Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
  •  

    Virtual Commencement FAQs

 

  • < Back to Virtual Commencement Home


    Frequently Asked Questions about the CIA’s Virtual Commencement

    While it’s not possible for us to gather in person to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of our Spring 2020 graduating classes, we strongly believe that your achievements should be celebrated now. We have designed your commencement to give you a sense of how proud we are of each of you, and how much you mean to us.

  • Our first virtual graduation ceremony will take place June 13, at 5 p.m. ET, celebrating the achievements of our associate students whose graduation was originally slated for March 27.

    For bachelor’s students slated to graduate April 16, commencement exercises will take place June 13, at 7 p.m. ET.
    All graduating students will receive an e-mail with a Zoom link and instructions prior to the day of commencement. Families and friends will be able to view the live stream on the virtual commencement site, Facebook, and YouTube.
    The ceremonies will be archived and viewable on Facebook and YouTube at any time.
    We’re mailing a Mise en Place Care Package to your residence. This package includes your alumni jacket and cordon, or cap and gown, Alumni pin, honor stole (where appropriate), and a few fun items to help you celebrate. We hope you will wear these proudly during and after your ceremony.

    In order to ensure your care package arrives on time please complete the registration form with your correct mailing address by May 21.
    You’re not required to attend your commencement ceremony—but we hope you will—it wouldn’t be the same without you! You’ll also be able to watch the graduation via the virtual commencement site, Facebook, and YouTube. Recordings of the ceremonies will be archived on Facebook and YouTube.
    Yes! We know many of you have looked forward to participating in the ceremony of walking across the stage, and we want you to have that opportunity. The registrar’s office will be in touch with Spring 2020 candidates regarding options to participate in future ceremonies once our campuses reopen. Virtual commencement will not prevent students from walking in the future.
    You do not need to participate in commencement to receive your diploma and graduation attire. Those items will be mailed to you. The Registrar confers degrees once all requirements are met, and diplomas will be mailed approximately six weeks after your commencement date. Your graduation jacket and cordon or your cap and gown will arrive prior to your ceremony date. Please be sure we have your correct mailing address on file, by completing this form.
    You should be able to use any Internet connection, but a broadband or high-speed Internet connection is recommended for video viewing.
    Your student affairs team is here for you. If you have any questions regarding commencement, please send them to: studentaffairs@culinary.edu.