Graduation Info

What graduates need to know:

GO TO MAIN GRADUATION PAGE

  • Arrive at the Convention Center no later than 3 p.m.; doors will open at 2:30 p.m. Please allow plenty of time to travel and park your vehicle. Parking is available in any of the City of Poughkeepsie municipal lots and at metered parking spaces. Please check signage for parking terms and fees. Parking for people with disabilities is not available on site. Those with a handicap placard/plate may drop off in front of the MJN Center, then park elsewhere. 
  • Give your family/guests the 4 tickets prior to your arrival at the Convention Center. Please note: when the graduation procession begins, guests will have to wait to enter the Convention Center until all students and faculty have been seated. Please be on time.
  • Bag checks: Graduates will not be allowed to bring large bags, large purses and backpacks inside the Convention Center; graduates will be asked to leave these home or in vehicles. Small purses will be permitted after they have been checked.
  • The Convention Center will not be locked during the ceremony; therefore, we encourage you to leave your valuables at home or with a family member.
  • Please plan to get dressed in your cap and gown after you enter the Convention Center.
  • Don’t forget to bring your Line of March card!
  • PROCESSION: Graduates will be directed to their seats by the student marshals. Graduates should fill the seats row by row leaving no empty seats between them. Please remain standing until you are asked to take your seat.
  • CONFERRAL OF DEGREES: You will be asked to stand, one row at a time, exit to your right, and ascend the stairway to the right of stage.
  • Hand the Line of March Card to the announcer. After your name is announced, proceed across the stage to shake hands with Dr. Jordan and receive your diploma jacket. (The diploma itself is not given out at graduation; it will be mailed to your home.)
  • You will then continue across the stage, descend the stairs (opposite the stairs you came up), have your picture taken and return to your original seat. Staying for the entire ceremony is required.
  • Alumni Association - You are now a member of a large number of area residents who have graduated from Dutchess Community College.
  • Graduation Photos - GradImages will be at the ceremony taking photographs of students as their degree is being conferred. Family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony. Please be respectful of others. The photos can be accessed at www.gradimages.com. In order to maintain safety in the aisles and exits, access to and near the stage is restricted.

Information for Guests

  • Bag checks: For the comfort and safety of our graduates and their guests, bags, backpacks, purses and diaper bags will be permitted inside the Convention Center after they have been checked.
  • The doors to the Convention Center will open at 2:30 p.m.
  • Every person, including young children and babies, are required to have a ticket to enter the Convention Center.
  • Due to fire safety regulations, strollers are not permitted in the Convention Center.
  • In order to maintain safety, standing in the aisles will be strictly prohibited. But you will have the opportunity to get a beautiful photo of your special moment from Grad Images, the official graduation photographer. A photo proof will be sent to the email address listed on the back of your graduate’s Line of March card or at GradImages.com.