Arrival | Graduate Lineup | Processional into the Sports Arena | Conferring of Degrees | Processional Across Stage | Recessional | Congratulations, Graduate
Commencement 2009 honors Buffalo State bachelor's degree, master's degree, and certificate of advanced study (C.A.S.) graduates who completed their requirements in December 2008 or are expected to complete their requirements in May 2009 or August 2009.
Three ceremonies (two baccalaureate and one master's/C.A.S.) will be held in the Buffalo State Sports Arena (PDF, 457KB). Those unable to attend Commencement may view any of the ceremonies via live video streaming.
The baccalaureate ceremonies are identical, and each graduate must register for the ceremony he or she wishes to attend. A festive reception featuring live entertainment and refreshments is held in the Campbell Student Union immediately following each ceremony.
Morning baccalaureate ceremony
- The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.
- Doors to the Sports Arena open for guests at 9:00 a.m. (guest tickets required).
- Graduates report to the Ice Arena (PDF, 34KB), located in the Sports Arena complex, for lineup between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. Graduates must report for lineup no later than 9:30 a.m. to be included. Be sure to have your lineup entrance ticket for the 10:00 a.m. ceremony.
Afternoon baccalaureate ceremony
- The ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m.
- Doors to the Sports Arena open for guests at 1:00 p.m. (guest tickets required).
- Graduates report to the Ice Arena (PDF, 34KB), located in the Sports Arena complex, for lineup between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. Graduates must report for lineup no later than 1:30 p.m. to be included. Be sure to have your lineup entrance ticket for the 2:00 p.m. ceremony.
Note regarding children: All guests entering the Sports Arena for the ceremony must present a guest ticket, including young children, as capacity is based on individuals. Please consider not bringing young children to the live ceremony, as they typically are unable to sit through the two-hour ceremony, especially after waiting for up to an hour in the stands prior to the start (doors open one hour before ceremony time). See Registration and Guest Tickets for viewing options.
Graduate Lineup
As you enter the lineup area in the Ice Arena, you will receive a card to write your name on. (During the ceremony, as you walk across the stage, you will hand that name card to a faculty member who will announce your name.) Find your place in the lineup according to your academic school. Signs will be posted.
Leave your personal belongings with your family. You may not carry anything in the academic procession (e.g., purse, camera, etc.). A program will be on your chair in the Sports Arena.
Put on your cap and gown. Wear the mortarboard square on your head, parallel to the ceiling. The tassel should be on the right front side.
Processional into the Sports Arena
Stay with your group so that you will hear the marching instructions when they are given by the seating marshals. The procession will follow the seating marshals out of the Ice Arena and into the Sports Arena.
Once directed to your seat, remain standing for the singing of the national anthem. Male candidates, please remove your cap during the singing of the national anthem.
Conferring of Degrees
Shortly following the Commencement address, the deans from each of the four academic schools will be introduced. Each will, in turn, present the degree candidates from his school and ask you to rise as a group. Remain standing until you are asked to be seated. Each dean will lead his graduates in the same manner. When President Howard says, "Honors pertaining thereunto," move your tassel from right to left with your left hand.
Processional Across Stage
Following the conferring of degrees, candidates will process across the stage to be congratulated. Just prior to stepping onto stage, a professional photographer will take a formal photo of you individually. Have your name card ready as the seating marshals direct you to the stage. Hand the reader your card. He or she will announce your name as you walk across the stage and are congratulated by the President and dignitaries. You will be directed back to your seats.
Note: You will not receive your diploma at Commencement. The Registrar's Office will mail your diploma to your permanent address within four to six weeks following the conferral of your degree.
Recessional
Follow the seating marshals to exit. You will meet your family outside the arena, where you may proceed to the reception in the Campbell Student Union, 3-D campus map (PDF, 2.8MB).
Congratulations, Graduate!
Welcome to the Buffalo State Alumni Association. Upon graduation, you will be one of more than 70,000 alumni living in Western New York and around the world. As a graduate, you are a member for life. You will receive your alumni membership card and benefits information with your diploma at your permanent address. Visit the Buffalo State Alumni Association Web site regularly to stay in touch, update your contact information, and be part of alumni life at Buffalo State.
