Event Information for Graduation Participants

Commencement ceremonies for each academic year are be coordinated by the Dean of Enrollment and Student Services, the Registrar and the Office of Institutional Advancement for April and August. All friends and family are welcome with no limit on seating.

Listed below are some of the common questions and answers about the Mercy College graduation ceremonies.

Can all certificate or degree candidates attend?

Yes! We do ask that graduates with physical disabilities who plan to participate in the ceremony contact the Dean to make necessary arrangements.

What should I wear? When do I pick up my cap and gown?

All bachelor degree graduates are required to wear a black gown and black cap with appropriate color tassel. All certificate and associate degree graduates are required to wear a gray gown and gray cap with appropriate color tassel. Apparel can be picked up at the Receptionist’s desk in the Sullivan Center Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (at arrival) once students are notified via campus monitors that robes have arrived.

At the ceremony: Professional Dress is required – no shorts or strapless dresses, please. Flowers are not worn on gowns or carried in hand. Caps or gowns decorated with inappropriate messages will not be permitted. We also caution graduates regarding their choice of footwear, as the stairs and flooring may be difficult to navigate. Wearing high heeled footwear is not advised.

Caps are to be worn with the mortar board horizontal and the tassel on the right. They should be worn during the Processional, while degrees are being conferred and during the Recessional. They may be removed at other times.

Can I get a photo from my ceremony?

There will be an area marked off for family members to take your photo when your receiving your diploma cover. 

What information will my guests need? Do they need tickets?

The ceremony is open to the public. Doors open one hour before the starting time. Seats are not reserved and tickets are not required.

No backpacks or large bags are allowed. Officials reserve the right to inspect all purses.

If you expect a guest with physical disabilities and would like to arrange for reserved parking and/or special seating, please call the Dean four weeks prior to the event.

How can I order announcements?

Personalized announcements can be ordered from CB Announcements using their company website at right  Personalized announcements include the the Mercy College of Health Sciences’ seal, your name, degree, major, time, date, and event location.

What happens throughout the course of the day?

• Pinning Ceremony - Students and Guests
• Dress Rehearsal - Students only - Required
  
• Baccalaureate Prayer Service - Students and Guests
• Commencement Ceremony - Students and Guests

Who attends the Pinning Ceremony?

Everyone is welcome to participate. Pins are purchased through the Nursing Division who plans and conducts the Pinning Ceremony; however, nursing as well as allied health graduates are welcome to participate.

What time should I arrive at rehearsal?

If you are not participating in the Pinning Ceremony, please arrive by 9:50 AM and sit quietly at the back of the hall until Rehearsal begins. Dress Rehearsal is required of all students.

What takes place during the Baccalaureate Prayer Service?

This ecumenical prayer service is a time to reflect on the role that God will play in your health care career.  It is our hope that you see yourself as a minister to people often in times of great challenge and fear, and through the knowledge and understanding you have gained will be able to provide words and actions can bring healing and comfort.  

To help stress the importance of touch in the healing process and to instill a sense of commitment to your new role as a healthcare worker, the Baccalaureate Ceremony concludes with a blessing of the palms of your hands – to consecrate them in service to the Lord.

If I don’t attend the Baccalaureate Service can I attend the Commencement Ceremony?

Yes.

What is expected of graduates who attend?

Commencement is the culminating event of College study for students who choose to attend. So that you, your family and other guests may enjoy this important gathering, an appropriate and dignified academic atmosphere is absolutely expected.

The following rules of behavior will be enforced at all ceremonies:

• Inappropriate dress and costumes worn under gowns will not be allowed.
• Cell phones in the graduate seating area must be turned off.
• No flowers, purses, gifts, balloons, or bags will be allowed in the student seating area.

With everyone's cooperation, this occasion will become a proud and happy memory of your academic achievement at Mercy College of Health Sciences.

What if I choose not to attend my ceremony? How do I get a cover for my diploma?

You need to let us know that you will not attend your ceremony. If you are moving, you should change your address with the Registrar’s office before leaving campus.

When will I receive my diploma? How do I make an address change?

Diplomas will be mailed to successful candidates upon completion of ALL course and degree requirements – including all financial obligations. Diplomas will be mailed to the students' most recent residing address reported to the College. Be sure to update your address with the Registrar's Office before graduation! The final academic or credentialing document will not be released if you have financial indebtedness to the College.