, or balloons
- umbrellas (ponchos will be available in case of rain)
- hard coolers or similar containers
- sealed packages of any kind
- glass bottles or aluminum cans (exception: empty reusable water bottles that are 24 oz. or less; metal or plastic)
- aerosol cans or noise-making devices
- alcoholic beverages
- video cameras or audio recording devices (exception: cellphones and SLR cameras, with lenses up to and not exceeding 300mm, with video or recording capabilities)
- computers or laptops
- weapons (regardless of permit)
- animals (exception: service animals)
- any materials, items, or apparel constituting unauthorized advertising or promotion
- laser pointing devices
- drones or other model aircraft
- selfie sticks or other telescopic devices
- inflatable items, such as beach balls
- controlled substances
- large stuffed animals
- folding chairs
- bikes, scooters, rollerblades, or skateboards
- any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by security personnel or FIT staff
Find additional information about the ceremonies, including times, directions, livestream details, speaker information, and more at fitnyc.edu/commencement.
Regalia Pickup Continues Through May 20
Commencement is almost here! All orders will be available for pickup at the FIT Campus Store on the following dates and times. Note: The store will have extended hours this week.
General pickup hours and in-store purchases
Monday–Friday, May 13–17, 9 am–8 pm
Monday, May 20, 9 am–5 pm
Still need to purchase your cap and gown?
Stop by during these regalia general pickup hours to inquire about availability.
The entrance to the store is located on the Breezeway between the Dubinsky Student Center and the Business and Liberal Arts Center.
How to wear your regalia
- Traditionally, the gown is worn closed. It should sit comfortably on your shoulders, and it should fall below your knees, but not so low that it is a tripping hazard.
- Place the cap so that the front point is aligned with the center of your forehead. The top of the mortarboard should be parallel to the ground. You may need hair clips to secure the cap to your head.
- Tassels start on the right side of your mortarboard. The president will instruct you to move your tassel to the left side during the ceremony after your degrees are conferred.
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to get all details and information about commencement.
Looking forward to seeing you at Central Park!
Countdown to Commencement: Programming Update
The Department of Student Life is so excited to celebrate you, our graduates, this year! We hope you were able to attend the Commencement Kickoff with the Brooklyn Alliance Drumline and the Honey Grad Spa with Lush Cosmetics!
The countdown continues, and we have some updates.
EVENT DATE/LOCATION CHANGE
"Forever Young" Grad Brunch and Playground
Friday, May 10, noon–2 pm
Dubinsky Eighth Floor
We apologize for the inconvenience and are hopeful that you can still attend!
We planned to host this event tomorrow in the Breezeway, but as a result of permit regulations we’re unable to move forward with the event there. With limited space on campus that can sustain this type of event, the new date and location on the Dubinsky Eighth Floor was our only option.
Join us for a day of play, some delicious brunch treats, mocktails, a photo booth, a ball pit, and so much more!
NOTE:
- If you have previously RSVP’ed and you can still make it, that's amazing! Your RSVP is still recorded.
- If you have not RSVP’ed and you plan on attending, please RSVP.
- If you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP to NO.
Sincerely,
Department of Student Life
[email protected]
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to get all details and information about commencement.
Cap and Gown Pickup Begins May 7!
Stop by the FIT Campus Store during the following dates/times:
Pickup for preorders
Tuesday–Friday, May 7–10, 9 am–5 pm
General pickup and in-store purchases*
Monday–Friday, May 13–17, 9 am–8 pm
Monday, May 20, 9 am–5 pm
* Still need to purchase your cap and gown? Stop by during cap and gown general pickup hours to inquire about availability.
To access the Campus Store, you must enter the campus buildings at the Feldman Center or Haft Theater, walk through to the Business and Liberal Arts Center, and exit through its doors onto the Breezeway.
How to wear your regalia
- Your gown should be worn closed. It should sit comfortably on your shoulders, and it should fall below your knees, but not so low that it is a tripping hazard.
- Place the cap so that the front point is aligned with the center of your forehead. The top of the mortarboard should be parallel to the ground. You may need hair clips to secure the cap to your head.
