Dear Farmingdale Students & Community , 

On October 1st, 2024, Farmingdale State College issued an email stating that the Fall/Winter 2024 graduation commencement will now be held in May alongside the Spring/Summer 2025 graduates at Nassau Coliseum at 7 p.m. This decision was signed by the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Gregory O’Connor. This is an abrupt and inconsiderate change that does not consider the students.

This decision was unexpected and highly inconvenient for all students involved. Numerous students have shared their experiences, explaining how their families have purchased plane tickets, made arrangements, and invested money to watch their children, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends walk across the stage in December. The graduation ceremony is a day of immense pride and celebration for both students and their families, a day to acknowledge the hard work, determination, and perseverance it has taken to walk this educational journey. 

However, when Greg O'Connor and the commencement committee voted to cancel the December graduation just two months before the scheduled date, it seems no consideration was given to the time and money families had already invested. Nor was there any effort to survey or consult with students about how they felt regarding the opportunity to walk across the stage and celebrate their achievement. After speaking with numerous staff and students, we all share the same sentiment: this decision was poorly handled, with little regard for the students. Many students have expressed that they will not attend the May graduation, as by then, they will be 6-7 months into their new lives, possibly working outside of New York or, in the case of international students, they may have already returned to their home countries if they are unable to secure a job after graduation

This is a call to action for every student to unite and make our voices heard. The commencement committee, led by Greg O'Connor, failed to give the students—the heart of Farmingdale State College—the opportunity to share their perspectives. We urge every student to not only sign this petition but also visit the FSC homepage, scroll down the left-hand side, and click on the Student Concern Portal to express their concerns and frustrations with the college. Farmingdale State College prides itself on being student-centered, yet in this decision, not a single student's input was considered. The graduating class of 2024 needs the support of the entire Farmingdale community. Stand with us and let our voices be heard!