Senior Programs
The Office of Student Leadership and Engagement offer several events for seniors to take advantage of during the year. Follow @Hofstraosle on Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming programs and information!
Senior Class Toast (May 2026 and December 2025 graduates)
The Senior Class Toast is a chance to gather your family and raise a glass to the Class of 2026. Save the date the Senior Class Toast will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 5:30-7:00pm. Check back for further details.
Graduation Celebrations
Check back for further information
Each year in May, Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion, Residential Life, and First-Generation Support and Engagement host cording celebrations for our graduating class.
Friends and family of our graduates are welcome to attend these celebrations and join us in recognizing our students.
Umoja Scholars LLC Celebration - Our Umoja Scholars LLC Celebration is a time to celebrate the accolades and achievements of our graduating students.
Lavender Graduates Celebration - Our Lavender Celebration was created to highlight the LGBTQIA+ community at Hofstra University. All graduating students are welcome.
First-Generation Graduates Celebration - Our First-Generation Graduation Celebration is a time to celebrate graduating first-generation students and their achievements. These programs recognize and celebrate the achievement of the members of each community, and all students are welcome to be a part of these celebrations.
Graduates of Color Celebration - Our Graduates of Color Celebration was created to highlight the achievements of our graduating students. All graduating students are welcome.
Fraternity and Sorority Life Graduation Celebration
Steps to Graduation for Seniors
Congratulations, you’re almost a Hofstra graduate! You should receive necessary steps toward graduation several times through your Hofstra Pride email account. Please keep a close eye on your inbox so you don’t miss any information. In addition, here is a summary of steps toward graduation:
Apply for Graduation
Deadlines to apply for graduation are:
For Midyear (December) Graduation: Candidates must file by May 1. If the application is received after May 1, there is a $25 fee. If the application is received after October 1, there is a $50 fee.
For Spring (May) Graduation: Candidates must file by October 1. If the application is received after October 1, there is a $25 fee. If the application is received later than March 1, there is a $50 fee.
For August Graduation: Candidates must file by March 1. If the application is received after March 1, there is a $25 fee. If the application is received later than August 15, there is a $50 fee.
As you approach senior status (90 credits or more), make sure you are in contact with your advising dean about graduation requirements and when you intend to graduate. It is also good practice to routinely check your Degree Works audit, available through the Hofstra portal. The Center for University Advising is located in Room 101 Memorial Hall; their phone number is 516-463-6770.
Caps and Gowns, Announcements, Rings...
The Commencement Office sends several emails to graduating seniors about graduation fairs and commencements. At the graduation fair, students will have the opportunity to order their caps and gowns, and rings and announcements.
Senior Portraits
Undergraduate students graduating in December can have their senior portraits taken on the following dates:
Undergraduate Students Graduating in December Portrait Dates & Times:
Monday, November 17 - Friday, November 21, 2025
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Student Center Room 141
Please be prepared to provide the photographer with your major. Don't forget that you can use these portraits for your professional networking and job search sites as well. There is a $15 sitting fee due at your appointment. The method of accepted payment is credit/debit card. Cash is not accepted.
Please Note: It is important that you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. No walk-ins will be permitted.
Questions regarding your portraits should be directed to 516-767-1234 or custserv@islandphoto.com.
Flowers
The Commencement Group will be selling flowers at the ceremony, or you can order them online at https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/hofstra. These flowers will be available for pickup in the lobby of the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex prior to the commencement ceremony.
Rings and Diploma Frames
Information on class rings can be found at Balfour's page at www.balfour.com/hofstra.
Information regarding diploma frames, Alumni gear, and gifts can be found on the Hofstra bookstore website, www.Hofstra.bncollege.com. Class of '25 sweatshirt and T-shirts are also available at www.thecommencementgroup.com/hofstra.
Academic Attire Distribution
Academic attire and ticket distribution will take place on Wednesday, December 10, and Thursday, December 11, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the David S. Mack Physical Education Center (PEC) main gym.
Robing and Assembly
Instructions for robing and assembly will be given to you at academic attire distribution. Please arrive at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center one hour before the ceremony to be placed in the procession. You will be instructed to line up by school. Ushers will indicate how and when you are to proceed to your seat.
If you are a student who needs support or accommodations from Student Access Services (SAS), please contact SAS prior to the ceremony at 516-463-7075.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please visit the Hofstra Commencement website or contact the Commencement Office by calling 516-463-4346 or emailing graduation@hofstra.edu.
Commencement Dates
Information about the spring and midyear commencements can be obtained at hofstra.edu/commencement. Information can also be obtained by emailing the Commencement Office at graduation@hofstra.edu, or contacting them at 516-463-4346.