There are a few important things to understand when it comes to applying for graduation and participating in a commencement ceremony. These two steps are connected but not the same. Let’s break it down:
Applying for Graduation
Graduation is the process of officially earning your degree or certificate. This doesn’t happen automatically: you must submit a graduation request by the deadline.
- Once you apply, the Registrar’s Office will review (audit) your academic record to make sure you’ve completed all your degree requirements.
- If everything checks out, your degree will be conferred (awarded) and listed on your official transcript.
Commencement
Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates your hard work and success!
- At Hostos Community College, two commencement ceremonies are held each year at the end of the spring term.
- To participate, you need to have applied for graduation and be on track to complete your degree requirements by the deadline.
Quick Recap:
- Applying for Graduation = Making it official and earning your degree.
- Commencement = The big celebration where your achievement is recognized!
NOTE: Even if you don’t plan to attend the ceremony, you must apply for graduation to receive your degree!
Here are some frequently asked questions about graduation and commencement, plus a few other helpful categories to help you navigate your entire academic life at Hostos!
Graduation & Diploma
When am I eligible to graduate?
Graduation occurs at the end of each term. Degrees are conferred in January, February, June, and September.
What does conferral date or conferred mean?
The conferral date is when your degree is officially awarded and appears on your transcript.
Why do I need to apply for graduation?
Graduation is not automatic. Applying triggers an audit to confirm your eligibility.
When should I apply for graduation?
○ At the beginning of the semester you plan to graduate. Deadlines are posted on the Registrar’s website and Academic Calendar.
How can I apply for graduation?
- Apply through CUNYfirst:
- Login > Campus Solutions > Self Service > Degree Progress/Graduation > Apply for Graduation.
- From the “Expected Graduation Term” dropdown menu, select the term you intend to complete your requirements (i.e., 2023 Spring Term). Select Continue to verify data, and then click “Submit Application.” You will receive a message that you have successfully applied for graduation.
If I can't come in person, is there another way to apply?
Yes, download the Graduation Request Form, complete it, and email it to graduationaudit@hostos.cuny.edu.
If I missed the graduation application deadline, can I still apply?
Yes, but your name may not appear in the commencement program.
I was asked to fill out a readmission application, why?
You need an active term to process your graduation request. Contact the Office of Admissions.
What happens if I applied for graduation but withdrew or failed a required course?
Your graduation request will be canceled, and you must reapply for a future term.
How do I submit a cancellation request?
Email graduationaudit@hostos.cuny.edu with your name, EMPLID, reason for cancellation, and prospective graduation date.
How do I check my graduation audit status?
Email graduationaudit@hostos.cuny.edu
How am I notified about my graduation status?
You’ll receive an email from graduationaudit@hostos.cuny.edu sent to your Hostos email.
When can I expect to hear from the degree auditor?
A preliminary review happens when you apply. Final audits occur after grades are submitted, with notification toward the end of the term.
What happens at the end of the term?
A final audit confirms if degree requirements are met. You’ll receive a letter and can check your transcript via CUNYfirst.
Why am I receiving a letter about a missing high school diploma or transcript?
The Registrar verifies all required documents for graduation. Contact Admissions or the Registrar for details.
How do I know when my degree is ready?
You will receive a letter from the Registrar with pick-up instructions. Ensure your contact info is current in CUNYfirst.
What name appears on my diploma and commencement program?
The name listed in your CUNYfirst account. To update your legal name, submit a Change of Name form before conferral.
How can I order a duplicate diploma?
Contact diplomas@hostos.cuny.edu. The cost is $30 per duplicate diploma.
How do I change my name on my diploma?
Name changes must be completed before your degree is conferred. Records are sealed afterward.
Can I get a letter verifying that I graduated?
Yes. Once your degree is posted, request a verification letter from certificationletters@hostos.cuny.edu.
I graduated but didn’t pick up my diploma. How can I get it?
Request mailing with a notarized letter including your details, plus a pre-paid, trackable envelope. Contact diplomas@hostos.cuny.edu for specifics.
Commencement
What is a commencement ceremony?