- Tassels start on the right side of your mortarboard. The president will instruct you to move your tassel to the left side during the ceremony after your degrees are conferred.
- You may be asked to remove any inappropriate embellishments of mortarboards or gowns by event staff and/or college officials.
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to get all details and information about commencement.
LAST CHANCE FOR TICKETS!
The 2024 commencement ticket reservation form will be closing tomorrow, April 30. If you have not reserved your ticket to attend your ceremony, this is your last chance to do so.
RESERVE YOUR COMMENCEMENT TICKETS
Don't know the date/time of your major's ceremony? Find it on this schedule.
Note: The May 22, 10 am and 1:15 pm ceremonies are completely filled. All new tickets for Business and Technology majors will be assigned to the 4:30 pm ceremony.
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to get all details and information about commencement.
Student Life Counts Down to Commencement 2024 With You!
We are excited to announce that starting today, there are 27 days till the first ceremony, so let the countdown begin! The following events have been organized for the campus to celebrate you, our graduating students.
For detailed information on each event, click the links to be directed to FITLink where you can find all the information you need. All events are for graduating students only, unless otherwise noted.
Leadership and Club Awards Ceremony
Thursday, April 25
Off Campus
For club and organization leaders, by invitation only
RHA Block Party
Sunday, April 28
West 27th Street
Open to all students
The SAB Presents—The Commencement Kickoff: A Love Letter to NYC
Tuesday, April 30
Breezeway
RSVP required; quantities limited
The SAB Presents: Golden Honey Grad Spa, Featuring Lush Cosmetics
Wednesday, May 1
Dubinsky Seventh Floor Game Room
RSVP required; quantities limited
Graduate Portraits
Monday–Friday, May 6–10
Dubinsky Student Center, Room A734
The “Forever Young” Grad Brunch and Playground
Thursday, May 9
Breezeway/FIT Dining Hall
RSVP required
Grad Cruise: PROM
Monday, May 20
Off Campus
RSVP and deposit required
We look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy celebrating your countdown to commencement
with us!
Sincerely,
Department of Student Life
[email protected]
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to get all details and information about commencement.
Cap and Gown Pickup Dates and Times
Orders will be available for pickup at the FIT Campus Store on the following dates and times.
Only those who preordered their regalia online:
Tuesday–Friday, May 7–10, 9 am–5 pm
General pickup and in-store purchases*:
Monday–Friday, May 13–17, 9 am–8 pm
Monday, May 20, 9 am–5 pm
*Still need to purchase your cap and gown? Stop by during cap and gown general pickup hours to inquire about availability.
The entrance to the store is located on the Breezeway between the Dubinsky Student Center and the Business and Liberal Arts Center.
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to get all details and information about commencement.
Have you:
- Applied for graduation?
- Ordered your cap and gown?
- Requested tickets for your ceremony?
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR GRADUATION, ORDER REGALIA, AND RESERVE CEREMONY TICKETS IS MARCH 31.
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to get all details and information about commencement.
Don't forget! A cap and gown are required to attend commencement.
ORDER YOUR REGALIA FROM HERFF JONES
The deadline is March 31.
You may order your regalia to be picked up at the FIT Campus Store during campus pickup days or have it delivered to your home for an extra charge.
Review the student checklist to ensure you've completed all the necessary steps to attend your ceremony before the March 31 deadlines.
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to get all details and information about commencement.
There is still time to apply for graduation, order your cap and gown, and request tickets for commencement!
REVIEW THE COMMENCEMENT CHECKLIST
Review the student checklist to ensure you've completed all the necessary steps to attend your ceremony before the March 31 deadlines.
Opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders.
As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement is the best place to go all details and information about commencement.
We look forward to celebrating with you in May!
Graduation Portrait Sessions will be available on campus
Attention, Spring 2024 Grads: Sign up to take your graduation photos on campus!
