Students

Commencement 2024: Your Questions Answered

Posted
April 25, 2024
Pace graduate and family posing at Commencement

Accessing your GradPass, when to arrive, where to park, what to eat, and so much more. You've got questions and we've got answers. Get ready to walk, grads.

Accessing Your GradPass and Guest Tickets

We know there are a lot of questions about accessing your Grad Pass and transferring your tickets to your guests. We’ve created a special FAQ section with detailed instructions and information to help you get the info you need. We are still distributing tickets—if you registered late, keep checking your MarchingOrder account.

When To Arrive

Graduating students should plan to arrive one hour before their scheduled ceremony start time. Graduates and guests with ADA needs should plan to arrive 1.5–2 hours prior to their ceremony start time. Most students and families choose to attend both the Main Ceremony and their smaller school/college ceremony. 

How To Get In

When arriving at the venue, all guests must show either a printed ticket or present their ticket on a mobile device for entry into the USTA complex at the East Gate. If you have ADA parking or drop-off/pick-up passes, please enter through the West Gate.

Graduates must check in in the East Plaza, showing either their printed Grad Pass or presenting it on their mobile device.

Be sure to access your Grad Pass and guest tickets via MarchingOrder in advance to print or screenshot to show on a mobile device. We recommend forwarding guest tickets to your guests for them to print or screenshot to show on a mobile device. For more information about accessing your Grad Pass and/or guest tickets, visit our special FAQ section

If you or your guest(s) do not have a mobile device or printed ticket, you will still be able to enter. Speak to Pace University staff upon arrival.

What To Wear

Dress to the nines and make sure to bring your cap and gown! If you're feeling extra flashy, wear it to the venue. No idea how to put it on? We got you. Pace staff will be onsite to help grads robe up.

Real talk: The venue is BIG. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so consider comfy shoes or at least a pair to change into.

Transportation

Subway: The 7 train provides service from Grand Central Terminal to Mets-Willets Point Station, including connections for all Metro-North Trains from Westchester and Connecticut. Service is also available from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Long Island Railroad: LIRR provides easy service to Mets-Willets Point Station from Woodside, and convenient connections from Penn Station for New Jersey Transit customers. For guests with disabilities, get off the LIRR train at 61st Street-Woodside Station and transfer to the 7 train. Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point Station.

Parking

Event parking is at Citi Field, located next to the USTA complex. USTA recommends using Grand Central Parkway exit 9E or Whitestone Expressway Exit 13D for the shortest route to available parking lots.

Upon arrival, lot attendants will direct you to the appropriate area.

There is a charge for parking and cash is not accepted.

Accessibility

Some of our grads and their guests may have questions regarding ADA and accessibility. We’ve created a special FAQ section with detailed instructions and information to help you get the info you need.

Food and Drink

The USTA's Grounds and Food Village will be open from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; cash is not accepted.

Bottle re-filling stations are available throughout the USTA complex. Bring your refillable bottles to stay hydrated!

Rain Plan

Commencement takes place rain or shine. Both Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums will be covered in the event of inclement weather, so grads and their guests can stay dry. Check the weather closer to the event date and bring an umbrella in case of rain.

Still don't have the info you need? Visit the Commencement website.

 

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Announcements and Statements

On Monday, May 20, the Class of 2024 will celebrate with some amazing guests who will impart their wisdom to the departing graduates. Among the honorees are a Broadway powerhouse, a family who turned a heartbreaking loss into hope for children, a renowned judge, the former president of one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, and a physician leading the way in AI-powered medicine.