Graduate Checklist
Congratulations – you’ve made it to Commencement! All graduates must complete Steps 1 – 4.
Step 1: Apply for GRADUATION
Deadline: February 13, 2026
If you plan to complete your degree requirements in Spring 2026, you must submit a Degree Application by February 13, 2026.
This step ensures you receive the registration email to participate in Commencement, your name appears in the online Commencement program, and your diploma is mailed to you.
Already completed your degree?
If you completed your degree in Summer 2025, Fall 2025 or Winter 2026, you are already eligible to participate and will receive the registration email to participate in Commencement.
Skip to Step 2 — no action required.
Want to participate but finishing after May 2026?
Submit a Petition to Participate by March 13
Undergraduate & Graduate students
- Must have no more than two classes (8 credits) remaining
- Approval based on eligibility and available space
Doctoral candidates
- Not eligible
Graduated before May 2025 but missed your ceremony?
Submit a Petition to Participate by March 13
Questions about degree requirements?
Visit the Registrar's Office's Degree Application website for:
- Graduation status
- Name/address changes
- Live chat and email support
OR
Contact:
- Undergraduate: [email protected]
- Graduate/Doctoral: [email protected]
Step 2: Obtain REGALIA
Required for all Commencement events
Undergraduate and Graduate students can purchase regalia:
- Online (ship-to-home) via AcaDamien’s Website: March 9 - April 11
- In-store (AcaDamien’s Bookstore): April 1 – April 29
Doctoral regalia must be rented or purchased online through AcaDamien’s Website:
- Purchase: February 1 - March 12
- Rental: February 23 - April 6
OPTIONAL:
Graduation Portrait Photos
April 1–3, 2026 in the Campus Center
- Pre-registration required (first-come, first-served)
- $10 session fee (redeemable toward portrait purchase)
Available through AcaDamien’s:
- Diploma frames
- Class rings
- Announcements
- Honors Medallions (Note: undergraduates who have met the eligibility criteria for an Honors Medallion are notified by the Office of Undergraduate Education email in mid-April)
Step 3: Register to ATTEND Commencement
Deadline: April 13
All Graduates:
- Check your @albany.edu email in early April
- Use your unique registration link to indicate attendance at your stage crossing and/or ceremony
- Registration is required to participate in all Commencement events
Arrival windows for Stage Crossings are first-come, first-served — register early!
Doctoral Candidates Only
Notify your faculty advisor of your participation and selected 15-minute arrival window so that they can join you on stage for your hooding.
OPTIONAL: Torch Reception
Celebrate with family, friends, faculty, alumni and university leadership around the iconic fountain on Friday, May 15 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Open to undergraduates and graduates (gratis) and guests (modest fee)
Registration required. Details will be emailed in April.
STEP 4: Invite Your Guests and Review Event Details Together
Get ready to celebrate!
Graduates may bring up to eight guests to each event; due to capacity restraints, extra guests cannot be accommodated.
- No tickets required or issued; guest counts will be checked upon entry
- Children two years and older count as guests
- Current UAlbany students (not including the graduate) count as guests
- Doctoral: hooding faculty do not count as guests
Important Notes
- Your full party must arrive together for Stage Crossings
- Guest seating is first-come, first-served for the degree conferral ceremonies
- ALL events will be livestreamed on the Commencement website for those who cannot join in person
- Review the Know Before You Go page together for information regarding parking and shuttles, accessibility and accommodations, event policies, what to bring and wear, etc.