A formal celebration held at the end of spring for graduates who met degree requirements. You must wear academic regalia to symbolize your achievement. .
Who is invited to the commencement ceremony?
September, January, February graduates, and June candidates.
How do I obtain my academic regalia (cap and gown), and tickets?
The distribution dates will be:
- May 14, 12 - 4 PM (Gym)
- May 19, 2 - 6:30 PM (C-130)
- May 20, 11 AM - 2 PM (C-130)
- May 22, 2 - 4 PM (C-130)
*All dates TBC
Caps and gowns for the Class of 2025 are free of cost.
Stay up to date with all the information about commencement, caps and gowns, and tickets by emailing hostosgraduation@gmail.com.
How many tickets am I entitled to receive?
Two. Please bring a photo ID (Hostos ID, driver’s license, state ID, or passport) to confirm your identity when picking up your tickets.
I have a child. Can I bring them to my seating area?
Children under 2 years, can sit on the graduate’s lap or a guest’s/family member’s lap. Children over 2 will need their own seat. If there is no extra ticket for your child, you can go on the waiting list (https://tinyurl.com/HCCwaitlist2025), or have your child go to the overflow zone in the Cafeteria with other family members.
Is it okay to bring a bag to my seating area?
We cannot guarantee the safety of personal items and recommend you do not bring any large bags or suitcases to commencement. If you must bring some belongings with you, please keep them in a small bag that you can wear under your regalia.
What happens if my family members are unable to go into the Main Theater because of limited seating?
There will be an overflow zone in the Cafeteria on the third floor of the C building. Families can enjoy refreshments and watch a live stream of the ceremony.
How do I get more commencement information?
Visit the Commencement Information page or contact hostosgraduation@gmail.com.
Where is registration on commencement day?
At the Gym (C-building, third floor). You must arrive on time to receive your name card and participate in the procession. It is also an opportunity to take photos with your classmates at selfie and 360 photo stations. You will get your expected arrival time via email.
How can I ensure my name is pronounced correctly at commencement?
Fill out the phonetic spelling on your name card at registration. Use The Name Generator for help.
What if I need reasonable accommodation?
Please contact María Ortiz, Interim Director of the Academic Resource Center, at mortiz@hostos.cuny.edu to inform her about your needs as soon as possible.
Contact & General Information
How can I contact someone at the Registrar’s Office?
The best way is via email. Allow 1-2 business days for a response:
How can I check my name on CUNYfirst and get my EMPLID?
Your EMPLID is your 8-digit CUNYfirst ID number, found on the back of your Hostos ID or in your CUNYfirst Student Center.
What is the national ID number?
This refers to the last four digits of your Social Security number.
How can I update my addresses?
Update your home, mailing, and billing addresses through the CUNYfirst Student Center. For permanent address changes, submit the Change of Address form to studentrecords@hostos.cuny.edu.
Degree Requirements & Academic Records
What is an associate degree?
A 2-year undergraduate degree earned after completing coursework between high school/GED and a bachelor's degree.
What type of degrees are offered at Hostos Community College?
Visit the Pathways Degree Programs of Study website.
What is an academic plan and/or sub-plan?
- Academic Plan = Major/Degree Program
- Sub-plan = Concentration within the major
What information can I find on my transcript?
Your name, academic plan/sub-plan, address, courses taken, degrees awarded, grades, GPA, total credits earned, and transfer credits.
How can I check my degree requirements?
Refer to the College Catalog, Degree Maps, and DegreeWorks via CUNYfirst.
Are there additional resources to check my degree requirements?
Yes, meet with your department coordinator, chairperson, or assigned academic advisor.
I have questions about the writing intensive requirements.
Contact the English Department or visit the Writing Intensive page.
How do I find the Academic Calendar?
Visit the Academic Calendar page.
Post-Graduation Resources
I want to take additional courses after graduating. What should I do?
Contact the Office of Admissions about applying as a second-degree or non-degree student.
How can I get an Alumni Card?
Alumni IDs are issued by the Office of Alumni Relations. Click here to request your Alumni Card.