History

University Commencement is a centuries-old academic tradition in North America, dating back to at least the mid-17th century. The City College of New York, originally known as The Free Academy, held its first Commencement in 1853 with a graduating class of seventeen students. As the College enters its 179th year of academic achievement, Commencement continues to honor this legacy while celebrating the accomplishments of today’s degree candidates.

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Commencement represents the ceremonial culmination of years of academic dedication by students from diverse cultures, countries, and lived experiences. The College proudly recognizes degree candidates from all schools and divisions and welcomes them into the distinguished community of CCNY alumni who have made meaningful contributions locally, nationally, and globally.

The sequence of degree conferrals during Commencement Exercises follows established academic protocol and reflects historical precedence, institutional structure, and the distribution of undergraduate, graduate, and terminal degree programs. Undergraduate schools traditionally lead the procession, followed by graduate schools, with those conferring terminal degrees proceeding last.

While individual schools, divisions, and affinity groups may host celebratory ceremonies during Commencement Week, the President of The City College of New York is the sole authority empowered to confer degrees on behalf of the institution. During the College-wide Commencement Exercises, each dean formally presents their school’s degree candidates to the President for conferral. Following the symbolic conferral of all degrees, the College community collectively recognizes this milestone before the formal recessional of the Platform Party, degree candidates, and guests.

Moments from Past Commencements

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