Commencement 2025
SUNY Buffalo State University's 153rd Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Sports Arena.
Viewing Options
In-Person (Sports Arena)
Tickets Required
- Bachelor's, Master’s, and Advanced Graduate Certificate candidates are provided five guest tickets for their ceremony when they register in the bookstore.
- The three ceremonies will be held in the Sports Arena.
- Guest tickets for general seating in the Sports Arena are required.
- The arena features a combination of stadium chair and bleacher seating.
- Barrier-free access and seating are available.
Tickets for Infants and Children
Infants and children are required to have a guest ticket for entrance into the Sports Arena. Families may want to consider the live stream viewing venue.
Live Stream Viewing Venue
Open Venue, Tickets Not Required
Live streaming of the ceremonies will be provided in the Social Hall, second floor of the Campbell Student Union.
This is an excellent option for guests without tickets, including those with small children. Seating is comfortable and the venue is air conditioned.
Following the ceremony, graduates can meet with their families and guests at the reception on the first floor of Campbell Student Union.
Remote Viewing
Streaming
Each ceremony will be accessible via live streaming on Commencement day for guests unable to come to campus. An archive of each ceremony is available shortly following Commencement, and ceremonies from 2007 onward are available to view on the Booklets and Streaming page.
Commencement Program
A printed program is distributed to graduates and guests at the ceremony. The program is available in PDF format following commencement.
Celebrate!
All graduates, families and guests, faculty and staff are invited to attend the reception.
No tickets are required. Our receptions feature a festive atmosphere and light refreshments. This is a wonderful opportunity for graduates to introduce their families to their professors and mentors.
Location: First floor, Campbell Student Union.
Reception Times: Receptions immediately follow each Commencement ceremony in the Student Union.
Commencement Protocols & Policies
Entering the Arena
In preparation for Commencement, it is important that our graduates, their family members and guests follow security protocols that will be in place on Commencement Day.
Commencement attendees should expect that gaining entrance into the Sports Arena may take a few extra minutes as you pass through security checkpoints. To expedite the screening process, please refrain from bringing bags (large or small) to Commencement.
Signage will direct you where to enter the arena.
Commencement Policies
- Eligibility for Invitation to Commencement
- Commencement Code of Responsibility for Grads and Guests
- Gold Honors Cord Eligibility
- Approved Honors Cords, Sashes, Accessories
What Guests Need to Know for Commencement
Arrive Early
- Guests are advised to arrive 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
- Prepare for heavy traffic in and around campus.
- University Police will be on hand to assist guests during the day.
- Please be sure to have your ticket for entry. Guests who need tickets should go to the ticket booth located outside the entrance of the Sports Arena.
- Guests who arrive late, at the time of the processional, will be directed to wait at the door until the processional has ended.
- Ushers will assist guests with seating at the ceremonies.
Parking and Accessibility
- Parking on campus will be free and ample on commencement day.
- Once on campus, signage will direct you to general parking, accessible parking, barrier-free entrance drop-off, and building entrances for guests, graduates, and barrier-free access.
- Guest parking for Commencement is available and recommended in parking lots (G-24, R-12, R-13) closest to the Sports Arena. View our campus map.
- Follow the Bengal Walk (pathway) to the Sports Arena.
Ceremonies
- Be sure to attend the correct ceremony of the candidate. See our ceremonies page
- Guests must stay seated until the Commencement ceremony is over.
Finding Your Graduate After the Ceremony
- Set-up a meeting place with your graduate.
- Receptions immediately follow each Commencement ceremony in the Student Union.
- Celebrate and have a great time!
Custom Graduation Gifts
Celebrate this milestone with a gift that will be treasured for years. Give it to a loved one or friend - or get one for yourself.
Choose from a variety of matted photographs designed with Buffalo State University and graduation year or personalized with the graduate’s name and degree.
For more information and to place your order: designandprint.buffalostate.edu/graduation-gifts