Information & Instructions

2024 Commencement

Date & Time

Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 7:00pm.

  • Candidates will assemble at 6:00pm.
  • There is no rehearsal.
  • The ceremony will conclude at approximately 9:30pm.

Location

The Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.
One War Memorial Square and Exchange Streets – Rochester, NY

Parking

  • Civic Center Parking Garage – 55 South Fitzhugh Street
  • South Avenue Parking Garage – 39 Stone Street
    *Parking fees may apply

Ceremony

  • The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00pm and conclude at approximately 9:30pm. You will process into and be seated by your school of study in the arena.
  • Tickets are not required. Guests attending will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. At the conclusion of the ceremony, all graduates, faculty and stage guests will participate in the recessional back to the marshaling area.
  • As a courtesy to all graduates, participants are expected to remain until the conclusion of the ceremony.
  • General graduation announcements will be available for purchase at the MCC bookstores beginning in May.

Assembly

  • Candidates will enter the Blue Cross Arena at Exchange Street or One Memorial Square entrances with cap and gown at 6:00pm. Both entrances are handicap accessible. You will check in by your last name.  Marshals will be there to direct you.
  • For information regarding special processional or interpreting needs, please email Student Services (studentservices@monroecc.edu). Prior notice must be given for special accommodations.
  • Only graduates/candidates are allowed in the lineup and seating areas on the floor of the Arena. We regret that children and other family members may not cross the stage with candidates.
  • Do not bring valuables with you to be left in the marshaling or seating areas.
  • Do not bring alcoholic beverages.
  • Helium balloons are not allowed at the Blue Cross Arena.

Caps & Gowns

  • You must have a cap and gown to participate in the ceremony.  Caps and gowns will not be available at the Blue Cross Arena.
  • You must pick them up in advance from the MCC Bookstores (Brighton or Downtown Campus) beginning May 1st throughout the day of May 30th.

    • Brighton Bookstore Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm; Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm
    • Downtown Bookstore Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30am to 2:30pm; Friday 8:30am to 1:00pm

  • There is no charge for your cap and gown; they are yours to keep.  All sizes will be available.  Pre-ordering is not necessary. 

Diplomas

Diplomas will not be handed out at Commencement.  You will receive your diploma a few weeks after your degree conferral date. Both an electronic (emailed) and physical (mailed) diploma will be sent to you.  General congratulatory certificates will be presented to graduates at the ceremony.

Honor Cords

  • The GPA required for certification “With Distinction” is 3.5 or higher.
  • An honor cord in recognition of “Distinction” is given at the ceremony to:

    • Graduates from August and December 2023 who have graduated “With Distinction”
    • Candidates for May 2024 and August 2024 who entered the spring semester with a cumulative GPA of 3.449 or higher

Phi Theta Kappa

Members of Phi Theta Kappa who wish to wear honors regalia must make their purchase in advance through Phi Theta Kappa.  Honors regalia will not be available the day of Commencement.

#MCC2024