Commencement Policy & Eligibility

A bachelor's degree candidate is an undergraduate student who has in progress the courses necessary to complete his or her bachelor's degree and has an active bachelor's degree application on file. Seniors with a minimum 101 earned credits may apply for graduation through self-service Banner. The Registrar posts deadlines and instructions. The Registrar will notify you of any graduation deficiencies following a preliminary degree audit.

Bachelor's degree graduation terms eligible for commencement 2025*

• August 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• May 2025

*Only students who have graduated or are eligible to apply for their degrees in these terms may participate in the commencement ceremony.

International students with expiring visas or circumstances that may prohibit them from participating in their commencement ceremony should contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office for assistance, (716) 878-5331, Twin Rise South Wing 410.

Seniors who are not yet graduating: Seniors who have not achieved 101 earned credits (graded and recorded) and who wish to participate in the annual spring ceremonies may submit an Early Commencement Ceremony Participation Request form. The form will be open at the start of the spring semester. April 28 is the deadline for submitting an application. Seniors who anticipate they will complete all required coursework (up to 11 credits) and will graduate in summer 2025, may be considered for early participation. Juniors will not be considered (senior status is achieved at 90 earned credit hours).

Master's Degree, C.A.S., Graduate Certificate

A graduate candidate is a graduate student who has in progress the courses necessary to complete his or her degree or certificate requirements and has an active master's degree, certificate of advanced study, or graduate certificate graduation application on file by the appropriate deadline. You will be notified of any graduation deficiencies following a preliminary degree audit.

Graduation terms eligible for commencement 2025 for master's degree, certificate of advanced study, graduate certificate:*

• December 2024
• January 2025
• May 2025
• August 2025

*Only students who have completed or are eligible to complete their degrees and programs in these terms may participate in the commencement ceremony.

Master’s students who have not achieved 18 earned credits (graded and recorded) and who wish to participate in the annual spring ceremonies may contact the Registrar's Office, https://registrar.buffalostate.edu/ .