Senior Programs
The Orientation and New Student Programs offer several events for seniors to take advantage of during the year. Follow @Hofstraorientation on Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming programs and information!
The How to Adult series offers workshops on practical life skills that will help you after graduation such as renting an apartment, health care, job benefits and retirement plans, and more! We will also host networking opportunities with recent alumni. More info coming soon!
Senior Class Toast (May 2024 and December 2024 graduates)
The Senior Class Toast is a chance to gather your family and raise a glass to the Class of 2024 alongside President Poser, faculty, staff, and of course, your fellow graduates.
Seniors graduating in May 2024 and December 2024 and their family members are cordially invited to Hofstra's Toast to the Class of 2024 on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Main Dining Room, Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus.
The program will consist of remarks from President Susan Poser; Senior Vice President for Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success Jessica Eads; student leaders; and members of GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade), followed by light hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast.
The preferred attire for this event is business casual.
A maximum of two (2) guests may accompany each student, due to space limitations.
Lavender Graduation Ceremony
This event is a time for graduating LGBTQ+ students and their allies to celebrate their achievements.
Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 6 p.m.
David S. Mack Student Center, Greenhouse
RSVP here
Students of Color Graduation Celebration
This event is a time for graduating students of color and their allies to celebrate their achievements.
Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11 a.m.
David S. Mack Student Center, Multipurpose Room
RSVP here
First-Generation Student Graduation Celebration
This event is a time for students who are first in their family to graduate college, their families, and/or their supporters to celebrate their achievements.
Friday, May 17, 2024, at 7 p.m.
David S. Mack Student Center, Multipurpose Room
RSVP here
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
If you had your senior portrait taken on campus in March or April 2024, you may review and order them by:
- going to prestigeportraits.com
- using the Session ID and Access Code to create your account.
- reviewing proofs and ordering a picture package
You should have received a Session ID and Access Code when you signed up for your sitting date.
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 '23 sweatshirt and t-shirts are also available at www.thecommencementgroup.com/hofstra.
Graduation Fair – Cap and Gowns
Cap and Gown Distribution
Robe and ticket distribution for all graduating students is on Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the Physical Education Center (PEC), main gym.
Please carefully read and follow the instructions outlined in the commencement brochure under the "Academic Attire Distribution" section to obtain academic attire.
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.