The Envoy

Hunter students graduating in the winter will now be able to throw their caps in the air at the new, joint spring graduation ceremony.

Starting this academic school year, students who are expected to graduate following the Winter 2023 or Spring 2024 semesters will be invited to attend one shared commencement ceremony held next May. 

“After much demand from students and faculty, effective for the 2023–2024 academic year, we will consolidate our winter and spring ceremonies into one large celebration to take place annually in late May,” said Eija Ayravainen, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, in a brief message to the Hunter community.

Traditionally, Hunter held separate ceremonies for students graduating in the winter versus the spring. While winter commencements have been hosted on Hunter’s campus in the North Building auditorium, spring graduations, including last year’s, have usually been held in larger venues like Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden. 

The change in graduation will also apply to separate ceremonies usually held by Hunter’s specialized schools, including the School of Nursing, School of Education and School of Social Work, according to Vince DiMiceli, Hunter’s vice president for communications.

The announcement came unexpectedly for some students, who although were set to finish their degree’s requirements by the winter, will now have to wait a bit longer to move their graduation tassel from right to left. 

“I am frustrated that Hunter made this decision with seemingly no student input,” said Grace Lena, a Hunter senior majoring in political science. “I have been looking forward to my graduation ceremony for years and now that it’s being pushed back feels like a punch in the face.” 

Lena, an upstate New York resident, also expressed concerns that some long-distance commuter students who were set to graduate in the winter will not be able to return to the city upon completion of their degree.

Other seniors agree that the news came as a surprise, but see the idea of one shared ceremony as a celebrated change.

Lucas Nguyen, a senior majoring in media studies, believes that by consolidating the graduation ceremonies for all departments and schools, Hunter is able to give themselves more time to plan for the ceremonies.

“I get to graduate with more of my friends, and I am hoping it will take place at Madison Square Garden,” he said.

Eligible students who have fulfilled their degree requirements can apply for graduation on CUNYFirst. For those planning to graduate in the winter, the current deadline to apply is October 15, 2023. The spring application deadline is February 15, 2024. 

Students can find more information related to graduation on Hunter’s commencement page.