It is the desire of Wagner College that everyone will be able to attend Commencement, which begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. When the ceremony is held outdoors on Sutter Oval, no tickets are necessary and everyone is invited to attend. However, in the case of severe weather problems, the ceremony will be moved indoors and the Inclement Weather Plan will go into effect.

In case of inclement weather, each graduate’s family will be issued two tickets to watch the commencement exercises inside the Spiro Sports Center. The tickets are part of each graduate's packet available at the Wagner College bookstore. No one will be allowed into the Sports Center without a ticket into this venue.”

Can we purchase extra tickets?
There is no limit to how many guests are permitted for the ceremony on Sutter’s Oval. In the case of rain/inclement weather, each student is allotted only 2 tickets. At the same time, each family will be issued three tickets to view the ceremony from one of the alternate sites. There will be four (4) alternate viewing sites. There are no extra tickets available for purchase.

If it rains, where will the non-ticket guests view graduation?
There will be four (4) alternate viewing sites where family and friends can watch commencement on a large screen television monitor. These sites are the main dining hall, Main Hall Theater, and Spiro classrooms 2 and 5. These set-ups are for those family members who do not have the rain tickets to get into the actual commencement ceremony in the Spiro Sports Center.

How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours.

What time does commencement begin and where is it being held?
Commencement will be held on Friday, May 16, 2008, at 10 a.m. on the Sutter Oval, and will last about two hours.

What time does Baccalaureate Ceremony begin and where is it being held?
The Baccalaureate Service will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 3 p.m., in the Sutter Gymnasium inside the Spiro Sports Center.

What is the Baccalaureate?
The Baccalaureate is a farewell service. The service is interfaith and will last approximately 1 hour.

When do we line up for these ceremonies?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
3:00 p.m. - Baccalaureate Service
Sutter Gymnasium of Spiro Sports Center Building
Student Line up – 2:30 p.m.
Inside of the Spiro Sports Center Building

Friday, May 16, 2008
10:00 a.m.- Commencement Ceremony
On the Oval
Student Line up – No later than 9:15 a.m. on the side of Main Hall (Baseball Field)

Who is the guest speaker at commencement?
Kurt Landgraf, president of Educational Testing Systems, and graduate of Wagner College.

What is the seating arrangement for commencement?
There is general seating for everyone in the chairs directly behind the chairs for the graduates. They are first come, first served.

Where are the restrooms located?
There are restrooms in the Hormann Library, Spiro Hall and in the Spiro Sports Center. All of these buildings are located on Sutter Oval.

What accommodations do you have for handicap access or people with special needs?
There is a reserved area for those in wheelchairs. Due to the number of guests attending Commencement, it is regrettable that family members will not be able to sit with each guest with a wheelchair.

In the case of inclement weather, the Spiro Sports Center is a handicap accessible building if the ceremony is forced indoors. For those family members who do not have a rain plan ticket it is recommended that they view the ceremony on the television monitors in the cafeteria. Just ask for assistance from one of our Public Safety Officers and they will be happy to assist you.

Will I receive my diploma at graduation?
Unfortunately, it is not possible for graduates to receive their diploma during the commencement ceremony. All students who have been approved to graduate by the Board of Trustees will receive a diploma in the mail.

The registrar will mail all diplomas on or about June 15, 2008. The diplomas will be sent certified mail, return receipt requested. For more information, please contact the registrar’s office at 718.390.3173.” Wagner College Website

Is there anything to eat or drink?
During the ceremony, water will be available for purchase around Sutter Oval. At the conclusion of Commencement, everyone is invited to a complimentary reception in the tent on Sutter Oval. Coolers, backpacks and baskets are not permitted in Sutter Oval during the Commencement ceremony due to space and security considerations.  

Should our families make hotel reservations?
It is recommended to make lodging arrangement if families are traveling from far distances. The Wagner College website has a list of surrounding hotels/motels. Many of these locals offer special packages if you mention that you are visiting the college.

Will I be able to purchase a DVD or photographs of the commencement ceremony?
A complimentary copy of the Wagner College Commencement 2008 DVD will be mailed to every graduate. The DVD will be sent on or about July 15, 2008.

Do we keep the gowns?
Yes, you can keep your gown. The gown was paid for through the Commencement fees.

When do I choose my size?
Your gown size is based on your height. When you go to pick up your gown, you are the appropriate size for your height.

When do I have to move out of my dorm/apartment?
Students have to be out of Wagner Resident halls and apartments by 5 p.m. on May 16. If you have any questions, look for signs that will be posted around the dormitories about moving-out or ask your R.A.