2021 University Commencement and Diploma Ceremonies FAQs

What exactly happens at the virtual University Commencement ceremony?
On Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. ET, we invite graduates and their friends and family to join us virtually to watch Father McShane officially confer the degrees upon the Class of 2021. Each of the deans will present the graduates from their school or college as a group. Once the degrees have been conferred, Father McShane will address the graduating class. The ceremony will be available on our website: fordham.edu/commencement. You are welcome to share the link with as many people as you would like!

The video will be available for on-demand viewing immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony.

Will there be a guest speaker at the University Commencement ceremony?
Yes! Admiral Michelle Howard will deliver the Commencement address for the Class of 2021 at the virtual University Commencement ceremony on May 22.

When will I be recognized individually?
In addition to the University Commencement ceremony on May 22, each school and college will have a ceremony to individually recognize their students. The diploma ceremonies schedule is can be found on the Undergraduates webpage.

Will my degree be conferred on May 22?
Yes, if you are scheduled to graduate in May, your degree will officially be conferred on May 22, 2021. This date will be on both your transcript and diploma.

Is there a Baccalaureate Mass?
Yes, there will be a Baccalaureate Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed from the University Church on Sunday, May 16 at 5 p.m. eastern time and can be found on the Commencement website. All are welcome to join virtually!

I missed the cap and gown deadline. Can I still get a cap and gown?
Late distribution of caps and gowns will be offered to graduates who have in-person ceremonies. The distribution will take place at the Rose Hill campus on the 2nd floor of the McGinley Center and will open 90 minutes before each in-person ceremony. Only those students who are graduating that day may go to the distribution area. A $10.00 cash-only late fee will be collected.

If you have questions regarding your cap and gown order, please contact Steve Clarke from Herff Jones Inc. at [email protected] or 516-781-5928.

Do I need to return my cap and gown?
Bachelor’s and master’s candidates (except for the School of Law) are provided with “keeper gowns” and therefore do not need to return their cap and gown.

All doctoral candidates, along with master’s candidates from the School of Law, will be required to return their rented cap and gown. The dean’s offices will advise students on how and when to return their cap and gown. Herff Jones will provide a pre-paid address label for the return.

When will I receive my diploma?
All diplomas will be shipped to the address on file with Academic Records this year. We anticipate that graduates will receive their diplomas in the summer.

Fordham will also be offering a digital diploma to all graduates to complement the print diploma. The digital diploma can be verified as authentic through Fordham’s website and can be shared via social media or electronically with employers. May graduates will receive their digital diploma on May 22, after the degrees are officially conferred by Father McShane.

If you have specific questions about diplomas, please contact the Office of Academic Records at [email protected].

When and how can I request an official transcript?
The following information pertains to all students except those attending Fordham Law. Law students should visit the School of Law Registrar website for more information.

Fordham University now offers official electronic transcripts (eTranscripts) through the National Student Clearinghouse to students and alumni who attended the University after 1990. For more information and to order an official transcript, please visit the website for the Office of Academic Records.

If you have specific questions about transcripts, please contact the Office of Academic Records at [email protected].

Can I order Fordham graduation items?
Yes. The Fordham Bookstore will continue to accept orders for general merchandise and is shipping merchandise.

Official Fordham diploma frames may be ordered through the Fordham Bookstore, Framing Success, or Church Hill Classics.

Official graduation announcements may be ordered through Herff Jones. And official university rings may be ordered through Herff Jones or Jostens.

I have more questions!
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Commencement Office at [email protected] or 718-817-3010.

This FAQ page will be updated as more information is available.

Last updated: April 22, 2021