Guests

Congratulations! Plan your visit to celebrate your graduate.

This is your graduate's big day and we cannot wait to celebrate with you!


As a guest of one of our Great Danes, we encourage you to:

  • Check with your graduate to verify what Commencement events, including their Stage Crossing time, they have registered for. View the Schedule of Events.
  • Be sure your graduate is meeting all deadlines to participate by reviewing the Graduate Checklist.
  • Spend time reviewing the Know Before You Go event details with your graduate and fellow guests before attending.

Then... get ready to celebrate!

Up to eight guests can accompany graduates to their ceremony and/or Stage Crossing. Due to capacity restraints, extra guests cannot be accommodated. 

  • No tickets are required or issued; rather, 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
  • Stage Crossing: your full party must arrive and check in together 
  • Ceremonies: guest seating is first-come, first-served

ALL Commencement events will be livestreamed on the Commencement website (links will be posted day-of) for those who cannot join in person. Use #UAlbanyGrad to join in on the fun and be seen on the screens at the in-person events!

 

International Guests:

UAlbany is proud that each year many family and friends travel from other countries to celebrate with their graduates at Commencement events. To assist in this process, the Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) has helpful information on what students can provide to their parents/guests to help establish the purpose of their visit. 

ISSS does not write invitation letters for family visiting the U.S. as they are not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny a visa. However, ISSS has compiled instructions to assist family and friends with applying for a tourist visa (B-2 visa), including a template letter students may use to invite family and friends.  

international