Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement FAQs

  • How do I sign up for Spring 2025 Commencement?

    If you are a summer '24, fall '24 or winter '25 graduate, you are eligble to walk in the Spring 2025 ceremonies. Registration will open in January 2025.

    If you graduated prior to Summer 2024 and are hoping to participating in the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, please send an email starting in January 2025 to commence@binghamton.edu. It is always our hope to allow past graduates to return for future ceremonies. However, we will not know if we will be able to allow this until the year of the ceremonies, as it depends on the number of participants that year. 

  • Does ý hold a Commencement Ceremony in December?
    ý does not hold a Fall commencement ceremony. All graduates from the entire academic year are invited to the Spring 2025 ceremonies.
  • Do I have to attend Commencement graduate?
    No, participation in Commencement does not determine whether or not a student actually graduates. All graduates have the option to attend Commencement. 
  • What if I have a class or exam during my scheduled ceremony?
    Contact your professor and discuss the conflict with them as soon as possible. If you need further options, reach out to the Commencement Office.
  • I already graduated, can I still walk in Spring 2025?

    If you are a summer '24, fall '24 or winter '25 graduate, you are eligble to walk in the Spring 2025 ceremonies. Registration will open in January 2025.

    If you graduated prior to Summer 2024 and are hoping to participating in the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, please send an email starting in January 2025 to commence@binghamton.edu. It is always our hope to allow past graduates to return for future ceremonies. However, we will not know if we will be able to allow this until the year of the ceremonies, as it depends on the number of participants that year. 

  • I am fulfilling my degree requirements after Commencement. Can I still participate?
    If you are graduating after Spring 2025, you must file a Commencement Petition when it opens in January 2025. This form will go to an advisor for review. If approved - you will receive a notification and the Intent to Participate form should be available to sign up for Commencement.
  • I don't seem to fit the criteria to submit my Application for Degree. What should I do?

    In order for the Application for Degree to be available to you, the following criteria must be met:

    • You must be registered for classes this semester.
    • You must have earned at least 104 credit hours.
    • You have not already completed the application for degree this semester.
    • You have successfully confirmed your enrollment for the current semester.

    For undergraduate students who do not meet these criteria, email degree@binghamton.edu to request an alternative Application for Degree.

  • When can I order my cap and gown?

    Cap and Gown pre-sales have not started yet for Commencement 2025. Visit the cap and gown webpage for additional information and updates.

  • When will tickets be available?

    Ticket allotment per ceremony is posted in March. Ticket quantities and link to claim tickets can be found on our ticket webpage.

  • When will I receive my diploma?

    You will receive your diploma in the mail, to the address ý has on file, six to eight weeks after the end of your final semester.

  • My family needs a Visa to attend Commencement. How do I obtain a letter of invitation?

    If your family needs to apply for a visa in order to attend the Commencement ceremony, you as the student can write a letter of invitation. Be sure to include:

    • Your name, the reason for living in the U.S. and current immigration status (likely F-1 or J-1)
    • The names of your family members who wish to visit, an explanation of the purpose of their visit and how long they expect to stay
    • A copy of your I20’s/DS-2019, if you feel comfortable doing so.

    If you require confirmation of Commencement dates on University Letterhead, visit the ISSS Forms webpage and find the “Invitation to Graduation” form under “Letters of Support.”

    If you still have questions regarding international guests, please contact International Student and Scholar Services at isss@binghamton.edu.

  • Will Commencement still happen if NYS has guidelines in place preventing mass gatherings?

    As always, our main priority is the health and safety of our students and their families. The occurrence of all Commencement activities will depend on NYS guidelines and number of COVID-19 cases on campus at the time of the event. Guests who are making travel and hotel arrangements are encouraged to make reservations that are refundable.

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