St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine
Class of 2022 Commencement
School of Veterinary Medicine
Commencement 2023
2023 Commencement Information
We realize that parents, students, and families have a lot of questions about commencement. This information addresses common concerns and will be updated regularly.
Our commencement ceremonies will be live streamed, with a link to the stream posted on the commencement website the morning of the event. A recording of the ceremony will be posted on the commencement website following the event.
Academic Dress
Graduates must wear appropriate apparel in order to participate in Commencement Ceremonies. St. George’s University is happy to cover the cost of your regalia and these items are yours to keep. A credit card is required to purchase any other items. All items will be shipped to the address you provide. Once you place your order you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please contact customer service at 1 (800) 837-4235.
**You are responsible for bringing your regalia on the day of the ceremony. Caps and gowns will not be provided on the day of graduation**
Admission to the Ceremony
Students must fill out and return their Graduation Ceremony Form in order to be eligible for tickets.
Each candidate will receive 10 tickets. Children of any age and hooders will require a ticket. All tickets will be distributed electronically before the event. Graduates receiving honors (IEA, Gold Humanism, SGA, Research Designation, Scholarly Activity) will be emailed a voucher which they will exchange for honor cords at graduation. For all students: If you receive a designation for GPA: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude, this will be noted next to your name in the Commencement Program.
Ceremony
Each ceremony lasts approximately two hours and will include short addresses by distinguished speakers, the conferring of degrees, and the recessional.
The ceremony will begin promptly with the academic procession and the entry of candidates. Members of the official party will sit on stage; candidates and hooders will be seated on chairs in the audience facing the stage. Each graduate will be presented on stage, be hooded, cross the stage to receive a replica of your diploma from the chancellor, and return to his or her seat.
If you have a hooder, he or she will accompany you at all times. The stage party and faculty will lead the recessional, followed by the graduates. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will have one hour to take photos with their guests, faculty, and fellow colleagues outside in the plaza of the venue.
More specific instructions will be emailed to graduates approximately one month before the ceremony.
For friends and family who cannot attend, the commencement ceremonies will be live streamed, with a link to the stream posted on the commencement website the morning of the event. A recording of the ceremony will be posted on the commencement website following the event.
Graduation Announcements
Each graduate will receive 25 personalized announcements with matching envelopes in the mail approximately one month prior to commencement. There is no charge for these announcements.
Commencement Program
All students who have met all graduation eligibility requirements will have their names printed in the program. Commencement programs will be available to pick up on graduation day and will be distributed by ushers at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
If for any reason a student cannot attend graduation, they may request a program be mailed to them after the ceremony. This request must be made by email to graduationinfo@sgu.edu.
Conduct During the Ceremony
Commencement is a time to celebrate and enjoy your achievement. It is also a time to reflect on that achievement and to acknowledge the help and support provided by family, friends, faculty, and staff. You are asked to honor the spirit of this important occasion by conducting yourself in a manner that is respectful of your guests and the guests of others, of your fellow graduates, and of yourself. Thank you for your help in making this day meaningful for all.
Special Accommodations
Wheelchair accessible seating is available at the venue. We do not provide the wheelchair and cannot guarantee the location of the seats.
How to request special seating arrangements for those with mobility issues:
Please send an email to graduationinfo@sgu.edu with title SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS in the subject line at least one month prior to the ceremony with the following information:
- Name of graduate
- Name and number of guests requiring handicapped accessible seating (total party)
- Which ceremony you are attending
- Phone number where party can be reached on graduation day
- Notes on accommodations needed (For example, walks with difficulty, uses wheelchair, uses motorized scooter, etc.)
Diplomas
You will NOT receive your diploma the day of the ceremony. Once you have been cleared by the Office of the Registrar, you will receive your official diploma in the mail. Please understand that your completion and diploma dates and the date of Commencement are independent of one another. Any questions concerning your completion date or diploma date should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
Diplomas will be sent by Federal Express once you have been cleared by the Office of the Registrar. The “diploma” that you receive on stage from the Chancellor is a mockup designed to look attractive in the photograph you will have taken at that time.
