Commencement Ceremony
Commencement is held each May at the end of the spring semester to honor the current Buffalo State graduating class. There is no summer or fall ceremony. Seniors should file a degree application through Self Service Banner in the anticipated term of degree completion. The Registrar posts deadlines and procedures.
The Academic Affairs Office sends commencement ceremony information to eligible participants, typically during spring recess, via Buffalo State student email and/or student permanent mailing addresses. It is possible that seniors who submit their degree applications after the posted deadlines may not receive commencement information and/or have their names listed in the ceremony program. The commencement website provides ceremony details, ticketing procedures, cap and gown information, a section for families, and related events.
Commencement celebrates the recent graduates and spring degree candidates for the current academic year. A student becomes a graduate when the Registrar completes a successful degree audit and awards the degree. Diplomas are not distributed at the commencement ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to permanent addresses up to six weeks following your final term of study. Students should be sure their local and permanent addresses are up to date to avoid delay in receiving commencement information or their diplomas. The change of address form is provided on the Registrar’s website.