Who is eligible to participate in the ceremony?

Bachelor and Master candidates who have completed all degree requirements and have received clearance to attend.

What clearances do I have to obtain in order to participate in the ceremony and receive my degree?

• Complete an online degree application
• Submit documentation of final portfolio or thesis for the SVA archives to the department Chair before May 2, 2025.
• Settle all financial obligations owed to the College by May 2, 2025.
• Complete exit counseling with Financial Aid (for students who have received any type of federal loan to finance their studies at SVA)
• Return all materials to the library by May 5, 2025.
• Complete all credits and required courses by May 5, 2025.

If I am not eligible but still want to participate in the ceremony, what do I do?

You must put your request in writing before Friday, April 4, 2025 to A.-Lucky Checkley, Jr., Director of Academic Advisement at lcheckley@sva.edu. Your request will be reviewed in committee. You will be informed of the decision within two weeks of your request.

Who do I contact with questions about my academic progress and eligibility for graduation?

Please contact your Academic Advisor (undergraduate candidates) or your departmental advisor or representative (graduate candidates). You should meet with your advisor before Commencement to review your records.

All degree candidates must complete the online degree application form by signing into MyServices and selecting “Graduation Overview.” Click here for detailed instructions. Applications must be submitted by April 11, 2025.

Bachelor Candidates

Bachelor's degree candidates must meet with their Academic Advisor to ensure that their credits and departmental requirements are in order for graduation.

Master Candidates

Master's degree candidates must meet with their Student Advisor, Assistant to the Chair or Director of Operations to ensure that their credits and departmental requirements are in order for graduation.

Tickets will be available to candidates for the 2025 Commencement Exercises in early May 2025. Candidates and their guests may view the guide and video linked below for instructions on accessing and transferring tickets. The FAQs provide additional details.

Guide for Transferring and Accepting Commencement Tickets

How many tickets will each candidate receive?  

Each candidate is entitled to receive up to five digital admission tickets. One ticket is for the candidate, and any additional tickets are for their guests.

Can I receive more tickets for my guests?

A ticket request form will be circulated to candidates in April. Note that we cannot guarantee more than four guest tickets per candidate.

How do I obtain tickets to Commencement?

Tickets for the ceremony will be delivered digitally through an account manager powered by Ticketmaster, and you will be able to transfer tickets to your guests. If you do not yet have a Ticketmaster account, please create one now using your SVA email address so that you will be able to manage your tickets.

I don’t have a Ticketmaster account. How can I create one?

Visit Ticketmaster and select “Sign In” at the top of the screen (on a mobile browser, you may see a profile icon). Select the “Sign Up” link and follow the prompts to create an account. Be sure to use your SVA email address.

If I already have a personal Ticketmaster account, can I access my tickets?

You will need a separate account associated with your SVA email address in order to access your tickets. However, you may transfer tickets to your personal Ticketmaster account for entry to the ceremony, if you wish.

How will my guests receive their tickets? Do they need Ticketmaster accounts?

You will use a special account manager through MSG Sports and Entertainment to transfer tickets to your guests. Each guest will need their own Ticketmaster account, and you will need the email addresses associated with those accounts in order to transfer tickets to them. 

If my guests do not have Ticketmaster accounts, how can they create one?

They may visit Ticketmaster ad select “Sign In” at the top of the screen (on a mobile browser, they may see a profile icon). They may select the “Sign Up” link and follow the prompts to create an account. Guests may use any valid email address to create their accounts. Make sure your guests provide you with the email addresses associated with their Ticketmaster accounts so you can transfer tickets to them.

My guests live outside the United States. Can they create a Ticketmaster account?

Yes. Ticketmaster is a global company and your guests should be able to create an account with any valid email address, regardless of their physical location.

If my guests are arriving together, do they all need to have their own tickets?

Ideally, you will transfer one ticket to each of your guests through Ticketmaster. However, if several guests will be entering Radio City Music Hall together, you can transfer multiple tickets to a single Ticketmaster account. 

How can I transfer tickets in the Ticketmaster account manager?

Transfering tickets is a simple process. View this guide for a step-by-step guide. Remember, each candidate must keep one ticket for themselves.

Do I need a ticket for a child or baby?

A ticket is required for all guests who will occupy a seat (including children). However, children ages two and under do not require a ticket if they are seated on their guardian’s lap.

How will I receive a cap and gown?

All degree candidates are required to place an online order for their caps and gowns through our trusted partner, Oak Hall Cap & Gown.

When can I place my cap and gown order?

Candidates may order caps and gowns via the Oak Hall site through April 21, 2025. Follow this guide for more information on placing an order.

How many cap and gown orders may I place?

Each candidate is entitled to one cap and gown package. You will be required to enter your sva.edu email address during the ordering process to verify that you are eligible to receive a cap and gown.

What is included in the regalia package?

Each package includes a cap, gown, and 2025 tassel. Masters degree candidates will also receive a hood worn over the shoulders to indicate their field of discipline.

What does it cost to order my cap and gown?

Caps and gowns are complimentary. You will not be charged when you place your order.

Do I need to return my cap and gown after the ceremony?

No, your cap and gown are yours to keep.

If I do not wish to attend Commencement, may I still receive a cap and gown?

Yes. You may place an order even if you do not plan to attend.

Where will my cap and gown be sent after I place an order?