Thornton Studios will be at FIT:
- Tuesday–Thursday, March 12–14: 11 am–2 pm and 3–6 pm each day
- Monday–Friday, May 6–10: 11 am–2 pm and 3–6 pm each day
Schedule your appointment ahead of time (instructions are below) or simply stop by Room A734 on the Seventh Floor of the Dubinsky Student Center during the allotted times.
Graduates can also schedule their appointments at Thornton Studios at any time by visiting thorntonstudio.com selecting "Schedule Appointment" and using School Code: 02866.
Grad Portrait FAQs and Tips:
- We recommend that you dress as you would for a job interview.
- Cap and gown will be available.
- You will receive portraits with 10 poses.
- Portraits are taken from the waist up.
- The portrait sitting is FREE.
Tickets for the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies at Rumsey Playfield are now available.
You must complete this form in order to attend commencement and request guest tickets for your ceremony at Central Park.
RESERVE YOUR COMMENCEMENT TICKETS
Need to know the date and time of your major’s ceremony? Find it here.
Want to receive SMS text messages to be alerted about information like this on your phone in the future? Sign up here.
Tickets for the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies at Rumsey Playfield will be available starting Friday, March 1, at noon.
You must complete this form in order to attend commencement and request guest tickets for your ceremony at Central Park.
RESERVE YOUR COMMENCEMENT TICKETS
Need to know the date and time of your major’s ceremony? Find it here.
Want to receive SMS text messages to be alerted about information like this on your phone in the future? Sign up here.
Dear Graduating Students,
Commencement is a special event for the college, for our students, and for their families. We continue to look forward to the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate all that our students have accomplished.
FIT will hold its 79th commencement exercises at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park on Wednesday and Thursday, May 22 and 23, 2024. There will be six ceremonies grouped by school and program majors; you will be invited to attend the ceremony that corresponds with your program. The schedule for the undergraduate ceremonies is as follows:
2024 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony Schedule
Wednesday, May 22
Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology
10 am
Fashion Business Management
1:15 pm
Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing
Entrepreneurship for the Fashion and Design Industries
Home Products Development
International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries
Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries
Technical Design
Textile Development and Marketing
4:30 pm
Advertising and Marketing Communications
Direct and Interactive Marketing
Thursday, May 23
School of Art and Design/School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
10 am
Advertising and Digital Design
Animation, Interactive Media, and Game Design
Communication Design Foundation
Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Illustration
Packaging Design
Spatial Experience Design
1:15 pm
Fashion Design
4:30 pm
Art History and Museum Professions
Fabric Styling
Film and Media
Footwear and Accessories Design
Interior Design
Jewelry Design
Menswear
Photography and Related Media
Textile/Surface Design
Toy Design
At each ceremony there will be a family celebration where you and your guests are encouraged to enjoy refreshments, take family portraits, and pick up gifts and festive items.
The ticket reservation form will open on March 1. A link to the form will be shared with students at that time.
Students who plan to graduate can expect updates with important deadlines. Continue to check your FIT email and opt in to receive SMS text messages for timely reminders. As always, fitnyc.edu/commencement will be the best place to go for the most comprehensive details and information about commencement.
I wish you a productive semester and I look forward to celebrating with you in May!
Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology
I am very pleased to announce the dates for the 2024 undergraduate and graduate commencement exercises next spring.
Similar to last year, FIT will hold six undergraduate ceremonies at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 22 and 23, 2024.
Once again, we will be able to hold a Family Celebration event before and after each ceremony so all can enjoy refreshments, take photos at our step and repeat, and partake of special commencement activities and gifts.
This year we will be able to group students by major/degree program in each of the six commencement sessions over the two days which will enable you to participate with your classmates for the official ceremony. Further details will be shared early in the spring semester.
The conferral of degrees and a hooding ceremony for the master’s degree candidates of the School of Graduate Studies will take place at 6 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in the Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Theater at FIT.
You can expect regular commencement updates, with details and important deadlines to register for graduation, order graduation regalia, and make guest ticket reservations. You are encouraged to check the commencement webpage regularly for additional information and updates. Find it at fitnyc.edu/commencement.
I hope you have a productive rest of the fall semester.
Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology
This page last updated: May 23, 2024.