LI colleges offer travel guidelines for getting to graduation, final exams

Several Long Island colleges and universities are sending out information to students and their families on how to navigate getting to campus for graduation ceremonies and for some, final exams, during the strike:

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
In an advisory published by the Stony Brook University Emergency Operations Center, the university recommends graduates and attendees carpool to travel to commencement events set to start Monday, May 18.

“Because of the strike, we expect a 30-40% increase in vehicle traffic on campus,” the advisory reads.

During the strike, the university has lifted the parking permit requirement for Lot 40 on East Campus.

The advisory mentions MTA shuttles from Ronkonkoma and Huntington, but cautions travelers to “expect significant wait times.”

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

Hofstra University is scheduled to hold graduation ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students on Sunday, and law students on Monday evening.

The university “has encouraged all guests attending commencement ceremonies to consider alternative transportation options and allow extra travel time as increased road traffic is expected,” Hofstra University spokesperson Terry Coniglio said in a statement.

In a message published on the university’s website earlier this week, President Susan Poser advises those planning to travel to campus by LIRR “consider alternate transportation options, and plan for increased roadway traffic.”

“We recognize this is an important time on campus, with commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 17, and Monday, May 18, and end of year celebrations bringing together graduates, families, and guests,” the message reads.

Poser’s message also offers guidance about the MTA’s planned weekday shuttle bus service.

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE

As students, faculty and staff prepare for a week of final exams, Farmingdale State College is encouraging carpooling, according to an advisory posted on the school’s website.

The shuttle that normally runs from campus to the Farmingdale LIRR station will not be running.

The University Police will not issue parking tickets during the strike, according to the advisory.

“If you normally take the train, please plan ahead and explore alternate transportation options,” reads an Instagram post on the FSC account. “Suffolk County Transit and NICE buses service campus, and carpooling is encouraged.”

Commencement is scheduled for Friday, May 22, at the Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum.

"We are hopeful for a resolution before then,” said Chris Maio, vice president of marketing and communications, in an email. “In the event the strike is still underway, we will be in contact with students participating in our commencement exercises providing options for those that rely on the Long Island Rail Road for transportation to Nassau Coliseum.”

By Arielle Dollinger

arielle.dollinger@newsday.com@aridollinger

Arielle Dollinger joined Newsday as a staff reporter in 2022. Previously, she covered local and national news as a freelancer for The New York Times, Newsday and other outlets.