Senior Programs
The Orientation and New Student Programs offer several events for seniors to take advantage of during the year. Follow @Hofstraorientation on Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming programs and information!
The How to Adult series offers workshops on practical life skills that will help you after graduation such as renting an apartment, health care, job benefits and retirement plans, and more! We will also host networking opportunities with recent alumni. More info coming soon!
Senior Class Toast (May 2025 and December 2025 graduates)
The Senior Class Toast is a chance to gather your family and raise a glass to the Class of 2025 alongside President Poser, faculty, staff, and of course, your fellow graduates.
Seniors graduating in May 2025 and December 2025 and their family members are cordially invited to Hofstra's Toast to the Class of 2025 on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Main Dining Room, Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus. Seniors should check their Hofstra email address for a unique RSVP link.
RSVPs Begin April 1, 2025
The program will consist of remarks from President Susan Poser; Senior Vice President for Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success Jessica Eads; student leaders; and members of GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade), followed by light hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast.
The preferred attire for this event is business casual.
A maximum of two (2) guests may accompany each student, due to space limitations. The deadline to RSVP is May 5, 2025.
Graduation Celebrations
Each year in May, Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion, Residential Life, and First-Generation Support and Engagement host cording celebrations for our graduating class.
Friends and family of our graduates are welcome to attend these celebrations and join us in recognizing our students.
Umoja Scholars LLC Celebration - Our Umoja Scholars LLC Celebration is a time to celebrate the accolades and achievements of our graduating students. All graduating students are welcome. Wednesday, May 7, at 12:45 p.m. in the University Club.
Lavender Graduates Celebration - Our Lavender Celebration was created to highlight the LGBTQIA+ community at Hofstra University. All graduating students are welcome. Thursday, May 15, at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Greenhouse.
First-Generation Graduates Celebration - Our First-Generation Graduation Celebration is a time to celebrate graduating first-generation students and their achievements. These programs recognize and celebrate the achievement of the members of each community, and all students are welcome to be a part of these celebrations. Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Multipurpose Room.
Graduates of Color Celebration - Our Graduates of Color Celebration was created to highlight the achievements of our graduating students. All graduating students are welcome. Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. in the Student Center Multipurpose Room.
Fraternity and Sorority Life Graduation Celebration - Wednesday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m. in HofUSA.
Steps to Graduation for Seniors
Congratulations, you’re almost a Hofstra graduate! You should receive necessary steps toward graduation several times through your Hofstra Pride email account. Please keep a close eye on your inbox so you don’t miss any information. In addition, here is a summary of steps toward graduation:
Apply for Graduation
Deadlines to apply for graduation are:
For Midyear (December) Graduation: Candidates must file by May 1. If the application is received after May 1, there is a $25 fee. If the application is received after October 1, there is a $50 fee.
For Spring (May) Graduation: Candidates must file by October 1. If the application is received after October 1, there is a $25 fee. If the application is received later than March 1, there is a $50 fee.
For August Graduation: Candidates must file by March 1. If the application is received after March 1, there is a $25 fee. If the application is received later than August 15, there is a $50 fee.
As you approach senior status (90 credits or more), make sure you are in contact with your advising dean about graduation requirements and when you intend to graduate. It is also good practice to routinely check your Degree Works audit, available through the Hofstra portal. The Center for University Advising is located in Room 101 Memorial Hall; their phone number is 516-463-6770.
Caps and Gowns, Announcements, Rings...
The Commencement Office sends several emails to graduating seniors about graduation fairs and commencements. At the graduation fair, students will have the opportunity to order their caps and gowns, and rings and announcements.
Senior Portraits
Undergraduate students graduating in December can have their senior portraits taken on the following dates:
Senior Portrait Dates and Times for Undergraduates Graduating in May 2025:
Dates: Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28, 2025
Location: David S. Mack Student Center, Room 141
Times: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sign up here
Dates: Monday, April 21 - Friday, April 25, 2025
Location: 208 and 209 Weller Hall*
Times: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*Note: This is the updated location as of 3/5/2025.
Sign up here
Eligible students will receive an email at their Pride email address with instructions on how to sign up for a session. Please note that there are NO other sessions after these dates so sign up accordingly.
Please be prepared to provide the photographer with your major. Don't forget that you can use these portraits for your professional networking and job search sites as well. There is a $15 sitting fee due at your appointment. The only method of accepted payment is credit/debit card. Cash is not accepted. It is important that you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. No walk-ins will be permitted.
Call 1-800-OUR-YEAR (1-800-687-9327) if you have any questions.
Flowers
The Commencement Group will be selling flowers at the ceremony, or you can order them online at https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/hofstra. These flowers will be available for pickup in the lobby of the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex prior to the commencement ceremony.
Rings and Diploma Frames
Information on class rings can be found at Balfour's page at www.balfour.com/hofstra.
Information regarding diploma frames, Alumni gear, and gifts can be found on the Hofstra bookstore website, www.Hofstra.bncollege.com. Class of '25 sweatshirt and T-shirts are also available at www.thecommencementgroup.com/hofstra.
Academic Attire Distribution
Academic attire and ticket distribution will take place on Wednesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the David S. Mack Physical Education Center (PEC) main gym. If you missed the deadline for ordering academic attire, there will be additional attire available during the scheduled academic attire and ticket distribution. If you are unable to pick up your academic attire during the scheduled distribution, your academic attire and tickets will be available for pickup one (1) hour prior to the commencement ceremony at the PEC, where all graduates will be lining up. Please check back during the spring semester for updated information.
Robing and Assembly
Instructions for robing and assembly will be given to you at academic attire distribution. Please arrive at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center one hour before the ceremony to be placed in the procession. You will be instructed to line up by school. Ushers will indicate how and when you are to proceed to your seat.
If you are a student who needs support or accommodations from Student Access Services (SAS), please contact SAS prior to the ceremony at 516-463-7075.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please visit the Hofstra Commencement website or contact the Commencement Office by calling 516-463-4346 or emailing graduation@hofstra.edu.
Commencement Dates
Information about the spring and midyear commencements can be obtained at hofstra.edu/commencement. Information can also be obtained by emailing the Commencement Office at graduation@hofstra.edu, or contacting them at 516-463-4346.