Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order my cap and gown?
You may order your cap and gown here.  If you have any questions about caps, gowns, or tickets, please email Eric Conley at eric.conley@cooper.edu. 

How many guest tickets do I receive? Where do I get them?
Each student may have up to three guests. Student will be given tickets when they pick up their cap and gown. Pickup location and dates TBD. Due to capacity limitations and in fairness to all students, this is a hard limit. If you are seeking additional tickets, we encourage you to ask your fellow graduates if they have any extra tickets they will not be using and are willing to give to you.

Will participants need to be tested for COVID-19?
Visitors must show security proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test by a third party (not home test) within three days of their visit to campus or a negative rapid test result taken by a third party (not home test) on the day of the visit to campus. 

When do I receive my diploma?
TBD

1. Cooper Union I.D. card required to pick up your diploma

2. You can only pick up your own diploma

3. If your diploma is not available for pick up, it’s because you have an outstanding obligation to the school. Your diploma will be released once the obligation is resolved. 

4. If you miss the diploma pick-up, please email The Cooper Union Registrar, registrar@cooper.edu, and provide an address to which the diploma can be mailed. This may take 2-3 weeks, so please be sure the address will be current for at least that long.

When is the commencement rehearsal?
Rehearsal will be the day before Commencement on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Specifics TBD.

When do the doors open for the ceremony?
The doors will open at approximately 10:00AM before the 10:30AM ceremony.

What if I or my guests need disability accommodation at the ceremony?                                            Anyone needing accommodations due to a disability or medical condition should email disability@cooper.edu with those details.

Will there be a commencement breakfast this year? TBD

Is the commencement ceremony webcast?
Yes, the ceremony will be streamed on Cooper Union's youtube channel.

How do I get to The Cooper Union?
You can find campus addresses and travel information here.

Where can I stay near The Cooper Union?
You can find a list of nearby accommodations here. Please note that graduation season is a very busy time for visitors to New York City. You are advised to reserve rooms as far in advance as possible.

Where can I park near The Cooper Union?
You can find a list of nearby parking here. Please note that graduation season is a very busy time for visitors to New York City. You are advised to reserve rooms as far in advance as possible.

How long is the Commencement ceremony?
The ceremony typically last 2.5 hours.

What happens if it rains?
The ceremony takes place rain or shine. There is currently scaffolding around the Foundation Building that offers protection from rain.

  • 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.