Commencement

FAQs

Times, Locations

Master's/C.A.S. Ceremony and Reception
Saturday, May 16, 2009

Times
Graduate Lineup: 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Ceremony: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Reception: Immediately following

Locations
Graduate Lineup: In Ice Arena (PDF, 35KB)
Ceremony: Buffalo State Sports Arena (in the sports complex)
Reception: Campbell Student Union

See Commencement map (PDF, 457KB)

Visit master's and C.A.S. Commencement day.

Degree Applications, Deadlines

How do I apply for my degree?
Master's degree and C.A.S. applications are available in the Graduate School Office, Cleveland Hall 204, or download them from the Graduate School Web site. For advisement and detailed information, please contact your departmental adviser.

What is the degree application deadline?
February 1, 2009 is the degree application deadline for May 2009 graduation.

February 1 is the degree application early deadline for potential August 2009 degree candidates who wish to participate in Commencement and/or have their names included in the commemorative program booklet. Otherwise, the regular degree application deadline for August 2009 graduation is June 1, 2009.

I applied for my degree after the deadline, but I will participate in the Commencement ceremony. Will I have a space in the lineup? Will my name be announced during the ceremony?
Yes and yes. On Commencement day, go to the graduate lineup in the Ice Arena at the appropriate time and present your candidate lineup ticket for the Master's and C.A.S. Ceremony. You will receive a pencil and a small card with instructions on it to write your name phonetically as is should be pronounced when you walk across stage to be hooded or vested. The seating marshals will direct you on Commencement day. For more information visit master's/C.A.S. Commencement day.

Please note: Diplomas will not be distributed on Commencement day. The graduation audit and ordering of your transcripts may take up to several months, after which the Graduate School Office will mail your diploma to your permanent address.

Honors Designation?

I have a high GPA. Will there be an honors designation on my diploma?

No. Buffalo State graduate programs are rigorous, and it is expected that graduate students demonstrate high levels of academic achievement. For example, a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) is required for graduate candidacy, and no grade lower than C is acceptable to meet graduate degree requirements. With the exceptional quality and motivation of students accepted into our graduate programs, high academic achievement is the rule rather than the exception. In fact, the majority of graduate students at Buffalo State achieve GPAs in the A to A+ range, many achieving 4.0s. Buffalo State's policy is consistent with many other graduate schools. Certainly, you should feel proud of your achievements, and Buffalo State is proud to have you among its alumni.

Commencement Notification

How will I be invited to participate?
The ceremony honors Buffalo State December 2008 graduates and those who anticipate completing their degree requirements in May 2009 or August 2009.

December 2008 graduates, and potential May 2009 and August 2009 degree candidates who apply for their degrees by the deadline will receive a Commencement informational postcard at their permanent addresses during spring recess (March 23-28). Visit Commencement day and registration and guest tickets for more information.

I missed the February degree application deadline. How do I obtain Commencement ceremony information?
Late degree applicants may obtain one Commencement Informational postcard beginning March 23 from the Graduate School Office upon submitting a degree application.

The postcard directs you to this commencement Web site, which links to the master's ceremony registration card (PDF, 101KB) that may be exchanged for commencement tickets from April 8 through May 9 . The postcard will be validated by the Graduate School Office, and late-degree applicants must present the validated postcard in the bookstore to register for commencement and obtain guest tickets.

Visit master's registration and guest tickets for more information.

Will my name be listed in the program?

The program will include the names of:

December 2008 graduates.
May 2009 potential degree candidates who applied for their degrees with the Graduate School Office by February 1.
August 2009 potential degree candidates who applied early for their degrees with the Graduate School Office by February 1.

Please note: While we make every effort to include all degree candidates' names in the commencement program booklet, those who apply for their degrees after the degree application deadlines are not guaranteed listing in the program.

Visit master's/C.A.S. degree application deadlines.

Inviting Professors and Mentors

How do I notify my favorite professors and mentors that I would like them to participate in my graduation ceremony?
See invite faculty and staff.

Registration and Guest Tickets

How do I register for the Commencement ceremony and reception? How many guest tickets may I have? Please refer to masters registration and guest tickets. Master's and C.A.S. graduates may have up to 10 guest tickets. Please register and pick up your tickets in person. The bookstore is unable to process ceremony registration and ticket distribution by phone or mail.

I will be out of town during Commencement Kickoff (April 8). How do I register for Commencement?
A friend may register for you at any time during commencement registration. He or she should come prepared with your completed master's/C.A.S. ceremony registration card and number of guest tickets requested. And, you may register in person in the bookstore anytime during regular bookstore hours from April 9 through May 9.

For more information visit master's/C.A.S. registration and guest tickets.

Caps, Gowns, Hoods, Stoles

What is the price of a cap, gown, and hood? C.A.S. Stole?
Purchase your cap and gown in the bookstore.
2009 prices: The master's cap, tassel, gown unit is $45.65. Master's hood is $36.95 including tax. The package price for cap, gown, tassel, hood, diploma cover, and 10 announcements is $108.73. (Please note: announcements are not guest tickets.) A C.A.S. Stole is $22.82. See caps and gowns.

I am unable to come to campus during bookstore hours. How do I obtain tickets and purchase my cap and gown?
Candidates living out of town only may use the out-of-town (only) cap and gown order form (PDF, 102KB). Mail the form with payment to the bookstore by April 17. Add $6.95 for shipping and handling to have your order mailed to you. Otherwise, indicate that you will pick up your order in the bookstore by April 24.