February 17
Undergraduate degree applications are due. Submit online via MyUAlbany. Students must submit applications by this deadline to guarantee that their name will appear in the program.
March 21
Last day for Ph.D. candidates to purchase custom regalia through the University Bookstore.
March 31
Graduate Degree applications are due. Submit online via MyUAlbany. Students must submit applications by this deadline to guarantee that their name will appear in the program.
April 9
Grad Fest in the Campus Center. Your opportunity to purchase regalia, diploma covers, class rings and other commencement items and to address all of your commencement needs. This is the first opportunity for undergraduates to purchase regalia from the University Bookstore.
April 21
Doctoral recipients must notify Joanne Baronner, in the Office of Graduate Studies, of plans to attend Commencement.
May 2
Last day to rent Ph.D. regalia through the University Bookstore.
May 17
University-wide Graduate ceremony begins promptly at 9am in the SEFCU Arena Torch Night 8:30pm on the Academic Podium.
Family Picnic from 1 to 4pm on the Academic Podium.
Torch Night 8:30pm on the Academic Podium. Fireworks display to follow.
May 18
University-wide Undergraduate ceremony begins promptly at 10am on the Science Library lawn.
May 21
Rental regalia must be returned to the University Bookstore.
Spring Commencement Weekend Information
Ceremonies Scheduled
I. University-wide Graduate Ceremony
Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. indoors at the SEFCU Arena.
Students should arrive 1 hour prior (8:00 a.m.) to the start time of the ceremony and report to the gym in the Physical Education building for assembly. Factor 10-15 minutes in to your arrival time to find parking and make your way to the building. Students will line up by school with the assistance of University staff and volunteers.
Each student’s name will be read and they will cross the stage to receive their certificate of participation. Your official diploma and final transcript will be mailed to you after final grades are recorded, approximately 6-8 weeks after commencement. Tickets are not required and there is no limit to the number of guests that may attend. This ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours.
II. University-wide Undergraduate Ceremony
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. outdoors on the Science Library lawn.
Students should arrive 1 hour prior (9:00 a.m.) to the start time of the ceremony and report to the gym in the Physical Education building for assembly. Factor 15 to 20 minutes in to your arrival time to find parking and make your way to the building. Students will line up by school with the assistance of University staff and volunteers.
Due to the size of the graduating class, individual student names will not be read nor will candidates cross the stage. They will be recognized and asked to stand by school. Their names will be read however in their Individual Recognition Ceremonies. Your official diploma and final transcript will be mailed to you after final grades are recorded, approximately 6-8 weeks after commencement. Tickets are not required and there is no limit to the number of guests that may attend. This ceremony will last approximately 1 hour and will take place Rain or Shine!
III. Individual Recognition Ceremonies
In addition to the two university-wide ceremonies, school and college individual recognition ceremonies will be held throughout the weekend. Though tickets are not required for the University-wide Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremonies, they may be required for some Individual Recognition Ceremonies. Please check with your individual school, college or department using the contact information provided on this site and in the printed brochure that will be mailed to all students who have filed degree applications by February 17.
Once the schedule of events is finalized, it will be posted on this site via the "Schedule of Events" link on the top left of this page. Questions regarding these Individual Recognition Ceremonies should be directed to the contact person listed with each event.
Students other than those who have filed degree applications for May 2008 must contact their individual departments should they wish to participate in the individual ceremony.
We hope you & your family enjoy this Commencement experience!
