Graduate Hooding Ceremony

2026 Graduate Hooding Ceremony

Thursday, May 28, 2026

See below for specific ceremony times

All eligible Doctoral and Master’s degree candidates are invited to participate in the Graduate Hooding Ceremony, a special event honoring advanced‑degree graduates and their academic achievements. The ceremony provides an intimate opportunity for graduates, faculty, staff, family, and friends to witness the traditional hooding of graduate students.

Each graduate may reserve two guest tickets due to space limitations. The ceremony will also be live‑streamed on the John Jay YouTube channel for additional family and friends. This event is in addition to, not a replacement for, the main Commencement ceremony.

To accommodate guests, the Hooding Ceremony will be held in two separate sessions. Final timing and program details will be announced and are subject to change.

AM Ceremony (11:30am Start Time)

• Criminal Justice (including PhD and dual degree programs)
• Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
• International Crime and Justice
• Public Administration (including dual degree programs)
• Public Administration - Inspection and Oversight
• Public Administration - Public Policy and Administration

PM Ceremony (2:30pm Start Time)

• Economics
• Emergency Management
• Forensic Mental Health Counseling
• Forensic Science
• Forensic Psychology (including the dual degree programs)
• Human Rights
• Protection Management
• Security Management

How to Participate

1. Please register by May 5, 2026, through the Commencement Dashboard using your John Jay credentials (firstname.lastname@jjay.cuny.edu)
2. Order academic regalia (including hood) from Oak Hall Cap & Gown. Full academic attire is required. Deadline: April 27th. The same regalia will be worn again at Commencement.

History & Significance of a Graduate Hood

The origins of academic dress date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when universities were taking form. The hood that forms part of today's academic dress was originally a head covering for bad weather. Later it was dropped to the shoulders in the form of a small cape. Eventually, the hood became a separate piece of apparel bearing even more symbolism than the gown. Today, hoods are the most expressive component of the academic costume. They serve to communicate the owner's school, degree and field of study through their length and the colors of the lining and binding. Today's hoods have evolved from a serviceable article of clothing to a type of elongated scarf draped over the shoulders and displayed down the back with the lining turned inside out.

John Jay's master's degree graduates and candidates receive their hood because of the level of education they have pursued beyond the baccalaureate degree. John Jay College's colors are blue and gold, hence these colors on the hood. The velvet trim on the hood signifies the scholar's field.