Commencement
You did it! Now let’s celebrate you, your academic achievements, and the difference you’ll make in your community as you embark in a new career.
Graduation vs. Commencement
Upon completion of all program requirements, students are eligible for graduation from Plaza College. Students may graduate at the end of the last semester of their program, but there is only one Commencement Ceremony per year.
The 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Tilles Center at LIU Post on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 9am. If you finished or will be finishing your program during the Fall 2024, Winter 2025, or Spring 2025 semester, you are eligible to petition to participate in this year’s commencement exercises.
First, fill out the Petition to Graduate. This will not only prompt the review of your academic progress to ensure you have met all graduation requirements, it will inform the Student Services Department that you would like to participate in the ceremony. Once you’ve completed the petition, keep an eye out for email updates on picking up your cap and gown, information on the ceremony, and auditioning to be the student speaker.
It’s – in one word – amazing! Each student is granted a number of tickets for friends and family members to attend this unforgettable celebration in honor of you and your academic achievements. The ceremony includes the national anthem, a welcome address, keynote speeches, and of course, the announcement of each graduate’s name as they walk across the stage. The ceremony lasts approximately 90-120 minutes.
Yes! All academic regalia is offered through the Student Engagement Department and will be available for purchase during cap and gown pickup or by appointment. Graduation rings and memorabilia are available for purchase through Jostens, and a representative will be on campus for ordering. Please contact studentlife@plazacollege.edu with any questions.
After you submit your petition to graduate, a review of your transcript will be conducted to ensure that you have met all program requirements. Once this review is complete, your diploma will be ordered and ready for pickup or mailing in a few weeks.
Petition to Graduate
The Petition to Graduate is your official request to graduate from your program, initiating a review of the completion of program requirements and approval of the conferral of your degree. All students, whether attending the graduation ceremony or not, must fill out the petition in order to officially graduate and receive a diploma.
- You should fill out this petition if you have finished or will be finishing your program in the Fall 2023, Winter 2024, or Spring 2024 semester.
- To access the petition, please visit your myPortal then click on “MyConnections” under the Campus Links tab.
- Please note that submission of the petition does not guarantee eligibility to graduate. Petitions submitted for students who have not completed all program requirements, fail requirements for which they are currently enrolled, or fail to register for or complete the Spring semester will be denied.
