Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the commencement ceremony, graduation requirements, procedures, deadlines and other details for the Class of 2024. Be sure to check your email regularly for updates.
Eligibility
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Graduation is the Registrar’s official confirmation that you have met all the degree requirements. Commencement is the ceremony hosted by LaGuardia Community College that celebrates graduation.
How do I know that I have graduated?
We will notify you by mail when the Registrar’s evaluation of your record is complete, and you have met all your degree requirements.
I have 60 credits; am I ready to graduate?
Most students are close to graduation when they reach 60 credits. You can check your progress online by using DegreeWorks, or speaking with an advisor.
How and when should I apply for graduation?
You need to add GRD000 Intent to Graduate to your CUNYfirst profile in Session I of the semester you intend to graduate. You must add this indicator even if you do not participate in the 2024 ceremony. Students with this indicator will have their academic records reviewed by the Office of the Registrar to certify their graduation.
Students who have registered for Intent to Graduate before the deadline (April 18, 2024) will have their names listed in the printed Commencement program. To add GRD000 Intent to Graduate to your CUNYfirst profile, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@lagcc.cuny.edu for assistance.
What happens after I apply for graduation?
Once you apply for graduation, the Registrar will evaluate your record, determine whether you have met your degree requirements and confirm that you have graduated. If you have not met all requirements, you will receive an email explaining how to resolve them. If you don’t meet these requirements by the end of the semester in which you applied for graduation, you need to re-apply for graduation and be re-evaluated the following semester.
Can I participate in this June’s Class of 2024 Commencement even if I won’t graduate until the Fall 2024 semester?
No; the 2024 commencement ceremony is for graduates of the 2023-2024 academic year which includes Fall 2023 graduates and Spring 2024 potential graduates (those who filed “Intent to Graduate”).
I applied for Intent to Graduate; can I participate in the 2024 ceremony?
Yes, if you applied for Intent to Graduate for Spring 2024 – Session I & II, then you are welcome to participate in the ceremony.
What do I need to do if I am graduating with honors?
Fall 2023 graduates: an asterisk (*) or a double asterisk (**) will appear next to your name in the commencement program booklet, indicating those that have graduated “with honors” or “with high honors.” In addition, honors designations will be noted on your diploma.
Spring 2024 graduates: after records have been evaluated by the Office of the Registrar honors designations will be noted on your diploma.
Can PTK members wear honor cords?
Yes; if you are a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, please visit ptk.org to view available options.
Ceremony
Will there be a 2024 Commencement ceremony?
Yes. We are hosting a commencement ceremony on Friday, June 21, 2024 to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2024.
How can I participate in the celebration?
Be sure to register for “Intent to Graduate” ahead of the April 18, 2024 deadline. Please note that a cap and gown are required to participate in the ceremony.
Will sign language interpreters be provided during the ceremony?
Yes, there will be live sign language interpreters throughout the ceremony.
Who should I contact if I or one of my guests as other accessibility needs?
To obtain additional accommodations, please contact Jhony Nelson.
Will my name be printed in the Commencement Program?
If you filed Intent to Graduate by the deadline (April 18, 2024), your name will be in the printed Commencement program.
How many tickets will graduates receive for Commencement?
Graduates will receive a total of four wristbands that serve as tickets for Commencement; one wristband for themselves, and three guest wristbands. All graduates and guests must have a wristband for entry to Queens College. Wristbands will be distributed in the M-Building Gym during cap and gown pick-up (June 3, 4 and 5 from 3–6 p.m.). Additional tickets may be requested at that time; Campus Life will notify students regarding the status of their request no later than June 14, 2024.
How will I receive my diploma?
LaGuardia and CUNY have partnered with Parchment to deliver both a digital and hard copy diploma in a safe and secure manner. You will receive an email and text message (if applicable) from Parchment with a link to view, download and share your digital diploma.
A hard copy of your diploma will also be mailed to the home address you have on file. Make sure we have your correct address and name:
- To verify your home address, go to the CUNYfirst Student Center click “Profile,” then “Addresses.” Check that your home address is listed correctly; if not, click on it and make updates.
- Your name is listed in your Profile in the CUNYfirst Student Center. Click on “Personal Details” to verify that your name is listed correctly. If you need to change your name, please complete the Personal Data Change Request form and submit it to the Registrar at registar@lagcc.cuny.edu. Note:
Graduates can expect an email update about their diplomas as soon as six weeks after Commencement.
For questions about diploma delivery, please contact Parchment at congratulations@parchment.com.
What can I expect to see on my diploma?
- The name of the College and CUNY
- Your name as it appears in CUNYfirst
- Your earned credential (e.g., Associate in Art, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, Certificate)
- The year of graduation
Graduation Attire and Portraits
Can I order a cap and gown?
Academic regalia is required to participate in the Commencement Exercises. Please visit the Herff Jones website to place your order. Orders may be placed for on-campus pick up in early June or can be shipped to your residence. The last day to place your order is April 24, 2023.
Can I order a class ring?
Rings are available through Herff Jones; please visit their website for details.
Can I purchase graduation portraits?
Portraits are available for purchase through Thornton Studios; they will be available in the M-Building Gym during cap and gown pick up (June 3, 4 and 5 from 3–6 p.m.).