Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, applying for graduation in HUB signals to the university that you plan to graduate (i.e., receive your degree). A separate registration is required to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Yes, this is how we know that you are planning to graduate.

• Bachelor’s Degree Candidates If you did not submit that application via HUB by the February 22^nd deadline, please fill out this form ASAP: https://registrar.buffalo.edu/forms/graduation-update.php
• Master’s Degree Candidates: If you did not submit the application via HUB by February 22nd, please contact your department’s Graduate Academic Coordinator as soon as possible.
  
• Doctoral Degree Candidates should have completed the Application to Candidacy (ATC) initially and then the Amend ATC form if they need to change the conferral term. PhD students do not apply for graduation via HUB. Please contact your department’s Graduate Academic Coordinator if you do not have a graduation date set and you are planning to attend the 2024 commencement ceremony. https://grad.buffalo.edu/succeed/graduate/application-to-candidacy.html

No, participation in the in-person ceremony is optional.

No, all UB diplomas are mailed approximately six (6) weeks after the conferral of your degree. See the registrar’s website for more details.

There are two graduate ceremonies this year to accommodate the size of the graduating class. 

When you register to attend the ceremony, the registration system will automatically recognize which ceremony you should attend. You will not need to make any ceremony selections. 

• Undergraduate Ceremony, 5:00 p.m.: All BA/BS majors, including BS/MBA programs, are included in this ceremony

• Graduate Ceremony 1, 9:00 a.m.: 
  • Department of Computer Science and Engineering (MS, PhD)
    
  • Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ME Engineering Management; MS, PhD Industrial Engineering)
  • Department of Materials Design and Innovation (MS, PhD)
  • Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MS, PhD Aerospace Engineering; MS, PhD Mechanical Engineering)
    

• Graduate Ceremony 2, 1:00 p.m.: 
  • Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS, PhD)
  • Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (ME, MS, PhD Chemical Engineering)
  • Department of Civil Structural and Environmental Engineering (MS, PhD Civil Engineering; MS, PhD Environmental and Water Resources Engineering)
  • Department of Electrical Engineering (MS, PhD)
  • Interdisciplinary programs: Computational and Data Enables Sciences (PhD), Data Sciences and Applications (MPS), Engineering Science (MS), Sustainable Transportation and Logistics (MS)
    

• Undergraduate Ceremony: Students graduating Summer 2024 are officially a member of the Class of 2025. However, if you would prefer to participate in this year's ceremony instead, you can. After you have applied for August 2024 degree conferral you will be able to register for this year's ceremony. At the ceremony, your name will be announced when you cross the stage; however, your name will not be included in the printed program.
  

• Graduate Ceremony: Students graduating Summer 2024 are officially a degree candidate for next academic year (Class of 2025). Graduate students who have extenuating circumstances are handled on an individual basis. Permission of your major professor and/or department is needed for early participation (Summer 2024 graduates). Your name will be announced when you cross the stage; however, your name will not be included in the printed program. Please contact your department’s graduate academic coordinator to request participation.
  

No, the printed Commencement program for the official Class of 2024 and includes Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 conferrals.

Yes, the names of all students are read when they cross the stage.

Yes, all participants must be in full cap and gown.

We highly recommend you purchase official regalia through Jostens. In extenuating circumstances, you may use other items, but the colors and design must match the SEAS design and colors.

No, only students earning a baccalaureate degree OR combined BS/MS degree and who meet the qualifications for Latin Honors are eligible to purchase and wear the gold Latin Honors cord.

No, the only fee associated is the purchase of regalia if participating.

Guests of graduates are permitted at both ceremonies and must follow all university health and safety requirements.

There are no ticket requirements for the graduate ceremonies. Students who register for undergraduate commencement can access 5 tickets for the ceremony. More details are forthcoming regarding ticket distribution. 

UB does not provide invitation letters. International students who would like to invite their parents to celebrate their accomplishments should use the template on the ISS website.

Yes, please see this page for directions, parking and accessibility.

The ceremony will last approximately two hours

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