Your regalia package can be shipped via U.S. Postal Mail to any valid address in the United States or abroad. You should place your order as soon as possible to ensure that it arrives prior to the ceremony. Some international destinations have placed restrictions on incoming mail, so delays may be possible. For those countries, affected visit: usps.com

Is there a deadline for placing an order?

Yes. The Oak Hall ordering site will not accept orders after Monday, April 21, 2025.

What if I lose my regalia?

If you lose your cap and gown, please contact Bibi Bacchus-Khan in Academic Advisement at bbacchuskhan@sva.edu.

What time should I arrive at Radio City Music Hall?

You must arrive at Radio City Music Hall at 10:50am for rehearsal seating. You should wear your Commencement attire and display your mobile ticket in order to enter the Hall. 

What time may guests enter Radio City Music Hall?

Guests may enter the Hall at 11:45am and should be prepared to show their mobile tickets for entry. 

Are there any security screenings or protocols in place at Radio City Music Hall?

Yes, there is rigorous screening at the venue, particularly for bags and backpacks. Candidates and guests should arrive promptly so their entry is not delayed. Read the security and bag policy outlined on the Radio City Music Hall FAQs website.

I have family in another country who want to attend the Commencement ceremony. How do get permission for them to enter the U.S. for the event?

School of Visual Arts cannot arrange entrance into the United States. However, you can request a letter from the Office of Academic Advisement to state that you are a candidate for the class of 2025.

Is parking available in the area?

Yes.

Is Radio City Music Hall wheelchair accessible?

Yes.

Are there considerations for candidates and guests who require disability accommodations?

If you or any of your guests require special accommodations, such as ADA-accessible seating, ASL interpretive services, or the presence of an approved support or service animal, please indicate this on your application for graduation or contact us at commencement@sva.edu as soon as possible.

I haven’t received any notices about graduation; what should I do?

Make sure to check your SVA email address regularly for updates. Check your spam and promotions folders to ensure information has not skipped your inbox. Official information will only be sent to your SVA email address.

You should also verify that your mailing address(es) are up-to-date in your MyServices User Profile. If any updates need to be made, please complete a Change of Address Form with the Registrar’s Office.

When and where will the Commencement exercises take place? 

Commencement exercises for the class of 2025 will occur on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020). 

How long is the ceremony? 

The ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. and will last approximately three and a half hours.

Who is the commencement speaker?

Author, educator, designer, and Co-founder Emeritus of the College’s MFA Design program Steven Heller will deliver the keynote speech at SVA’s milestone 50^th annual commencement exercises. 

What time is graduation rehearsal?

Graduate and undergraduate candidates must arrive at Radio City Music Hall by 10:50 a.m. for rehearsal seating. Candidates should wear their Commencement attire and display their mobile tickets to enter the hall.

Will I go up on stage during the ceremony?

Yes. Each candidate will go up on stage after their name is announced to meet with the President and their department Chair. Students who require accessibility accommodations should indicate their needs on their graduation application or email commencement@sva.edu as soon as possible.

Will there be announcement cards?

No. The College does not provide announcement cards.

Will the ceremony be streamed online?

Yes, the ceremony will be live-streamed on this page and on Facebook Live.

What name will be printed on my diploma?

Indicate the name you want printed on your diploma on your graduation application.

• Your name will be printed EXACTLY as you enter it on your application.

• Enter any name you choose, but keep in mind that if you intend to use your diploma as proof of graduation, you should enter your legal name.

• If you have non-English characters in your name, email commencement@sva.edu with the correct spelling. You must use characters from the standard Latin alphabet.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be available for pick-up at Radio City Music Hall on May 15, 2025 for candidates who are in attendance and who have met all eligibility requirements. Candidates who do not attend the ceremony may pick up their diplomas following the Commencement ceremony or request to have their diplomas shipped, provided they have met all eligibility requirements.

If I have to take summer classes to finish my requirements, when will I receive my diploma?

Students finishing required coursework in the summer 2025 semester will receive their diplomas after September 2, 2025.

Can I get a PDF of my diploma?

SVA offers all degree recipients the option to receive an electronic PDF of their official diploma. Graduates will receive a message to their SVA email address following their official graduation date with instructions on how to retrieve their electronic diplomas. For more information, visit this page or contact commencement@sva.edu.

How can I receive proof of graduation other than my diploma?

If you need confirmation of degree completion before you receive your diploma, you may request one of the following:

• Official Transcript: your transcript will display your earned degrees. Our eTranscript service provides PDF copies of your transcript delivered to any email address within the same day.
• Letter of Verification: we can provide an enrollment verification letter, printed on SVA letterhead, which indicates the semesters you were enrolled at SVA and the degree earned. You can request a letter in MyID.

When will I see my degree posted on my official transcript?

For students graduating after the SPRING 2025 semester:

Degrees will be posted to official transcripts the week of May 19, 2025

For students graduating after the SUMMER 2025 semester:

Degrees will be posted to official transcripts the week of September 2, 2025

What if I need a replacement diploma?

Current students and alumni:

Log in to MyServices, and submit the Diploma Replacement Form. You must log in to your MyID account to access MyServices.

Students without access to MyServices:

Email commencement@sva.edu with a detailed request for a diploma. Include the following information in the message:

• Name/s used at SVA
• Student ID number
• Major
• Year/s attended
• Type of degree
• A complete address for shipping