Graduating Students
Welcome to Commencement 2026
New York Institute of Technology’s 65th Annual Commencement will be held on Sunday, May 17 at New York Tech’s Long Island campus in Old Westbury, N.Y.
The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and features speeches and the conferring of all degrees. At the individual school and college ceremonies immediately following, graduates will be individually recognized and receive their diploma cases.
Important 2026 Commencement Deadlines
| Deadlines | Dates |
|---|---|
| Reserve regalia | April 3 |
International Students
If a member of your family requires a visa to attend commencement, please visit nyit.edu/international_student_support as soon as possible for more information. Please note that the Office of International Education and the Office of the Registrar do not provide confirmation letters related to commencement.
Before April 3
All participating graduates must wear academic regalia (cap and gown) in the commencement ceremonies. New York Tech provides academic regalia, at no cost, to graduating students.
Please remember to provide your home address that is where your cap and gown will be sent.
Island Photography is our official commencement photographer for 2026.
They will be providing professional photo coverage for every graduate as they are recognized during the ceremony.
Proofs will be delivered via email within 48-72 hours after the ceremony.
Please contact the Island Photography customer service team if you have any concerns or questions, at custserv@islandphoto.com or 800.869.0908.
If you would like to order a senior portrait, you can have it taken on campus during the dates below.
The photographer will provide you with regalia (cap and gown) for the photo. You can also have a photo taken in your regular wardrobe.
Long Island Campus – Old Westbury
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 4 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | SAC – Gym |
| Tuesday, May 5 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | SAC – Gym |
Schedule your appointment with Island Photography:
If you are unable to have your photo taken on one of these days, contact Island Photography at 800.869.0908 to arrange for a photo session at their studio in Port Washington, N.Y.
New York City Campus
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 29 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | 26 W. 61st St., first-floor lounge |
| Thursday, May 7 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | 26 W. 61st St., first-floor lounge |
Schedule your appointment at www.ThorntonStudio.com using Code: 02782
If you are unable to have your photo taken on one of these days, contact Thornton Studio at 212.647.1966 to arrange for a photo session.
Seniors, share your photos for our commencement day montage! All images should be 1600×1200 pixels (2MP) or higher and have a file size of less than 10mb. Email photos to comm2026@nyit.edu.
If you have any questions about any of the cords listed below, please contact deanofstudents@nyit.edu. Please also note that distribution of all the below cords will also occur at each campus’ Mayfest events.
Graduating with Distinction
The silver braided honor cord, worn draped from the neck on the front of the gown, designates the wearer as Summa Cum Laude (institutional GPA of 3.95-4.00), Magna Cum Laude (institutional GPA of 3.75-3.949), and Cum Laude (institutional GPA of 3.50-3.749). Honor cords can be PURCHASED by graduates who qualify.
Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students
Veteran and military-affiliated honor cords can be mailed to eligible students or picked up from May 5 to May 16 (Monday through Friday) from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Student Life Offices (SAC second floor in Long Island and 26 W. 61st St., first floor, in New York City).
Student Leadership Cords
Students who have participated in three or more student leadership opportunities during their New York Tech career can apply HERE for a student leadership cord. Students can pick up these stoles from May 5 to May 16 (Monday through Friday) from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Student Life Offices (SAC second floor in Long Island and 26 W. 61st St., first floor, in New York City).
Greek Letter-Affiliated Students
Graduating Greek-affiliated students can receive a Greek graduation cord. Students can pick up these stoles from May 5 to May 16 (Monday through Friday) from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Student Life Offices (SAC 2nd floor on long island and 26 W. 61st St., first-floor, in New York City).
Athletes
Graduating student-athletes can receive a student-athlete graduation stole to honor their athletic participation. Students can pick up these stoles from May 5 to May 16 (Monday through Friday) from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Student Life Offices (SAC second floor in Long Island and 26 W. 61st St., first floor, in New York City).
Commencement Day
| 8 a.m. | Parking lots open and shuttle service begins. |
| 8:15 a.m. | Students report to President’s Stadium |
| 8:30 a.m. | Main tent opens for guest seating. Graduates line up in President’s Stadium. |
| 9 a.m. | Student processional begins. Livestream begins at nyit.edu/commencement. |
| Approximately 11 a.m. | Commencement ceremony ends. Graduates and guests proceed to individual school ceremonies taking place in tents near the main tent. |
| Approximately 11:30 a.m. | School ceremonies begin. |
| Approximately 2 p.m. | School ceremonies end. |
Career Services
The Office of Career Services is available to help you now and in the future. Please make an appointment to meet with a career advisor, register for a job fair, or stop by our offices to see how we can assist you in your job search. Our services are also available to you after graduation, and we encourage you to stay in touch about the jobs you land so we can help to celebrate your success.