Commencement FAQs
Below you'll find answers to the most common questions asked regarding Binghamton University's Commencement.
Where will Binghamton's 2027 Commencement take place?
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's 2027 Commencement will be held on campus with ceremonies at the Events Center and the Anderson Center. Visit /commencement/schedule.html for the full schedule.
How do I sign up for Spring 2027 Commencement?
If you graduate in Summer '26, Fall, '26, Winter '27, or Spring 2027, you are eligible to walk in the Spring 2027 ceremonies. Instructions to sign up can be found on our Commencement student webpage beginning in January 2027.
If you graduated prior to Summer 2026 and are hoping to participate in the Spring 2027 Commencement ceremonies, please send an email between by February 2027 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.
What can I expect on the day of the Commencement ceremony?
Graduates: For all information on what to expect the day of your ceremony, visit the Commencement Day details webpage. You can also expect to receive a detailed email the week before your ceremony.
Families and Friends: For all information on what to expect the day of your graduate's ceremony, visit the Family and Friends webpage.
Does ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ hold a Commencement Ceremony in December?
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ does not hold a Fall commencement ceremony in December. All graduates fulfilling degree requirements within the academic year (Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, and Spring 2027) are invited to the Spring 2027 ceremonies.
Do I have to attend Commencement in order to graduate?
No, participation in Commencement does not determine whether or not a student actually graduates.
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 2026 Commencement?
If you graduate in Summer '26, Fall '26, Winter '27, or Spring 2027, you are eligible to walk in the Spring 2027 ceremonies. Instructions to sign up can be found on our Commencement student webpage beginning in January 2027.
If you graduated prior to Summer 2026 and are hoping to participate in the Spring 2027 Commencement ceremonies, please send an email by February 2027 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 2027, you must file a Commencement Petition. 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.
Starting in January 2027, visit our Commencement students webpage to access the Undergraduate or Master's/Doctoral petition forms.
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 (AFD).
When can I order my cap and gown?
Visit the cap and gown webpage for all information and to pre-order your cap and gown.
When will tickets be available?
Ticket quantities per ceremony completely depends on the number of graduates who sign up for that ceremony and space available in the venue. Ticket quantities and the link to claim tickets will be available in March 2027.
When will I receive my diploma?
You will receive your diploma in the mail, to the address ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ has on file, six to eight weeks after the end of your final semester. For questions regarding your diploma or address on file, contact Student Records.
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.
What if I have other questions?
For other questions, you can email commence@binghamton.edu. We are happy to help you!