Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement FAQs

  • How do I sign up for Spring 2026 Commencement?

    If you graduate in summer '25, fall '25, winter '26, or Spring 2026, you are eligible to walk in the Spring 2026 ceremonies. Instructions to sign up can be found at /commencement/students/

    If you graduated prior to Summer 2025 and are hoping to participating in the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies, please send an email between January 2026 - March 2026 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 fulfilling degree requirements within the academic year are invited to the Spring 2026 ceremonies.
  • Do I have to attend Commencement 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?

    If you are a summer '25, fall '25 or winter '26 graduate, you are eligible to walk in the Spring 2026 ceremonies. Instructions to sign up can be found at /commencement/students/

    If you graduated prior to Summer 2025 and are hoping to participating in the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies, please send an email between January 2026 - March 2026 to commence@binghamton.edu. We will determine based on availability if your request can be accommodated. 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 2026, you must file a Commencement Petition when it opens in January 2026. 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 2026, visit /commencement/students/ to access the Undergraduate or Masters/Doctoral petition forms when they are avialable.

  • 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?

    Sales for cap and gown packages are not yet open for Spring 2026 ceremonies. 

    Undergraduates, Graduates and Doctoral candidates are required to wear an approved cap and gown for their respective ceremony. 

    Visit the cap and gown webpage for additional information and to pre-order your cap and gown.

  • When will tickets be available?

    Ticket allotment per ceremony will be posted in March 2026. Ticket quantities and link to claim tickets will be available for students to claim at /commencement/tickets.html 

  • 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. For questions regarding your diploma or address on file, contact Student Records at degree@binghamton.edu.

  • 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.

  • I still have other questions...