Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! Whether you’re a graduating student or a guest, we are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion with you. This webpage is designed to keep you informed about important event details, schedules, and deadlines.
Graduating students, please be sure to review all listed deadlines carefully. We look forward to honoring your achievements with a series of special events, culminating in your graduation at the United Palace Theater.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
May 21, 2026 | 11:00 AM ET | The United Palace Theater
Join us for this time-honored tradition as we celebrate your accomplishments alongside your loved ones and our community. The ceremony is a ticketed event where we’ll gather to honor your completion of law school and welcome your next chapter.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
11:00 AM EST
The United Palace Theater
4140 Broadway New York, NY 10033
COMMENCEMENT WEEK ACTIVITIES
STUDENT AWARDS NIGHT
May 20, 2026 | 5 PM -7 PM | CUNY Law, The Beacon, Dave Fields Auditorium & Second Floor Blvd
We invite graduating students and their registered guests to join the CUNY Law community for an evening of celebration featuring remarks from student-nominated speakers, faculty, and staff in recognition of outstanding achievement.
PIPELINE TO JUSTICE GRADUATION CELEBRATION
A special invitation celebration honoring our Pipeline to Justice program graduates and their registered guests in recognition of their unique journey to this momentous milestone.
GRADUATION PORTRAIT NIGHT
May 4, 2026 | 5 PM -7 PM | CUNY Law, Dave Fields Auditorium
We invite graduating students to join us for wine, cheese & complimentary professional portrait photography. Get ready for your close-up, whether it’s in your cap and gown, professional attire, or however you feel your best!
GRADUATION PREPARATION
COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL
April 30, 2025 | 6 PM – 8 PM | CUNY Law, Dave Fields Auditorium
During this rehearsal, you and your classmates will go over key details and important information for Commencement to ensure you and your guests are fully prepared for the big day.
2026 Graduation Checklist
MARCH
- FRI MAR 20 – Submit your Commencement Survey to confirm your intention to participate
- SUN MAR 28 – Deadline to order your regalia (Required — no late orders accepted!)
APRIL
- MON APR 13 – Access your Graduation Application on CUNYFirst
- MON APR 27 – Pick up your regalia from Career Planning
- THUR APR 30 – Deadline to submit Graduation Application on CUNYFirst
- MON APR 6 – Get your allotted Commencement tickets
- WED APR 30 – Attend Commencement Rehearsal (6-7 PM, CUNY Law)
MAY
- TUES MAY 19 – Pick up your regalia if you haven’t already (Last day! No deliveries!)
- WED MAY 20 – Join us for Student Awards Night (5-7 PM CUNY Law)
- THURS MAY 21 – Graduate at the United Palace Theater! (11 AM)
How to Apply for June 2026 Graduation
Dear Graduating Students,
If you are eligible to graduate this June, you must apply for graduation via CUNYFirst. The application will open on Monday, April 13. The application will close on Thursday, April 30. Students will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office with relevant information and deadlines. You can also find additional graduation information on the Registrar’s website.
The degree conferral date for June 2026 graduates is June 5, 2026. Please note: “Graduation” and “degree conferral” refer to the official date your degree is awarded. “Commencement” is the annual ceremony held in late May to celebrate this achievement. Attendance at Commencement does not guarantee that your degree has been conferred.
Students may choose to have a preferred first and/or middle name printed on their diploma. Any changes to a last name, however, require submission of a Personal Data Change Request Form by April 30. We recognize that your diploma holds personal, professional, and symbolic significance, including its reflection of your identity.
We also understand that many professional and legal systems continue to rely on documentation that may not reflect an individual’s affirmed name. The guidance here is intended to help you navigate these requirements as you prepare to enter the legal profession.
Physical diplomas for June graduates will be available in late August or early September. Electronic diplomas will be available from early to mid-August.
Congratulations!
Information about Commencement
Regalia must be ordered by March 28, online at https://collegegrad.herffjones.com.
Your regalia is paid for by your materials fees. There is a gold tassel included with your regalia with the graduation date attached. This tassel will be used on graduation day and is yours to keep. Examples of souvenir tassels ($21.95) and a diploma frame ($169) are available for viewing in the Office of Student Affairs and available for you to purchase via the link above.
Regalia must be picked up between April 27 to May 19, 2026, at 12 PM from the Office of Career Planning. This is a hard deadline; CUNY Law staff is unable to deliver regalia on the day of Commencement.
The Commencement Ceremony is a ticketed event for the Class of 2026 and their invited guests.
Ticket Distribution
April 6 | United Palace Theater Online
Tickets will be available “for sale” starting on April 6. Students will receive an email with instructions for purchasing the tickets requested in their completed Commencement Survey. All tickets will be issued electronically once the purchase is complete.
How many tickets are graduates eligible for?
Graduates who completed the Commencement Survey to confirm their intent to walk at this year’s Commencement Ceremony are eligible to receive up to eight (8) tickets. These eight (8) tickets must be requested through the Commencement Survey. Additional tickets are not guaranteed. However, graduates may choose to request additional tickets by indicating their request via the Graduation Survey. Graduates are responsible for distributing digital tickets to their guests.
