Top Ten Tips
Prepare for your big day by reviewing our Top Ten Tips for Commencement Day below.
- Graduates Arrive at 1:00 PM at Barclays Center
All graduates who plan to participate in the Commencement Ceremony should arrive at the Barclays Center Dean Street Entrance at 1:00pm with their student ID and cap and gown in hand. (view map) - Student ID Card and Official Hunter College Regalia Required for Entry
All graduates must scan their Hunter College Student ID card to enter Barclays Center and carry their official Hunter College regalia in hand. Should you need a replacement Hunter College Student ID, please visit the Hunter College OneCard Office in the West Building Room 203 from 9 am–4:30 pm. - Cap and Gown Must Be Off for Entry
All caps and gowns must be off to enter the Barclays Center. Students who arrive in cap and gown will be asked to remove these items prior to advancing through the security check and entering Barclays Center. Upon entry, graduates will be directed to the Robing Area for assistance with caps and gowns. - No Signs, Flags, and/or Banners and Other Prohibited Items
All attendees, including graduates, will not be permitted to enter Barclays Center with any signs, flags, and/or banners.For safety, security, and visibility, students and guests will not be admitted with weapons of any kind; bags larger than 14”x14”x6” or that are hard-sided; illegal drugs/substances; alcohol; signs, posters, or garments with offensive language, phrasing, or symbols; balloons, beach balls, and other inflatables; unapproved pamphlets, handouts, etc.; or noisemakers, air horns, bells, bull horns, whistles, etc. It is imperative that you review the complete list of prohibited items prior to the ceremony to avoid having personal items confiscated. View full list here. - Security Check and No Re-entry
All attendees, including graduating students, must go through a security check prior to entering Barclays Center. All exits are final as Barclays Center has a strict no re-entry policy. - Barclays Center Policies and Rules
Barclays Center management is dedicated to providing an exciting and memorable guest experience while ensuring the safety and security of all guests. Please review the policies/rules for attending any Barclays Center event. These policies apply to everyone entering Barclays including guests and graduates. - Be Respectful
Commencement is both a joyous and solemn event. Although graduates do not walk across the stage, please express your excitement in ways that will not prevent others from hearing the speaker and enjoying the ceremony. All provisions of the Henderson Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order and Article XV of the CUNY Bylaws apply to Commencement ceremonies. - Official Hunter College Academic Regalia is Required
Official Hunter College academic regalia must be worn during the Commencement Ceremony. The cut and color of robes are determined by the specific degree received and may not be altered or modified in any way to reflect personal taste, style, or interests. Graduates may decorate mortarboards (top of graduation caps). - Policy on Children
Children are not permitted to sit in the student seating area and/or walk across the stage; therefore, children will not be permitted through the designated student entrance. Please arrange seating accommodations for children in advance. Children under two (2) years of age do not require a ticket and must be seated on a guest’s lap throughout the ceremony. - ADA Assistance and Seating for Guests
The Barclays Center provides accessible seating for guests. However, accessible seating is available only within specific sections, slightly separated from the other seating areas. To sit near friends and family seated in the accessible sections, it is suggested that guests arrive early. Upon arrival, guests in need of accessible seating should ask any member of the Barclays Center Guest Services team for assistance.