Diploma frames and other SGU apparel are available for purchase online. There will be some items for sale the day of your ceremony. You may purchase SGU merchandise at sgu.promoshop.com.
Hooders
A graduate may choose to have a parent or spouse hood him/her on the day of the ceremony, or a sibling who is an SGU graduate. This person MUST have a medical degree (MD.) A copy of their license or diploma should be provided with your request. The deadline for an approved hooder is April 15. We will NOT accept hooders the day of the ceremony. Please note that hooders will require a ticket.
Portraits
On the day of the ceremony you will be photographed as you are hooded and when you receive your “diploma” from Chancellor Modica. Your “diploma photo” image download as well as a class group photo will be delivered to you free of charge as a graduation gift from the Chancellor. All other photographs will be available for purchase through Island Photography.
For questions concerning photographs, please contact Island Photo directly.
*Please note caps/gowns are available at the photography studio
Island Photography
PO Box 70 / 139 Haven Avenue.
Port Washington , NY 11050
P: 516.767.1234
F: 516.304.5660
1-800-869-0908
www.islandphoto.com
Visas
Requests for visas must be arranged in advance and should be sent to graduationinfo@sgu.edu. Please include the title VISA LETTER in the subject line. When requesting a visa please be sure to include the following:
- US address where the letters can be mailed (if providing an address outside the US, please provide a phone number)
- correct spelling of name
- date of birth
- citizenship
- gender
- relationship to the graduate.
All requests must be in writing.
Parking
See the map and corresponding information regarding where to park.
Directions
Subway: Guests with disabilities should take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point Station.
Long Island Rail Road: Guests with disabilities should exit at Woodside/61st Street Station and transfer to the 7 train. Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point Station. (Please note that the LIRR stop at Mets-Willets Point Station is not accessible for guests with disabilities.)
*** Day of Ceremony Procedure ***
Please keep the following information in mind as you proceed into the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on the day of your ceremony.
- Regalia: You are responsible for bringing your regalia (cap with tassel, hood, gown) on the day of the ceremony. Graduates who did not receive their hoods along with their regalia can pick up a hood at the regalia desk inside the East Gate. Please wear your cap and gown, and your hood should be draped over your arm during the procession. Please carefully watch the following instructional video before Commencement Day.
- Electronic tickets: Please have your electronic tickets available—e-tickets are emailed directly to the graduates. Simply show the emailed ticket receipt on your smartphone to gain entry. Please ensure your phone is fully charged before you leave! Those in need of extra tickets will need to visit the Extra Tickets kiosk by the East Gate. Please allow extra time for this and make sure your party is all together.
- Security: Everyone entering USTA will have to go through security screening just outside the East Gate. Please refrain from bringing any personal belongings, including bags and backpacks, on the day of the ceremony as there will be no place to store these items.
- Registration and name cards: All graduates must check in at the registration table to receive your name card. The registration desk will be located in front of the Chase Center on your left hand side immediately after you enter through the East Gate (next to the Honor Cord Desk). All students MUST be carrying their card with their name label and pronunciation information. This card will be handed to Dr. Paterson as you arrive on stage so she can announce your name as you are being hooded. You must fill out the back of the name card in advance as this information is needed by the photographer. Please fill this out in its entirety to guarantee you receive your graduation photos. This card is extremely important. Please do not lose this card.
- Honor cords: If you are a student who has received an honor cord voucher, please print the voucher and bring it with you on graduation day to exchange for your honor cord. The honor cord desk will be located in front of the Chase Center on your left hand side immediately after you enter through the East Gate.
- Guest seating: Guests will be able to make their way to their seats one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. There is no assigned seating. Take note of the day and time listed on your ticket. Tickets will only be accepted for the day and time printed.
SGU staff will be present to assist with any questions/concerns. They will be wearing orange name tags for easy identification. There will also be an information table by the entrance of the East Gate.
