2023 Commencement FAQs

Iona University will celebrate the Class of 2023 with one Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 10 a.m. for both undergraduate and graduate classes.

Commencement will take place on Mazzella Field on Iona’s New Rochelle campus. In the event of inclement weather, Commencement will be moved to the Hynes Athletics Center adjacent to the field.

All graduates must begin check in 60 minutes before the start of the ceremony (9 a.m.).

All graduates are required to wear appropriate academic regalia. This includes a cap, tassel, hood and gown. Caps may be decorated appropriately. Event staff will ask for removal if attire is distracting or deemed inappropriate. Flat comfortable shoes are encouraged. Please keep in mind that there are a number of steps in the procession route.

Tickets are for General Admission. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. All attendees must follow the directives of event staff and Campus Safety personnel.

Yes. Guests in need of accommodations are asked to complete the form below so that we are best able to meet their needs. Students requiring accommodations are asked to visit the Accessibility Services Office webpage for instructions.

Guest Accommodations Form

We anticipate that the ceremony will last until approximately 12:30 p.m.

Yes, graduates will assemble, process, sit, and cross the stage by degree type (i.e. BA, BS, BBA, MA, MS, MBA).

Congratulations! If you have been selected to receive an academic award from your department or school, please inform one of the staff members when you arrive. The Commencement staff will attempt to line you up in order so that this part of the ceremony can flow smoothly.

The event will be livestreamed with the ability to be viewed from personal devices, as well as shown on large screens for the graduates and guests in attendance on the field.

Yes. All graduates and guests are required to bring valid photo identification.

Yes. It is essential that graduates bring the yellow Degree Candidate Card they received at the Commencement Fair. You will use this to check in on May 19.

Yes. Please ensure that your guests have their tickets. See the Ticket Information section below for more details.

There is no place to secure personal belongings. All graduates and guests should only bring what is absolutely necessary. All bags are subject to search and individuals and vehicles arriving on campus may be screened.

Yes. Please bring the parking pass that you received at the Commencement Fair. See the “Travel and Parking Information” section below for more details.

Tickets will be distributed at the Commencement Fair on Tuesday, April 18.

Each eligible graduate will receive 5 tickets for the outdoor ceremony and 2 tickets for the indoor ceremony in the event of extreme weather. The graduate does not need a ticket, these are for guests only.

Yes, eligible graduates can request more tickets at the Commencement Fair.

Graduates are responsible for their guest tickets and lost tickets will NOT be replaced. These tickets are general admission only.

Guests under 2 years of age do not require tickets.

Unless you are parking in an overflow lot, all cars must enter through the North Avenue main entrance. Please exit through the Montgomery Gates.

Yes. All cars coming to campus should park in the parking garage or an overflow lot as directed by Campus Safety and event staff on site.

Yes. All graduates received a parking pass at the Commencement Fair. Vehicles entering campus must have a Commencement Parking Pass clearly displayed in their windshield. Please be respectful and follow the directions of Campus Safety officers and the New Rochelle Police Department on the day of the ceremony.

There will be overflow lots on Mayflower Avenue. Please note that parking passes are required.

Cars with a Commencement Parking Pass and DMV handicap plates/hangtag will be able to park in one of the ADA lots (Montgomery Lot) designated for the ceremony.

Yes. The Gael Express Shuttle will be operating on Friday, May 19. Please check the Gael Express website for the Commencement weekday shuttle schedule.

Yes. Graduates will each be photographed by a professional photographer while crossing the stage, and then when they have left the stage. The photography company, Island Life, will contact graduates with optional proofs and photo packages for purchase. Guests must remain in their seats at all times and may not move from their seats during the ceremony unless it is an emergency.

We ask that all guests remain in their seats at all times and not to move from their seats during the ceremony unless it is an emergency. There will be ample time following the ceremony for guests to take pictures of their graduate.

No. Flying drones on campus is strictly prohibited.

• Attend the Commencement Fair on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

• Read all materials, including emails and the Commencement website FAQ.

• Distribute the tickets to your guests. Your guests will need to show the following:

  • An authorized ticket for the ceremony

  • Photo ID

• Graduates, you will need to show the following at your ceremony:

  • Yellow name card for entrance to the ceremony

  • Photo ID

  • Academic Regalia

  • Commencement Ceremony Parking Pass

• Enjoy!

Graduates will be able to use restroom facilities in the Hynes Athletics Center. Guests will be able to use restrooms located on each floor of the LaPenta Student Union and Spellman Hall. All gender restrooms are located on both the Ground Floor, and first level of Spellman Hall.

• Proper decorum and conduct are expected at all times from graduates and their guests. Inappropriate behavior may result in removal from campus, disciplinary action, or arrest where warranted.

• Anyone believed to be intoxicated will not be eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

• There are to be no noise makers, inflatable devices, cell phones turned on or other distractions to the ceremony. This should be a safe and special occasion. Be respectful.