Commencement Day Information
The Commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. Therefore, you must arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. to complete the check-in process and line up for procession.
- 8 a.m. — Check-in begins, and the Commencement ceremony location opens. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
- A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided in Johnson Dining Hall, located in the Iosue Student Union.
Check-In for Graduation - 8 a.m.
As soon as you arrive on campus, please report directly to your designated check-in location:
- Campbell Hall Lobby
- Bachelor's degree students with last names beginning with A-H
- Doctoral degree students (all)
- Master's degree students (all)
- Associate degree students (all)
- Life Sciences Building Lobby
- Bachelor's degree students with last names beginning with I-Z
When you check in, you will receive the following items:
- Name Card — This card contains the correct pronunciation of your name and your contact information. If your card is incomplete, you will be asked to write in the missing information. Hold on to this card! It will be used as you cross the stage to ensure your name is pronounced correctly during your spotlight moment. Later, GradImages will use the card to match your photos to your name. They will reach out to you within a few weeks with online proofs of your photos. (Note: If you are concerned that your name may be mispronounced even with the phonetic spelling on your card, you may ask to whisper your name to the Provost before she announces you to the audience.)
- YCP Alumni Lapel Pin — Attach this pin to the left lapel of your regalia. It signifies that you have joined the distinguished York College alumni community as a Spartan for life!
- Commencement Program — You will receive one printed Commencement program to carry into the ceremony. Your guests will each receive their programs as they enter the tent or any of the live stream viewing locations on campus.
Line Up for the Procession — 9:30 a.m. (Campbell Hall)
After you have checked in, you may take photos on campus, spend time with your family, or visit with friends until 9:30 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. sharp, line-up begins on the main floor of Campbell Hall, in the classroom hallway just behind the lobby.
Graduates will line up in this order:
- Doctoral degree students
- Master's degree students
- Associate degree students
- Bachelor's degree students
As long as you remain in your degree group, you may line up and process with your friends, even if you are not in the same major program. (For example, Bachelor of Science grads and Bachelor of Arts grads may line up and sit together for the ceremony.)
Please pay careful attention when joining the procession line. The line will begin at the door leading out to the breezeway between Campbell Hall and Wolf Hall, and it will stretch up the ramp connecting Campbell Hall and the Life Sciences Building — No one should be on the 100 level of Campbell Hall. You should be able to see staff members walking along the line, checking for everyone's name cards. If you do not see any staff members, return to the Campbell Hall lobby for line-up instructions.
The line will begin moving at 10 a.m., and the official procession into the ceremony tent will begin at 10:15 a.m.
Final Reminders for Graduation Day
- Arrive at check-in wearing your regalia. Staff will be available to provide assistance.
- Leave all personal items, including bags, with your guests. Do not carry them into the ceremony.
- Arrive well-rested and prepared to participate. You want to be relaxed, alert, and ready for your big day!
- The live stream of the ceremony can be accessed by anyone, on any device, via ycp.edu/commencement beginning at 10 a.m. EST.