Live Stream
A live stream of each ceremony will be available at www.sgu.edu/live. You may also join in celebrating the achievements of our graduates on social media using the hashtag #SGUGrad.
What time/day is my ceremony?
Your ceremony is on Saturday, June 4 at 10 am. You must fill out and return the Graduation Ceremony Form to be confirmed.
Arthur Ashe Stadium
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Address: 124-02 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11368
Phone: (718) 760-6200
Graduates and guests should arrive at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony and will enter the facility through the East Gate.
Accommodations
A special group rate has been arranged at Four Points by Sheraton, 33-68 Farrington Street, Flushing, NY 11354. Please view the 2022 commencement hotel flyer to book your room and for additional information.
Directions
For directions to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, please visit the USTA website. Graduates and guests should arrive one hour prior to the start of the ceremony and will enter the facility through the East Gate.
Once inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, you will see signs for Arthur Ashe Stadium, and SGU staff will be on hand to help assist you and your guests where to go.
Parking
Please park in the Southfield Parking lot. See this map and corresponding information regarding where to park. Guests will be directed to park in Mets Stadium parking, Southfield Parking lot as directed by NYPD and parking lot staff. There will be a $30 parking fee. Please allow for extra time as it is roughly a 10-minute walk from parking to Arthur Ashe Stadium (East Gate Entrance). There is no shuttle available.
Once inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, you will see signs for Arthur Ashe Stadium, and SGU staff will be on hand to help assist you and your guests where to go.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible seating is available at the venue. We do not provide the wheelchair and cannot guarantee the location of the seats.
How to request special seating arrangements for those with mobility issues:
Please email graduationinfo@sgu.edu at least one month prior to the ceremony with the following information:
- Name of graduate
- Name and number of guests requiring handicapped accessible seating (total party)
- Which ceremony you are attending
- Phone number where party can be reached on graduation day
- Notes on accommodations needed (For example, walks with difficulty, uses wheelchair, uses motorized scooter, etc.
Visas
Requests for visas must be arranged in advance and should be sent to graduationinfo@sgu.edu. Please include the title VISA LETTER in the subject line.
When requesting a visa please be sure to include the following:
- correct spelling of name
- date of birth
- citizenship
- gender
- relationship to the graduate
All requests must be in writing. Visa letters will be sent to you by email as a PDF.
Food and Drink
There will be beverages and light snacks available at a nominal fee. You may bring snacks and sealed non-alcoholic beverages (i.e. water or soda).
Admission
Students must fill out and return their Graduation Ceremony Form to be eligible for tickets. Please check your inbox for an email from the Commencement Committee for a link to this form.
Each candidate will receive 10 tickets. Children of any age and hooders will require a ticket. All tickets will be distributed electronically before the event. All tickets are general admission. Guests are invited to enter the venue one hour prior to the start of the ceremony to obtain their seats.
Graduates receiving honors (Phi Zeta, VBMA, SGA) will be emailed a voucher which they will exchange for honor cords on graduation day. Honor cords will be given out at Arthur Ashe Stadium. For all students: If you receive a designation for GPA (cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude), this will be noted next to your name in the Commencement Program.
COVID-19 Entry Requirements
Based on guidance from local governmental authorities, at this time individuals are not required to show proof of COVID vaccination for admission. In addition, neither health screenings nor proof of a negative-COVID-19 test is required. This is subject to change in accordance with CDC and/or New York State/City guidelines.
Face masks and coverings are currently optional. Individuals may choose to wear a mask at any time based on personal preference.
Ceremony
Each ceremony lasts approximately two hours and will include short addresses by distinguished speakers, the conferring of degrees, and the recessional.
The ceremony will begin promptly with the academic procession and the entry of candidates. Members of the official party will sit on stage; candidates and hooders will be seated on chairs in the audience facing the stage. Each graduate will be presented on stage, be hooded, cross the stage to receive a replica of your diploma from the chancellor, and return to his or her seat.
