Graduates
Congratulations – you’ve made it to Commencement! All graduates must complete Steps 1 – 5.
Schedule at a Glance
Undergraduate Stage Crossings: Thursday May 9 and Friday May 10
Baccalaureate Torch Reception: Friday May 10
Undergraduate Ceremony: Saturday May 11
Doctoral Stage Crossing and Hooding Celebration: Saturday May 11
Master’s and Certificate Stage Crossing: Sunday May 12
Planning Checklist
STEP 1: Apply for GRADUATION by February 16
Action Item | Deadline |
If you plan to fulfill your degree requirements in May 2024, you must Log in to submit your Degree Application. | February 16 This deadline must be met to receive your diploma in the mail and have your name listed in the online Commencement program. |
If you already completed your degree in Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Winter 2024, you are already eligible to participate; skip to Step 2.
| N/A. Your name will automatically be included in the online Commencement program. |
If you will not complete your degree requirements by May 2024 but wish to participate this year: Undergraduate and Graduate: Submit your Petition to Walk Early request by April 1. To qualify, you must have no more than 2 classes (8 credits) remaining. Approvals will be based on qualifications and available space. Doctoral: You are not eligible to participate early. | Undergraduate and Graduate: April 1. Doctoral: N/A. Doctoral candidates cannot walk early. |
Questions about degree requirements?
Undergraduate: [email protected]
Graduate/Doctoral: [email protected]
Visit the Registrar's Office's Degree Application website for further details including information about changing your name or address and how to view your graduation status online.
planning-checklist
STEP 2: Obtain REGALIA, which is required to participate in all Commencement events.
Action Item | Deadline |
Proper academic regalia is required to participate in Commencement activities. Undergraduates and Graduates can purchase regalia:
Eligible undergraduates may also opt to purchase an honors medallion through AcaDamien’s. The Office of Undergraduate Education will send an email in mid-April to students who have met the eligibility criteria for Latin Honors. Doctoral regalia must be rented or purchased through the AcaDamien’s website. | Undergraduate/Graduate: April 12 (online ship-to-home) Doctoral: March 7 (purchase deadline) |
Other optional items are also available through the bookstore, including diploma frames, class rings, and announcements.
OPTIONAL: Graduation/headshot Portrait Photos.
Portrait photos are optional but a great idea for gifts or your professional portfolio.
Appointments are available in the Campus Center from April 1 – 3 on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly! Pre-registration is required, and the $10 session fee is redeemable toward any portrait purchase.
STEP 3: Register to ATTEND Commencement event(s) by April 13.
Action Item | Deadline |
All Graduates: Doctoral only: | April 13 The registration form must be completed by April 13 to participate. Register early, as arrival windows for the Stage Crossings are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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OPTIONAL: Baccalaureate Torch Reception.
Open to all undergraduate (gratis) and their guests (paid), attendance is optional but encouraged!
Celebrate your academic achievements as you join the ranks of our Great Dane alumni family. Mingle with fellow graduates, families and friends, University and Alumni Association leadership, faculty, staff, and alumni while enjoying appetizers and beverages around the iconic fountain.
Pre-Registration is required by May 10, 2024. Guests, six-years of age and older, are $24 per person. We are unable to issue refunds after May 3, 2024. Email invitations, with the registration link, are sent to eligible undergraduates in April.
STEP 4: Invite guests based on the following information:
Graduates may bring up to eight guests.
Tickets will not be issued for graduates or guests.
- Children 2 years and older count as a guest.
- Current UAlbany students count as a guest.
- Hooding faculty member(s) do not count as a guest.
- We cannot accommodate extra guest requests due to capacity limits.
- Stage Crossing: your full party must be with you when you arrive at check-in.
- Undergraduate Ceremony: guest seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All Commencement events will be livestreamed on the Commencement website for anyone who cannot attend.
STEP 5: Review event details with your guests before Commencement!
Prior to the event, review the Know Before You Go page for important information on parking, shuttles, student and guest policies, special accommodations, and more. We encourage you to share and discuss relevant info with your guests in advance of the events.
Diplomas
Diplomas and certificates are printed after Commencement and the official degree conferral date, and after the Registrar's Office has completed their final review. They are mailed to the permanent address you have on record with UAlbany at the time of graduation, unless you’ve designated a different address, and only if you have resolved all associated holds. The vendor printing your diploma or certificate will notify you via your UAlbany email address when the document has been mailed.