Congratulations, Class of 2026!

The UAlbany community looks forward to celebrating this significant milestone alongside you.

Graduates from summer and fall 2025, winter 2026 and those expecting to complete their degree in spring 2026, including our online learners, are invited to participate.
 

For those unable to join us in person, all events will be livestreamed, and we encourage you to participate via our social media channels. #UAlbanyGrad

Stay in the know! All official communications will be sent to your @albany.edu email address.


View the full Commencement schedule

UAlbany’s Commencement events are rich in tradition yet unique and innovative, particularly in how and when graduates cross the stage. New in 2026, ALL graduates have three opportunities to celebrate, and can choose to attend one, two, or all three of the following events:

A student celebrating at stage crossing.

School/College Stage Crossing and Celebration

A unique walking experience where graduates and up to eight guests arrive together in 15-minute windows, journey together through themed areas, share an intimate stage crossing as graduates’ names are announced before family, friends, and faculty, and create lasting memories with custom photo scenery.

Students at Commencement listening to the University President at the podium.

University-wide Degree Conferral Ceremonies

A formal ceremony offering an unmatched atmosphere of energy and excitement, featuring traditional pomp and circumstance, academic pageantry, and official remarks. Graduates are seated by school/college and recognized collectively as degrees are officially conferred, while guests (up to eight) cheer from designated seating.

New this year – a Graduate ceremony for Master’s, Certificate, and Doctoral graduates!

UAlbany Ceremonial Torch lit in the evening

Torch Reception

Hosted by the Alumni Association, this reception celebrates our Great Danes’ academic achievements and welcomes them into the alumni family. There is no cost for graduates, while guests are invited to attend for a modest fee, and all enjoy refreshments and a celebratory toast together beside our iconic main fountain.


Review the schedule below to determine which event/s apply to you based on your degree earned. 
Use this key-word search to look up degree programs if you are uncertain which academic school and department your area of study is located. 

 


Thursday, May 14, 2026

Undergraduate Stage Crossings

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Broadview Center, Uptown Campus

schedule
Thursday Undergraduate Stage Crossing Schedule
Thursday Undergraduate Stage Crossing Schedule

Graduates will register for a 15-minute arrival window and arrive/stay together with their guests (a maximum of eight) for the entirety of the event.

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | College of Arts & Sciences: Group A

  • Art and Art History 9 - 10 a.m.
  • Interdisciplinary Studies 9 - 10 a.m.
  • Languages, Literatures and Cultures 9 - 10 a.m.
  • Music and Theatre 9 - 10 a.m.
  • Philosophy 9 - 10 a.m.
  • English 10 - 11 a.m.
  • History 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Sociology 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
  • Anthropology 2:30 - 6 p.m.

10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | College of Arts & Sciences: Group B

  • Communication 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Africana and Latin American, Caribbean & U.S. Latino Studies 12:30 - 1 p.m.
  • East Asian Studies 12:30 - 1 p.m.
  • Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies 12:30 - 1 p.m.
  • Psychology 1 - 5:30 p.m.

10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | College of Arts & Sciences: Group C

  • Biological Sciences 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Economics 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Chemistry 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Geography, Planning, and Sustainability 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Mathematics & Statistics 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Physics 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Friday, May 15, 2026

Undergraduate Stage Crossings

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Broadview Center, Uptown Campus

Friday Undergraduate Stage Crossing Schedule
Friday Undergraduate Stage Crossing Schedule

Graduates will register for a 15-minute arrival window and arrive/stay together with their guests (a maximum of eight) for the entirety of the event.

9 - 11:30 a.m. | College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Rockefeller College

  • Criminal Justice 9 - 11 a.m.
  • Public Administration & Policy 11 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Political Science 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Massry School of Business

12:30 – 6 p.m. | College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity

  • Cybersecurity 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Emergency Management & Homeland Security 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
  • Information Sciences & Technology 4:30 - 6 p.m.

2 - 4:30 p.m. | School of Education

4:30 – 6 p.m. | College of Integrated Health Sciences

Torch Reception

7:30 – 9 p.m.


Saturday, May 16, 2026

University-wide Undergraduate Ceremony 
(Bachelor’s)

10 a.m.
Entry Plaza Lawn, rain or shine

University-wide Graduate Ceremony - New this year!
(Master’s/Certificate and Doctoral)

2:30 p.m.
Entry Plaza Lawn, rain or shine

 

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Doctoral Stage Crossing & Hooding Celebration

9 - 10:30 a.m.
Broadview Center, Uptown Campus

Doctoral Stage Crossing Schedule
Doctoral Stage Crossing Schedule

Graduates will register for a 15-minute arrival window and arrive/stay together with their guests (a maximum of eight) for the entirety of the event.

  • College of Arts & Sciences 9 - 10:30 a.m.
  • School of Education 9 - 9:30 a.m.
  • College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity 9:30 - 10 a.m.
  • College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering 9:30 - 10 a.m.
  • Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  • College of Integrated Health Sciences 10 - 10:30 a.m.

Master’s/Certificate Stage Crossings

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Broadview Center, Uptown Campus

Master's/Certificate Stage Crossing Schedule
Master's/Certificate Stage Crossing Schedule

Graduates will register for a 15-minute arrival window and arrive/stay together with their guests (a maximum of eight) for the entirety of the event.

10 - 11:30 a.m. | Rockefeller College

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Massry School of Business

  • Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Accounting 12 - 1 p.m.
  • Business Administration 1 - 2 p.m.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering

12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | College of Arts & Sciences

2 – 5:30 p.m. | School of Education

  • Educational Counseling and Psychology 2 - 3 p.m.
  • Literacy Teaching and Learning 3 - 4 p.m.
  • Educational Policy & Leadership 4 - 4:30 p.m.
  • Educational Theory and Practice 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

3 – 6 p.m. | College of Integrated Health Sciences

  • Public Health 3 - 4:30 p.m.
  • Social Welfare 4:30 - 6 p.m.

4:30 - 6 p.m. | College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity

Support Your Class Gift

An annual tradition led by UAlbany’s Student Philanthropy Council, the Class Gift is a way for UAlbany students, parents and families to give back to the University. Donate now!

Future Commencement Dates

Thursday, May 13, to Sunday, May 16, 2027
Thursday, May 11, to Sunday, May 14, 2028
Thursday, May 10, to Sunday, May 13, 2029
Thursday, May 16, to Sunday, May 19, 2030

Note: These dates are subject to change at any time by official action of the University at Albany.