If you have a hooder, he or she will accompany you at all times. The stage party and faculty will lead the recessional, followed by the graduates. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will have one hour to take photos with their guests, faculty, and fellow colleagues outside in the plaza of the venue.
More specific instructions will be emailed to graduates approximately one month before the ceremony.
For friends and family who cannot attend, the commencement ceremonies will be live streamed, with a link to the stream posted on the commencement website the morning of the event. A recording of the ceremony will be posted on the commencement website following the event.
Ceremony Announcements
Each 2022 graduate will receive 25 personalized announcements with matching envelopes in the mail approximately one month prior to commencement. There is no charge for these announcements.
Commencement Program
All students who have met all graduation eligibility requirements will have their names printed in the program. Commencement programs will be available to pick up on graduation day and will be distributed by ushers at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
If for any reason a student cannot attend graduation, they may request a program be mailed to them after the ceremony. This request must be made by email to graduationinfo@sgu.edu.
Academic Dress
Graduates must wear appropriate apparel to participate in Commencement Ceremonies. St. George’s University is happy to cover the cost of your regalia for the class of 2022. These items are yours to keep. A credit card is required to purchase any other items. All items will be shipped to the address you provide. Once you place your order you will receive an email confirmation.
If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please contact customer service at 1 (800) 837-4235.
**You are responsible for bringing your regalia on the day of the ceremony. Caps and gowns will not be provided on the day of graduation to the class of 2022**
Cap and Gown ordering for Classes of 2020 and 2021:
All 2020/2021 graduates will need their cap, gown and hood to participate in the ceremony. These were provided to you at the time of your virtual graduation. If you no longer have regalia, you will need to order a new set for $125. Please mail checks made out to University Support Services and include your height for size and whether you need a SOM or SVM gown. Regalia will be distributed to you the day of your ceremony. Mailing address is: University Support Services, Attn: Lucy Fenech, 3500 Sunrise Highway, Building 300, Great River, NY 11739.
Hooders
A graduate may choose to have a parent or spouse hood him/her on the day of the ceremony, or a sibling who is an SGU graduate. This person must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM). A copy of their license or diploma should be provided with your request. The deadline for an approved hooder is April 15. We will not accept hooders on the day of the ceremony. Please note that hooders will require a ticket.
On the day of the ceremony, authorized hooders and all graduates should proceed to Mojito staging area. If you have a hooder, make sure they are with you.
Diplomas
You will not receive your diploma the day of the ceremony. Once you have been cleared by the Office of the Registrar, you will receive your official diploma in the mail. Please understand that your completion and diploma dates and the date of commencement are independent of one another. Any questions concerning your completion date or diploma date should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
Diplomas will be sent by Federal Express once you have been cleared by the Office of the Registrar. The replica diploma that you receive on stage from the chancellor is designed to be used for photography purposes only.
Diploma frames and other SGU apparel are available for purchase online. There will be some items for sale the day of your ceremony. You may purchase SGU merchandise at sgu.promoshop.com.
Conduct
Commencement is a time to celebrate and enjoy your achievement. It is also a time to reflect on that achievement and to acknowledge the help and support provided by family, friends, faculty, and staff. You are asked to honor the spirit of this important occasion by conducting yourself in a manner that is respectful of your guests and the guests of others, of your fellow graduates, and of yourself. Thank you for your help in making this day meaningful for all.
Rings
You can order your class ring at herffjones.com/college/sgu.
Portraits
On the day of the ceremony, you will be photographed as you are hooded, and when you receive your diploma from Chancellor Modica. Your “diploma photo” image download, as well as a class group photo, will be delivered to you free of charge as a graduation gift from the Chancellor.
All other photographs will be available for purchase through Island Photography. Island Photography is also available for individual sessions May 31 and June 1. If you have questions, please call customer service at 800-869-0908. If you would like to set up a session for formal cap and gown portraits, visit the Island Photography website.
For questions concerning photographs, please contact Island Photography directly.
