On Friday, May 16, 2008, all bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates will be requested to line up for the commencement ceremony. The line-up process will be as follows:

The 121st Commencement of Wagner College will be held on Friday, May 16, 2008, at 10 a.m. on the Sutter Oval, and will last about two hours. This ceremony is scheduled to be held outdoors; however, some years the weather has forced an indoor ceremony. Seating on Sutter Oval is on a first-come, first-served basis. Click on this link to find out more about commencement plans in case of inclement weather.

Tickets: It is the desire of Wagner College that everyone 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.

Parking: Parking for Commencement ceremonies will be available in the West parking lot, directly across from the main campus. Overflow parking will be available in the Tiers Parking lot accessed through the Main entrance to campus. Parking is also available on Howard Avenue, the main avenue in front of the college. The New York City Police Department has provided us with lax enforcement allowing parking anywhere on Howard Avenue except bus stops and in front of fire hydrants. Parking conditions are extremely crowded for Commencement. We urge you and your guests to arrive early and when possible to car pool.

Parking accommodations for those with special needs:
Handicap parking spaces are available in all the parking lots. It is of course first come first serve. Golf cart escorts are provided from any parking spots. Call 390-3148 for this service, or just flag down a cart. The golf carts will be circling the parking lots.

Baccalaureate Ceremony: The College baccalaureate ceremony will be held on May 15 at 4 p.m. in the Sutter Gymnasium of the Spiro Sports Center. More information on that is here .The baccalaureate is followed by the senior toast and the by-invitation senior honors ceremony.

Arrival and assembly

• If the ceremony is held on the Sutter Oval: Bachelor’s candidates will line up no later than 9:15 on the side of Main Hall (next to the baseball field)

• Master’s candidates will line up no later than 9:15 on the side of Main Hall (next to the baseball field)

• If the ceremony is held indoors due to inclement weather: Bachelor’s candidates will line up no later than 9:15 in the Megerle Science Building.

• Master’s candidates will line up no later than 9:15 in Main Hall.

• The faculty procession will form in the first floor hallway of the Spiro Sports Center regardless of weather conditions. The faculty will robe in the aerobics room. The faculty should arrive at the Spiro Sports Center no later 9:15.

Senior Toast: The Senior Toast will be held immediately after the Baccalaureate Ceremony on May 15, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. on the terrace at the Union building. At this toast, the Class of 2008 will announce their first Class of 2008 Scholarship Recipient and a plaque will be unveiled. Several members from the Senior Gift Committee and the President of the NAA Board will say a few words as we toast the hard work of the seniors this year. All parents and student are welcome.
If you have any questions, email seniorgift@wagner.edu or call (718)-420-4165.

Academic and Leadership Award Dinners: Special dinners which comprise of awards ceremonies are held at the end of each academic year to recognize the outstanding academic and leadership achievements of our students. Academic departments present special awards to students who are outstanding in specific areas of study and the Division of Campus Life presents awards to students who have shown exemplary leadership skills in various areas.

Friday, May 2, 2008, at 6:00pm: Underclass Awards Dinner, Main Cafeteria, Union Hall. For more information, please contact the Dean of Campus Life Office at 718.390.3423. This event is by invitation only.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 6:00pm: Senior Awards Dinner, Main Cafeteria, Union Hall. For more information, please contact the Dean of Campus Life Office at 718.390.3423. This event is by invitation only.

Student Accounts: Students must satisfy any outstanding accounts with the Bursar’s office before the commencement ceremony. For additional information regarding payment issues, contact the Bursar’s office at 718.390.3112.

Diplomas: 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.
    Degree candidates must fill out a card (included with the commencement package) to specify how their name should appear on the diploma and provide a phonetic spelling. Graduates will be asked to indicate whether they will be attending the May ceremony. 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.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located in the Horrmann Library and the Spiro Sports Center. Please refer to the site map for specific locations.

First Aid: Ambulance and crew will be stationed by the Sutter Oval in case of emergency.

Food and Water: 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.

Information Booth: There will be two information booths set up on campus to answer questions and assist visitors with any issues that may arise. One booth will be located on the edge of Sutter Oval and another information booth will be located in Trautmann Square. The campus operator will be able to answer general questions concerning commencement and can be reached at 718.390.3400.

Caps and Gowns: Academic caps and gowns will be available for pick up at the Wagner College Bookstore beginning Monday, April 14, 2008.

Bookstore: The Wagner College bookstore will open a table in the reception tent and offer for purchase a variety of Wagner College memorabilia. The Bookstore hours are as follows: Monday through Thursday, 8:30am - 6:00pm; Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm and Saturday, 11:00am - 2:00pm. The Bookstore phone number is 718-390-3469.

DVD: A complimentary copy of the Wagner College Commencement 2007 DVD will be mailed to every graduate. The DVD will be sent on or about July 15, 2008.

Guests with Disabilities: 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.