Commencement Updates

Commencement Updates

All direct email communications sent to graduates and candidates regarding Spring 2026 Commencement will be posted on this page.

January 26, 2026: Email to Commencement Candidates

Welcome back! We hope your semester is off to a great start. We are already looking forward to Commencement 2026! If you plan to participate, there are a few items to check off your list before you can attend.

SAVE THE DATE:
Find the full Commencement schedule on the Commencement website, so you and your family can start to make arrangements. Explore the rest of the Commencement website to stay up to date on all of the latest information.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY BY MARCH 13:
Current Spring Grads
If you are fulfilling degree requirements during the Spring 2026 semester, you must file your Application for Degree (located on BU Brain). After you complete this, find the card which says "Commencement Sign Up" on BU Brain and fill out the Intent to Participate form. Once you have filled out the form, you are signed up for Commencement — you should see a confirmation message with your ceremony date and time in place of the form notification on your portal.

Post-Spring Grads
If you are fulfilling degree requirements after Spring 2026, you must file a Commencement Petition instead of the Application for Degree, which can be found on BU Brain for undergraduates. (Masters/Doctoral graduates can find their Commencement Petition on the Commencement webpage.) This form will go to an advisor for review which can take up to 3-5 days. If approved — you will receive an email notification and the "Intent to Participate" form will be available for you to fill out. Once you have filled out the "Intent to Participate", you are signed up for Commencement — you should see a confirmation message with your ceremony date and time in place of the form notification on your portal.

Summer ‘25, Fall ‘25 and Winter ‘26* Grads
If you graduated prior to Spring 2026*, log on to BU Brain and find the card which says "Commencement Sign Up." Once you have filled out the "Intent to Participate", you are signed up for Commencement — you should see a confirmation message with your ceremony date and time in place of the form notification on your portal.

*Winter ‘26 Grads — if you do not see the "Commencement Sign Up card," your AFD may still be processing. Continue to check back. Email commence@binghamton.edu if you are still unable to sign up for Commencement by February 13, 2026.

ORDER YOUR CAP AND GOWN
Cap and Gown sales for Spring 2026 Commencement are now being accepted! Visit the cap and gown webpage for pricing, deadlines and to order your cap and gown. The deadline to order is April 13, 2026.

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON:
Ticket allotment per ceremony is based on space available in the Events Center or Anderson Center Osterhout Theater and how many students sign up for each ceremony. Commencement registration closes on March 13, 2026, at which point ticket quantities will be determined. You will be able to claim tickets for your guests beginning in March 2026.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO ATTEND GRADFEST ON MARCH 11:
GradFest 2026 will take place on March 11 in the UU-Mandela Room! Grad Fest Registration will be available in early February. This will be your one-stop Commencement shop! At Grad Fest, graduating seniors can obtain ceremony and ticket information, order your regalia, notify campus of family members needing accommodations, take a picture with Baxter and so much more! This is a great opportunity for you to join in the fun and have all of your questions answered and purchases and arrangements made. Don’t miss this chance to be ready for the big day!

CONSIDER BECOMING A STUDENT SPEAKER:
One of the highest distinctions a student can receive is to be selected as a student speaker for your Commencement ceremony. It is a chance to represent 91ÉçÇø and your school by giving an address that inspires, encourages and reflects the vision and hopes of the Class of 2026. Check out the Student Speaker webpage to find out how to apply to be a student speaker at your ceremony.

We look forward to seeing you at Commencement! If you have any questions along the way, contact commence@binghamton.edu.

— The Commencement Office