Commencement Ceremony Conduct

CUNY Lehman College commencement ceremonies are formal and dignified events. Maintaining decorum and respecting the customs enhance the experience for graduates and their guests. Those who choose to participate must respect the rights of others, including Lehman staff, fellow participants, and invited guests. Students should respect their peers, faculty members, administrators, and guests who have come to witness and participate in the conferring of degrees. 

Violations of commencement conduct guidelines may result in a disciplinary referral to the Office of the Dean of Students, potentially delaying the posting of the degree until the matter is satisfactorily resolved. You continue to be a CUNY Lehman College student until your degree is conferred; for more information on the Code of Conduct, please visit the Site.  Additionally, we want students to pay particular attention to two regulations as we work to make commencement an enjoyable event for everyone.

1. A member of the academic community shall not intentionally obstruct and/or forcibly prevent others from the exercise of their rights. Nor shall he interfere with the institution’s educational processes or facilities, or the rights of those who wish to avail themselves of any of the institution’s instructional, personal, administrative, recreational, and community services.
2. Disorderly or indecent conduct on University/college-owned or controlled property is prohibited.

Please note that we request all students to follow certain ceremony etiquette guidelines.

• Graduates are expected to return to their seats after crossing the stage and remain seated until all students have crossed the stage and the stage party has exited
• Graduates who display signs of being under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol will be removed from the processional and will not participate in the ceremony.
• When it is time for graduates to cross the stage, a staff marshal will signal each row to stand and come forward. Graduates will stand for approximately 15 minutes prior to walking across the stage and returning to their chair.
• After crossing the stage, graduates must return to their chair and remain seated throughout the ceremony. Circumstances permitting, the platform party, faculty, and graduates will participate in a recessional.
• Silly string, beach balls, air horns, and other related items distract from the dignity of the ceremony and are not permitted at the ceremony.