University Commencement Ceremony

Assembly of Candidates

All graduates must be at the appropriate lineup site (see map) no later than 9:30 a.m. with their caps and gowns. Signs will be posted that day to assist you.

The Victory Bell sounds at 9:55 a.m., and the academic procession begins immediately thereafter. At that point, please proceed under your faculty marshal’s direction. As the oldest of Fordham’s schools, Fordham College at Rose Hill leads the procession.

Order of the Academic Procession

  • The Grand Marshal
  • Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH)
  • Gabelli School of Business, bachelor’s
  • Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS)
  • Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC)
  • Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, master’s
  • Graduate School of Education, master’s
  • Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, master’s
  • Gabelli School of Business, master’s
  • School of Law
  • Graduate School of Social Service, Ph.D.
  • Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, D.M. and Ph.D.
  • Gabelli School of Business, Ph.D. and D.P.S.
  • Graduate School of Education, Ed.D. and Ph.D.
  • Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Ph.D.
  • The Alumni
  • The Faculty Senate
  • The Faculty
  • The Administrators
  • The Platform Party

When you reach Edwards Parade, please be seated while the procession continues.

Remain seated until honored guests and University officials reach Keating Terrace.

The University Commencement Ceremony

After everyone has processed in, please rise for the invocation and remain standing throughout the presentation of the colors and playing of the national anthem.

Honorary degrees are then awarded to several candidates. One of the honorary degree candidates will then address the degree candidates and their guests. Next, the dean of each school in the University presents to the president a scroll containing the listing of names of candidates for degrees. Father McShane then asks all candidates for degrees and all faculty members to stand. After the conferral of degrees, all graduates are to put their hoods over their heads, don their caps, and be seated. One student representative from each school will be hooded by the dean and receive a diploma. The doctoral candidates are then individually recognized by the president.

Father McShane then congratulates all of the graduates. Following a benediction and the singing of the Alma Mater, all students, except FCRH graduates, leave Edwards Parade following their faculty marshals to their diploma ceremony location.