FAQs | Commencement 2025

FAQs

Spotlight

Academic Dress

Attendance

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

Please confirm your attendance between 28 April and 15 May 2025 on 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 at the Commencement is optional. Those who do not attend the Commencement can still graduate according to the graduation dates on the Academic Calendar and collect their award certificate.

3. I have confirmed attendance at the Commencement on AIMS but now I want to make a change. How do I inform the university?

Please send your request to us between 28 April and 15 May 2025.

For graduates of Bachelor's and Associate Degrees - via asgrad@cityu.edu.hk
For graduates of Master's (Taught Postgraduate), Doctorate and Research Degrees - via SGS Online Enquiry Form

Any requests made after 15 May 2025 will normally not be accepted.

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 1-1.5 hour. If a graduate is late, he/she may miss the chance to go on stage at the ceremony.

6. I find that more than one session of College/School Commencement is offered by my academic unit. Can I opt to attend another or attend more than one session?

The College/School Commencement sessions are scheduled according to degree types and majors of study. Graduates must attend the appropriate session of the academic award only.

Tickets & Seating Arrangement

1. Can I get more than 2 guest tickets?

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

2. I have registered my father and mother as guests to attend the ceremony on AIMS. But my father is not available suddenly, can my brother attend the ceremony by presenting my father's e-Ticket?

The e-Ticket is non-transferable and admits the registered graduate or guest only. If the guest(s) to attend the ceremony are changed, please update the guest(s)’ information via AIMS at least 4 working days before the Commencement day.

3. Will graduates sit with their guests in the 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 the live broadcast venues at the same building (i.e., Lau Ming Wai Academic Building).

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

Yes, we can accommodate guests and graduates 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 age 12 should be always accompanied by an adult. Those who will occupy a seat are required to have an 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 to participate in the ceremony. 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?

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

3. Can I assign a representative to collect the academic dress on behalf of me?

Yes, graduate can authorize a person to pick up the academic dress on his/her behalf. He/she should register online in advance and inform the 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 not able to collect the academic dress at the supplier’s outlet in person or find a representative to do it for me. What should I do?

Graduates can request courier delivery service provided by SF Express while registering via the supplier's online system. Extra delivery surcharges will be levied 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.

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

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

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

The Supplier (Tick Your Gown Limited) accepts the rental fee and deposit in cash, PayMe, WeChat Pay and Alipay for collection in the outlet while accepts bank transfer and FPS for collection by delivery. 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 late fee is charged on a weekly basis. It will be charged for a 7-calendar-day period even if you return the academic dress one day later.

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 suggested to use public transport to commute to CityUHK on the days of Commencement.