By Matt Eustace

The Academic Affairs Office's Commencement Web site will prove helpful to those who will soon be graduating by answering questions dealing with eligibility to where to park on the day of the ceremony.

May 14 th will be the 133 rd Commencement Ceremony in the history of Buffalo State College and, according to the Commencement Web site it will honor:

• Dec. 2004 graduates (about 215 Master's and Certificate of Advanced Studies graduates, and about 433 Bachelor's grads).
• Potential May 2005 degree candidates
• Potential Aug. 2005 degree candidates (about 575 to 650 Master's and CAS graduates, and about 1,700 to 1,800 Bachelor's grads for Aug. and Sept.).

“The site can be a valuable tool for everybody, not just the students,” said Senior Staff Associate Patricia Allesandra.

“It can be really helpful for students whose families live out of town,” said Allesandra, who helped put the Commencement Web site/guide together.

Last year was the first year that Buffalo State did not send Commencement information packages to the families of graduating students. According to Allesandra, this was one of many things the college has moved to an online format (registration, Blackboard, etc.). This makes the Web site a vital tool for families with a son or daughter expecting to graduate. Any information about Commencement can be found at the Commencement site:

•  Eligibility

•  Application deadlines

•  Registration and guest ticket information

•  Commencement invitation information (If you wish to invite a professor)

•  Cap and gown purchase information

•  Maps, directions and parking

•  FAQ's (Frequently asked questions)

The staff at Buffalo State will also find helpful information about marching, volunteering and receptions on the Web site.

The Academic Affairs Office has been putting this site together every year for at least five years, according to Allesandra, and they have been improving it every year. Feedback is strongly encouraged from students, along with anybody else who comes across the site.

This Web site acts as a blueprint for those whom it concerns and is getting better with every suggestion.

“We really want feedback from the students…call (or e-mail) us if you find something useful, or call us if the site is lacking something,” said Allesandra.

Any questions about the site, or Commencement in general can be sent to Commence@Buffalostate.edu .

You can write to Matt Eustace at: Eustmt95@mail.buffalostate.edu