It is hard to believe that we are on the cusp of another Commencement ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of our amazing graduates! In just a few short days, we will see 2,247 students enter the ranks of our alumni, marking the culmination of their studies as they receive their Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. It is a time to acknowledge all their hard work, resilience, perseverance, and, especially, accomplishments.
As we have seen, individuals often use celebrations such as Commencement to express views and opinions unrelated to the moment. The College has taken many steps to minimize disruptions to our ceremony while also recognizing—and protecting—the rights of free speech and freedom of expression, including establishing a designated area for protest activity. We have also worked closely with CUNY Central and NYPD to develop a plan that prioritizes personal and physical safety. To that effect, we have communicated the following measures that will be strictly enforced:
- Noisemakers/amplification devices, including, but not limited to, drums, air horns, and alarms, are prohibited..
- Signs, banners, flags, and balloons are prohibited.
- Bags larger than a small clutch purse are prohibited.
- Individuals wishing to engage in protest will be directed to an approved location for such activity.
- Individuals who refuse to comply with orders of Public Safety are subject to removal from the facility. Members of the academic community who refuse to comply with the orders of Public Safety are subject to discipline as laid out in the Henderson Rules. All candidates for graduation remain students of the College of Staten Island until their degree is officially conferred.
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These guidelines and additional details can be found on the Commencement Website.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
By Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D.
