Campus update: While we've worked hard to preserve the possibility that students could return, the remainder of the spring semester will be conducted online. Staff will work remotely until at least April 20. See the Coronavirus / COVID-19 Updates page.

Commencement Schedule

2020

Rehearsal: Tuesday, May 26th

10:00 a.m. -- Student Line Up
2nd Floor Foundation Building, 7 East 7th Street

10:15 a.m. -- Rehearsal March

10:30 a.m. -- Commencement Rehearsal (MUST ATTEND IF MARCHING AT GRADUATION)
The Great Hall, 7 East 7th Street

1:00 p.m. -- Class of 2020 Pre-Commencement Senior Class Lunch
The Great Hall Gallery, Foundation Building, 7 East 7th Street

Ceremony: Wednesday, May 27th

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. -- Breakfast
Peter Cooper Triangle*

10:00 a.m. -- Student Line Up
2nd Floor Foundation Building, 7 East 7th Street

10:15 a.m. -- Commencement March

10:30 a.m. -- Commencement Ceremony
The Great Hall, 7 East 7th Street

12:30 - 3:00 p.m. -- Celebratory Lunch
Peter Cooper Triangle*

3:00 p.m. -- Return Robes
Residence Hall Lobby, 29 3rd Avenue

 

*A continental breakfast will be available prior to the Commencement ceremony, from 8:00a.m. to 9:00a.m., and a light lunch will be served immediately following the ceremony. Weather permitting, both meals will be held in the Peter Cooper Triangle. In the event of inclement weather, refreshments will be moved indoors and will be available in both The Foundation Building and 41 Cooper Square.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.