FAQs | College/School Commencement

FAQs

Spotlight

Academic Dress

Attendance Option

Attendance

1. How can I register my attendance at the Commencement?

Please confirm your attendance between 27 April and 14 May 2026 via AIMS (Student Services/Alumni Services >> Confirmation of Commencement Attendance).

2. If I choose not to attend the Commencement, will it affect my graduation status?

No, attendance is optional. Those who do not attend the Commencement will still graduate according to the graduation dates on the Academic Calendar and collect their award certificate.

3. I originally confirmed I would not attend the Commencement via AIMS but I have changed my mind. How do I inform the University?

If it is between the registration period (27 April - 14 May 2026), please email your request to us:

Bachelor's Degree: asgrad@cityu.edu.hk
Master's Degree: tpenquir@cityu.edu.hk
Research Degree and Professional Doctorate: sg@cityu.edu.hk

Please note that requests made after 14 May 2026 will normally not be accepted. Please write to ARRO or SGS for consideration if you have any special reasons.

4. If I missed the deadline of applying for attending the Commencement due to special reasons, do you accept late applications?

Late requests for attending the Commencement will normally not be accepted. Please write to ARRO or SGS if you have any special reasons.

5. I may arrive late. Can I still attend the session?

Each Commencement session lasts for about 1.5-2.5 hour. We strongly advise arriving on time. If a graduate arrives late, they may miss the opportunity to be presented on stage. The academic unit reserves the right to deny entry to graduates/guests arriving more than 30 minutes late.

6. My academic unit is offering more than one Commencement session. Can I choose to attend a different one, or attend more than one?

Commencement sessions are strictly scheduled according to degree types and majors of study. Graduates may attend only the specific session desingated for their academic award.

Tickets & Seating Arrangement

1. Can I get more than 2 guest tickets?

Each graduate may only obtain a maximum of 2 guest tickets. If you have special reasons for requesting additional tickets, please write to ARRO or SGS for consideration. However, such requests may not necessarily be approved.

2. I registered my parents as guests on AIMS, but my father is no longer available. Can my brother attend using my father’s e-Ticket?

e-Tickets are non-transferable and only admit the specifically registered guest. If you need to change your guest list, please update their information via AIMS at least 4 working days before your Commencement day.

3. Will graduates sit with their guests in the ceremonial hall?

No. Graduates in full academic regalia will be seated in a separate area for award presentation while registered guests will have free seating in a different area of the hall on a first-come-first-served basis. If the hall reaches full capacity, registered guests will be directed to designated live broadcast venues.

4. Are there any special arrangements for graduates/guests with accessibility needs (e.g. a wheelchair-user, a guide dog user)?

Yes, we are happy to accommodate graduates and guests with accessibility needs. Please indicate your request when confirming attendance via AIMS.

5. Will young children be admitted to the venue?

While there is no strict age restriction for admission, children under 12 must always be accompanied by an adult. Any child occupying a seat must have their own e-Ticket. As courtesy to the ceremony, any person who disturbs the event or other attendees will be asked to leave the venue.

Academic Dress

1. Do I have to get the academic dress for the ceremony?

Yes. Graduates must wear an academic dress dress that complies with the design specified here to participate in the ceremony. The bonnet/cap, gown and hood should NOT contain any decorations. Those who fail to comply with this requirement will NOT be presented on stage. Please follow the instructions and approach the approved service supplier for academic dress rental service.

2. I would like to buy my own set of academic dress. Where can I buy it?

Academic dress can be purchased at the outlets of the University's approved supplier. Please contact the Supplier (Tick Your Gown Limited) directly at +852 5166 3292 or www.tyg.hk@gmail.com.

3. Can I authorise a representative to collect the academic dress on my behalf?

Yes, you may authorise a person to pick up the academic dress on your behalf. You must register online in advance and inform your representative of the rental procedures. Please contact the Supplier (Tick Your Gown Limited) directly at +852 5166 3292 or www.tyg.hk@gmail.com for details if necessary.

4. I am unable to collect the academic dress in person or find a representative. What should I do?

You may request a courier delivery service (provided by SF Express) while registering via the Supplier's online system. Please note that extra delivery surcharges will apply, subject to the courier's policy on delivery to overseas addresses. Please contact the Supplier (Tick Your Gown Limited) directly at +852 5166 3292 or www.tyg.hk@gmail.com for detils if neccessary.

5. Can I buy an honour cord from the academic dress supplier?

No. Honour cords are NOT for sale. Only Bachelor's Degree graduates who are awarded First Class honour/ summa cum laude/ magna cum laude/ cum laude will receive an honour cord from the University.

6. Can I pay the rental fee and deposit by credit card or other electronic payment?

If collecting at the outlet, the Supplier (Tick Your Gown Limited) accepts cash, PayMe, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. If you are utiliszing the delivery service, they accept bank transfers and FPS. If you are utilising the delivery service, they accept bank transfers and FPS. For further details, please contact the Supplier directly at +852 5166 3292 or www.tyg.hk@gmail.com.

7. I returned the academic dress just one day later than the original return day. Am I only liable for the late fee for this extra day?

No. The Supplier charges late fees on a weekly basis. A full 7-calendar-day late fee will be applied even if the dress is returned only one day after the deadline.

Venue & Transportation

1. Is parking available on the Commencement days?

No. Parking areas are NOT open to the public during the Commencement period. Graduates and guests are advised to use public transport to reach CityUHK on the days of Commencement.