Commencement 2026

Commencement 2026

Graduation is a major milestone, and we at SUNY Erie are working to make Commencement a special occasion for our students and their families and friends. Commencement will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the SUNY Buffalo State Sports Arena, located in Buffalo.

Buffalo State Sports Arena
267 Rees Street
Buffalo, NY 14213

All candidates graduating in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 will be invited to participate in the 2026 Commencement Ceremony. To participate in Commencement, students must submit an Intent to Graduate form to confirm that they have met all the degree requirements to receive their degree.

What's the difference between commencement and graduation?

Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree.

Graduates are encouraged to register in advance to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

APPLY FOR COMMENCEMENT

Apply for Graduation and Commencement
1. Follow the instructions found here: https://www.ecc.edu/graduate/index.html
2. Clear up any possible holds with SUNY Erie, such as parking tickets, outstanding balances, etc.
Ticket Information
Graduates are given X tickets each. Tickets can be picked up at (x) or (x). Extra tickets....
Day of Information
1. Graduates should wear their caps and gowns to the arena. (Other dress code things here)
2. Graduates should be at Buffalo State by (X), you will be lined up and fill out the form needed for your professional photos during this time.
Ceremony Info
Outline of the ceremony, encourage students to stay in their seats for the whole thing
Parking Information
1. Parking on campus will be free and ample on commencement day.
2. Once on campus, signage will direct you to general parking, accessible parking, barrier-free entrance drop-off, and building entrances for guests, graduates, and barrier-free access.
3. Guest parking for Commencement is available and recommended in parking lots (G-24, R-12, R-13) closest to the Sports Arena.
4. Follow the Bengal Walk (pathway) to the Sports Arena.
Accessibility Accommodations
Accessible seating and entrances are available at the arena. Please reach out to (x) with any questions about specific accommodations.
Electronic Program Info
Physical programs will be handed out on the day of commencement. A link to the electronic program will be made available closer to Commencement.
Photos
(name of Photographer Company) will photograph graduates as they receive their diploma covers on stage from the President. About a week after the ceremony, you will receive information on purchasing photos through their website.
Video and Livestream Info
Commencement will be livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.
Diploma
1. Your diploma will be mailed to you during the summer. Once you receive your diploma, you can place it inside the diploma holder provided to you when you walked across the stage during Commencement.
2. Review your permanent home address in Workday to ensure your diploma is mailed to the correct address

1. Parking Information
  1. Parking on campus will be free and ample on commencement day.
  2. Once on campus, signage will direct you to general parking, accessible parking, barrier-free entrance drop-off, and building entrances for guests, graduates, and barrier-free access.
  3. Guest parking for Commencement is available and recommended in parking lots (G-24, R-12, R-13) closest to the Sports Arena.
  4. Follow the Bengal Walk (pathway) to the Sports Arena.
2. Accessibility Accommodations
  Accessible seating and entrances are available at the arena. Please reach out to (x) with any questions about specific accommodations.
3. Ticket Information
  Graduates are given X tickets each. A ticket is required to enter the commencement ceremony.
4. Electronic Program Info
  Physical programs will be handed out the day of commencement. A link to the electronic program will be made available closer to Commencement.
5. Photos
  1. Photos are permitted throughout the ceremony if the view of others is not obstructed, and aisles are clear.
  2. Professionals will photograph graduates as they receive their diploma covers on stage from the President. About a week after the ceremony, graduates will receive information on purchasing photos through their website.
6. Video and Livestream Info
  Commencement will be livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.