Flowers and Merchandise
Flowers and some SGU merchandise will be available for purchase at commencement. No cash can be accepted. Diploma frames and other SGU apparel are available for purchase online.
Live Stream
A live stream of each ceremony will be available at www.sgu.edu/live. You may also join in celebrating the achievements of our graduates on social media using the hashtag #SGUGrad.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible seating is available at the venue. We do not provide the wheelchair and cannot guarantee the location of the seats.
How to request special seating arrangements for those with mobility issues:
Please email graduationinfo@sgu.edu at least one month prior to the ceremony with the following information:
- Name of graduate
- Name and number of guests requiring handicapped accessible seating (total party)
- Which ceremony you are attending
- Phone number where party can be reached on graduation day
- Notes on accommodations needed (For example, walks with difficulty, uses wheelchair, uses motorized scooter, etc.
Visas
Requests for visas must be arranged in advance and should be sent to graduationinfo@sgu.edu. Please include the title VISA LETTER in the subject line.
When requesting a visa please be sure to include the following:
- correct spelling of name
- date of birth
- citizenship
- gender
- relationship to the graduate
All requests must be in writing. Visa letters will be sent to you by email as a PDF.
Food and Drink
There will be beverages and light snacks available at a nominal fee. You may bring snacks and sealed non-alcoholic beverages (i.e. water or soda).
Admission
Students must fill out and return their Graduation Ceremony Form to be eligible for tickets. Please check your inbox for an email from the Commencement Committee for a link to this form.
Each candidate will receive 10 tickets. Children of any age and hooders will require a ticket. All tickets will be distributed electronically before the event. All tickets are general admission. Guests are invited to enter the venue one hour prior to the start of the ceremony to obtain their seats.
Graduates receiving honors (Phi Zeta, VBMA, SGA) will be emailed a voucher which they will exchange for honor cords on graduation day. Honor cords will be given out at Arthur Ashe Stadium. For all students: If you receive a designation for GPA (cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude), this will be noted next to your name in the Commencement Program.
Ceremony
Each ceremony lasts approximately two hours and will include short addresses by distinguished speakers, the conferring of degrees, and the recessional.
The ceremony will begin promptly with the academic procession and the entry of candidates. Members of the official party will sit on stage; candidates and hooders will be seated on chairs in the audience facing the stage. Each graduate will be presented on stage, be hooded, cross the stage to receive a replica of your diploma from the chancellor, and return to his or her seat.
If you have a hooder, he or she will accompany you at all times. The stage party and faculty will lead the recessional, followed by the graduates. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will have one hour to take photos with their guests, faculty, and fellow colleagues outside in the plaza of the venue.
More specific instructions will be emailed to graduates approximately one month before the ceremony.
For friends and family who cannot attend, the commencement ceremonies will be live streamed, with a link to the stream posted on the commencement website the morning of the event. A recording of the ceremony will be posted on the commencement website following the event.
Diplomas
You will not receive your diploma the day of the ceremony. Once you have been cleared by the Office of the Registrar, you will receive your official diploma in the mail. Please understand that your completion and diploma dates and the date of commencement are independent of one another. Any questions concerning your completion date or diploma date should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
Diplomas will be sent by Federal Express once you have been cleared by the Office of the Registrar. The replica diploma that you receive on stage from the chancellor is designed to be used for photography purposes only.
Diploma frames and other SGU apparel are available for purchase online. There will be some items for sale the day of your ceremony. You may purchase SGU merchandise at sgu.promoshop.com.
Conduct
Commencement is a time to celebrate and enjoy your achievement. It is also a time to reflect on that achievement and to acknowledge the help and support provided by family, friends, faculty, and staff. You are asked to honor the spirit of this important occasion by conducting yourself in a manner that is respectful of your guests and the guests of others, of your fellow graduates, and of yourself. Thank you for your help in making this day meaningful for all.
Flowers and Merchandise
Flowers and some SGU merchandise will be available for purchase at commencement. No cash can be accepted. Diploma frames and other SGU apparel are available for purchase online.