Please contact Events Management with any questions about Commencement volunteering.
Thank you to the many faculty and staff who volunteer each year to usher on Commencement day, a celebration of student accomplishment and an occasion in which every member of the Buffalo State community takes great pride.
MANY volunteers are needed to usher guests into the arena, assist with handicapped seating, assist with the graduate lineup and processional, assist in the Robing Room, distribute programs, take tickets, etc. Your participation as a volunteer in one or more ceremonies is important, providing for a smooth run to the day and an enjoyable atmosphere for our graduates and guests,
Rehearsal for volunteers is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2019, 3-4 p.m. in the Sports Arena (see map). The volunteer's role on Commencement day is to assist graduates and their guests. Specific instructions and assignments will be given during the rehearsal.
See Rehearsal Schedule.
Volunteers often inquire as to what to wear on Commencement day. Please use the following guidelines, and thank you for dressing with decorum and following the dress code.
Dress Pants, Dress Shirts, Dress Shoes*
Coat and tie are appropriate, though not necessary.
Jeans are inappropriate.
Dresses, Dress Pants, Dress Shirts, Dress Shoes*
Formal pant suits or business suits are appropriate, though not necessary.
No tank tops, spaghetti straps, or halter tops. Jeans are inappropriate.
*Shoes should be comfortable, however, no sneakers, sandals, or open-toed casual shoes.
The volunteer registration table will be located on the upper floor of the Ice Arena overlooking the graduate lineup area. (See sports complex layout.)
Volunteer ushers and graduate lineup ushers, please report at the following times:
►9 a.m. Bachelor's ceremony
Report no later than 7:30 a.m. (Doors for guests open at 8 a.m.)
► 1 p.m. Bachelor's Ceremony
Report no later than 11:30 p.m. (Doors for guests open at 12 p.m.)
►5 p.m. Master's/C.A.S. Ceremony
Report no later than 3:30 p.m. (Doors open for guests at 4:00 p.m.)
Please be sure to sign in and pick up your name tag and arena map at the volunteer registration table on the upper floor of the Ice Arena. Sign in for EACH ceremony you usher.
Light hospitality will be available throughout the day for your convenience.
