We look forward to you and your guests attending the 151st SUNY Buffalo State University Commencement ceremonies and reception on Saturday, May 20, 2023. There is no fee to participate. Guest tickets are required for entrance into the ceremony in the Sports Arena to accommodate as many guests per graduate as possible. Also, each graduate must present a graduate lineup ticket for the appropriate ceremony to be admitted into the Ice Arena for lineup. Candidates receive 5 guest tickets.
Commencement Kickoff
Ticket Distribution Starts Thursday, April 13, and runs through Friday, May 19.
Ceremony registration and guest ticket distribution begins Thursday, April 13, in the bookstore. Bring photo I.D. to register.
Candidates who are out of town and cannot make it to campus to receive their tickets prior to Commencement on May 20, please contact the Events Management Office.
See Tickets, below, for specifics.
Commencement Kickoff in the bookstore is a one-day, one-stop source for all your graduation needs. You can register for your ceremony, obtain guest tickets, purchase your cap and gown, order your college ring, enjoy a complimentary commencement cupcake (while supplies last), meet with the Career Development Center, Graduate Studies Office, take graduation photos with friends, and more.
Bookstore Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:30 a.m.‒4:30 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m.‒2:00 p.m.
Sat‒Sun: Closed.
Phone (716) 878-5509
Ticket distribution runs April 13 through May 19 at the Barnes and Noble at SUNY Buffalo State University Bookstore. Bring your photo I.D. to register for ceremony and receive 5 guest tickets.
9:00 A.M School of the Professions
Bachelor’s Master’s and Advanced Graduate Certificates
Reception Immediately Following in the Campbell Student Union
1:00 PM School of Education including Individualized and Multidisciplinary Studies
Bachelor’s Master’s and Advanced Graduate Certificates
Reception Immediately Following in the Campbell Student Union
5:00 PM School of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor’s Master’s and Advanced Graduate Certificates
Reception Immediately Following in the Campbell Student Union
Babies, Children Require Guest Tickets for Entry
Building capacity is based on individuals. All guests entering the Sports Arena* including babies and children must present a guest ticket, even if they will sit on adult laps. Please consider making alternate arrangements for youngsters, as they typically are unable to sit through the two-hour ceremony, especially after waiting for up to an hour in the stands prior to the start (doors open one hour before ceremony time).
*The Sports Arena is not an airconditioned venue.
See Viewing Options for guests without tickets, including live stream viewing in the Social Hall and online.
All grads and guests are invited to the receptions following their ceremonies. Tickets are not required for the receptions.
Buffalo State University makes every effort to include all degree candidates' names in the Commencement program. Those who apply for their degrees after the deadlines are not guaranteed listing in the program. However, every effort will be made as we work within prescribed deadlines.
