Commencement Checklist
1
Graduation and Commencement explained
- Graduation occurs upon approval of your completed degree requirements.
- Commencement is the ceremony celebrating your graduation with the current graduating class.
2
Eligibility
- Bachelor's and Master's students eligibility
- Graduation terms eligible for Commencement
- Only students who have completed or are eligible to complete their degrees and programs in these terms may participate in the commencement ceremony.
3
Apply for Graduation
- Steps to apply for graduation
- Verify you have earned the required credit hours in Degree Works
- International students
- Early Commencement Ceremony Participation Request Form for seniors who are not yet graduating
- Check application deadlines
- Late graduation applications - Contact Registrar's Office
- Steps for Students Who Wish to Graduate and Have Left Buffalo State
4
Commencement Confirmation
- Graduates who meet the Commencement Ceremony Eligibility Policy, which includes successfully completing the online degree application and/or approval of the Early Commencement Participation application, are invited to participate in Commencement
- To confirm your participation, graduates must pick up your graduation regalia and will receive 5 guest tickets
- Letters of invitation (to Commencement) will be mailed to eligible graduates' permanent addresses during spring recess, March 24–28, 2025