Guest hooders and all children aged two (2) and older require a ticket. Children under the age of two must sit on the lap of a ticketed guest.
The selling or buying of Commencement tickets is strictly prohibited.
Please be cautious of offers to sell or buy Commencement tickets. Tickets hold no official resale value. Unauthorized copies are deemed unusable. Holders of unauthorized tickets will be denied entry to the venue.
Trading or swapping tickets is not permitted.
Those who have requested guest hooders or to walk with children will receive further instructions.
How do I request my tickets?
Graduating students may request tickets to the Commencement Ceremony via the Commencement Survey no later than March 20. The survey will allow graduates to request up to 8 tickets and to enter a request for additional tickets, contingent on availability. The survey will be emailed by the Office of Student Affairs to all eligible graduates. Graduates who confirmed attendance will receive ticket purchase instructions via email on April 6.
What if I need extra tickets?
Additional tickets are not guaranteed and must be requested by completing the Commencement Survey no later than March 20.
Children of graduating students can participate in the Commencement Ceremony. If you would like to have your child or children process across the stage with you during the conferral of degrees, you must submit your request through the Commencement Survey.
Children aged two (2) and older require tickets; those confirmed for participation will receive a permission card that must be presented on the day of Commencement.
Submitting your request does not create any obligation for children to participate; if plans change at a later date, kindly email the Office of Student Affairs.
Each year, the graduating class selects two faculty members to serve as hooders.
Alternatively, graduates have the option to invite any faculty member or an attorney of their choice to serve as their personal hooders. Graduating students who choose to invite their own guest hooders must provide all requested information in the Commencement Survey. Further instructions and permission cards will be provided during the Commencement Rehearsal. Guest hooders will need both an allotted ticket and a permission card to enter the venue on the day of Commencement.
The United Palace makes every effort to preserve the venue’s historical authenticity and architectural integrity. Banners, posters, balloons, and other decorations are not permitted, nor is any object that could obstruct the view of guests or cause any damage to the venue.
Information for family and guests to follow.
Large videography equipment that may obstruct the view of guests is not permitted in the venue. Ticketed guests are invited to take photos and videos using personal recording devices. Guests will be directed to remain in their seats to avoid blocking processional aisles and obstructing the view of others.
Island Photography will provide portrait photos from our Commencement Ceremony. Every graduate will be photographed twice as they cross the stage, greet the Dean, and return to their seat. Island Photography will email complimentary color proofs to each graduate within 48 hours of the ceremony. These photos will be available for purchase. Information about how to register with Island Photography is listed below and will be emailed to graduating students by the Office of Student Affairs.
To receive complimentary proofs or place orders, register with Island Photography directly at https://appointments.islandphoto.com/
CUNY Law is not involved in the registration or distribution of Island Photography proofs nor photos.
A list of House Rules can be found on the venue’s website:
Commencement Ceremony attendees must adhere to the venue’s house rules as they appear on their website:
The United Palace Theater and its staff are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for guests. To foster that environment, the United Palace expects guests to:
- Refrain from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language and obscene gestures. Obscene or indecent messages on signs or clothing will not be permitted.
- Remain respectful of others around them. Any guest who interferes with the enjoyment of another individual during an event is subject to ejection. During performances we ask guests to remain seated. Depending on the demographics of certain events standing may be accepted but only in your ticketed seating area. Standing on seats or any other building structure is not permitted and will result in ejection from the event.
- Sparingly use cell phones and other electronic devices during events. Guests will be ejected if their use of a device causes a distraction.
- Comply with NYC regulations in adhering to a no smoking policy, including electronic cigarettes.
- Consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner. Intervention with impaired, intoxicated, or underage guests will be handled in a safe and prompt manner. Management reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to any guest.
- Sit only in their ticketed seats and show their tickets to United Palace staff when requested.
- Comply with United Palace staff regarding venue operations and emergency response procedures.
- Be comfortable reporting any inappropriate behavior to the nearest usher or security guard.
Guests who choose not to adhere to the above provisions will be ejected without refund, and may also be in violation of local ordinances resulting in possible arrest and prosecution with denial of entry for any future event.
Government Issued IDs
All faculty, speakers and staff must present their government photo IDs to enter the venue through the backstage door. CUNY Law IDs will not suffice. Students MUST BE dressed in their cap and gown to enter through the front and will be directed to a holding area.
Security
Per venue policy, screening is a condition of entry to ensure the safety of all in attendance. Please be advised that there is no re-entry to the building.
Large bags, Personal Items, Decorations
Large bags, personal items, and decorations are not permitted under the venue’s policies, nor is any object that could obstruct the view of guests or cause damage to the venue. Items that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your
seat (bags no larger than 14″ x 14″ x 8″).
The following appear on the United Palace’s list of prohibited items
- Outside food or beverages and gum (disposable individual water bottles are permitted)
- Balloons and anything that would block a view of the stage
- Weapons, firearms, pepper spray, knives, blades
- Camera equipment, recording devices tripods, selfie sticks
- Large bags
Information about which entrances students will use upon arrival is forthcoming.
Directions
NYC Subway
Metro-North Railroad
Car