The Dominican University New York Commencement Ceremony will take place on:
Sunday, May 17, 2026
12:00 PM
Westchester County Center
198 Central Ave
White Plains, NY 10606
The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.
There is no limit but seating is first come, first served.
- Doors open for guests: 10:30 AM
- Graduate check-in: All graduates must report to the Exhibit Hall (lower level) by 11:00 AM for robing and final instructions.
Graduates who arrive after 11:00 AM will NOT be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
Yes. Commencement 2026 will be livestreamed for family and friends who cannot attend in person.
The livestream link will be available on the day of the ceremony at:
Pre-Commencement Events
Yes
Commencement Rehearsal / Information Session
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
6:15 PM
Hennessy Center – Rear Gym
During rehearsal, graduates will:
- Review important ceremony information
- Learn what to expect on Commencement Day
- Explore the event layout
- Locate their seating area
For questions, contact Student Development at 845-848-4080.
Yes. Graduates from Master’s and Doctoral programs are invited to participate in hooding ceremonies with faculty, family, and friends.
- Each graduate may request up to 6 complimentary tickets
- All ceremonies will take place on campus
- Graduates must RSVP on the commencement website
If you have questions about your specific ceremony, please contact your program director.
Yes.
Commencement Mass
Saturday, May 16, 2026
4:00 PM
Saint Dominic’s Convent Chapel
All members of the university community are invited to celebrate Mass as we begin Commencement weekend together in prayer.
Students interested in assisting during Mass should contact
Sr. Jenn Schaaf – jennifer.schaaf@duny.edu
Yes.
Commencement Dinner & Reception
Saturday, May 16, 2026
5:30 PM
Granito Center
- Each graduate may request up to 5 complimentary tickets
- Graduates must RSVP by May 8, 2026
- Graduates who attend will receive a complimentary gift from the Alumni Association (while supplies last)
The Baccalaureate Awards Ceremony recognizes selected undergraduate students for academic and leadership achievements.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
7:00 PM
Hennessy Center
This event is by invitation only.
For questions, contact the Academic Dean’s Office at 845-848-4000.
Yes.
Undergraduate Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Monday, May 18, 2026
5:00 PM
Hennessy Center – Rear Gym
For details, please contact the Nursing Division.
Academic Regalia
Yes. All graduates must wear academic regalia (cap and gown) to participate in the ceremony.
Deadline to order regalia
March 27, 2026
Extra caps and gowns were ordered in limited quantities and sizes and will be available first-come, first-served through the Office of Student Development.
If you did not pre-order regalia, contact:
Office of Student Development
845-848-4080
Yes, but decorations must reflect the spirit of celebration and self-expression.
Decorations may not include language or symbols that promote hostility or discrimination toward any individual or group based on protected characteristics.
For questions regarding the regalia decoration policy, contact the Office of Student Development.
To wear academic regalia correctly, start with the gown, ensuring sleeves are fully through and the back rests close to your neck. Then, place the hood over your head, with the velvet side showing, and secure it with the cord, potentially with assistance, and let the lining colors show. Finally, place the cap on with the tassel on the right. You will be instructed to move the tassel to the left side during the ceremony. And, wear comfortable attire and shoes under yur cap and gown. We want you to look great for the big day, but to also be comfortable. Graduates will be standing in line for up to an hour prior to the start of the event.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
The Gown:
Slide your arms through the entire length of the sleeves, not the slits.
Adjust the gown so it sits comfortably on your shoulders and rests close to the nape of your neck.
Ensure the gown’s length drapes down around mid-calf.
The Hood:
For Masters and Doctoral Hoods:
Hold the hood with the velvet side up and the small tapered end in one hand.
Place the hood over your head with the small tapered end at the front of your throat.
Fasten or pin the hood to your shirt before closing your gown.
Have someone assist you in arranging the hood so that the lining colors and chevron are visible.
General Hood Instructions:
The velvet side of the hood should be showing, with the satin lining hidden.
Swing the hood over your shoulders.
The hood should be worn draped around your neck and around your shoulders with the largest portion of the hood hanging down your back.
Secure the hood so it doesn’t slip off.
The Cap:
Ensure the tassel is on the right side.
Place the cap on your head with the small point going in front.
Additional Tips:
Stole/Sash: If wearing a stole or sash, place it under the hood.
Undergarments: Wear dark-colored clothing underneath the gown.
Wrinkles: Hang your gown prior to wearing it to help remove some of the wrinkles.
Assistance: You may need assistance with securing the hood or turning out the lining colors.
Pinning: You may need to pin the hood to the gown to prevent it from falling down during the ceremony.
Commencement Day Logistics
Parking is available at the Westchester County Center.
Cost: $20
Payment: Cash only
Address:
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
Transportation options include:
- Bronx River Parkway (by car)
- Metro-North Railroad (White Plains Station – 5 minute walk)
- Westchester Bee-Line Bus System (914-813-7777)
Approximate travel times from New York City:
- 35 minutes by car
- 40 minutes by bus
- 30 minutes by train
For additional venue details, visit the County Center website.
Yes.
All guests and graduates entering the venue are subject to security screening. Please allow extra time for entry and follow all instructions from security personnel.
The following items are not permitted:
- Food
- Weapons of any kind
- Coolers or thermoses
- Lawn chairs
- Balloons
- Banners or signs that obstruct views or disrupt the event
- Non-service animals
- Contraband
- Compressed air horns
Dangerous or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the venue.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Graduates or guests needing accommodations should contact:
Margaret Giuliano
Director of Special Services
margaret.giuliano@duny.edu
845-848-4035
Photos
Yes. All graduates will be photographed during the ceremony.
Photos and specialty photo products will be available after the event at:
Hotel Accommodations
Armoni Inn & Suites
329 Route 303
Orangeburg, NY 10962
Ask for the Dominican University Rate
Contact:
845-359-7000 ext. 363
Regina Mittler
rmittler.armoni@gmail.com
Residence Inn by Marriott
3 Stevens Way Route 303
Orangeburg, NY 10962
Request the Dominican University Rate
Reservations:
845-359-5200
844-833-3558
Visit the official commencement website for updates, livestream details, and announcements regarding speakers and honorees:
You may also contact:
Office of Student Development
845-848-4080