Commencement Eligibility & Notification
You will receive the 2013 Commencement informational postcard at your permanent address sometime during spring recess (March 25-30), if our records indicate that you are one of the following:
- December 2012 or January 2013 graduate.
- Potential May 2013 degree or C.A.S. candidate (you submitted your master's degree/C.A.S. application by February 1, 2013).
- Potential August 2013 degree or C.A.S. candidate (you submitted your master's degree/C.A.S. application by February 1, 2013).
The postcard is our welcome to you to participate in the 2013 Commencement ceremony and directs you to this website for all the information you and your family need. Please note that the postcards are delivered bulk mail. Bulk mail does not forward, so if you have not updated any changes of address that you may have with the Graduate School, you will not receive your postcard even if you are eligible. It will be delivered to your most recent permanent address of record.
You will not receive the Commencement informational postcard if you did not apply for your degree by the appropriate deadline.
April 23, 2013 Update
You should have received your postcard within the past few weeks. If you have not received it and are expecting one, please know that you may still register for Commencement and receive guest tickets as long as you had applied for your degree.
The postcard is just to let you know that you are eligible.There is no need to have your postcard with you to register for your ceremony if you are listed on the eligibility list in the bookstore. If you are unsure if you are on the eligibility list, you may inquire in the bookstore when you arrive, or contact the Graduate School ahead of time at (716) 878-5601. See Registration & Tickets.
If you have not yet applied for your degree, please see late degree applicants for instructions. If you are not on the eligibility list, you must have a validated postcard from the Graduate School verifying your eligibility to participate in Commencement.
Either way, you MUST have photo ID (driver's license OR Buffalo State ID) to register for your ceremony and receive guest tickets.
Degree Application
Master's degree and certificate of advanced study applications are available in the Graduate School Office, Cleveland Hall 204. Or go the Graduation page of the Graduate School website, and click on the Graduation Application (doc) link at the top of the page. Print and complete the form and them mail or drop it off in the Graduate School Office.
For those who have not yet applied for their degrees or who applied after the deadlines and were not on the mailing list, please see late degree applicants.
Program Booklet Graduate Listing
The program booklet that is distributed at your Commencement ceremony will include the names of:
- December 2012 graduates.
- January 2013 graduates.
- May 2013 potential degree candidates who apply for their degrees in the Graduate School by February 1.*
- August 2013 potential degree candidates who apply for their degrees in the Graduate School by February 1.* #
*Note: SUNY Buffalo State makes every effort to include all degree candidates' names in the Commencement booklet. Those who apply for their degrees after the deadlines are not guaranteed listing in the booklet.
#Note: You may submit your August 2013 degree application by June 1 if you neither wish to participate in Commencement nor have your name printed in the May 18 Commencement booklet.
Visit master's/C.A.S. application deadlines.
Registration & Tickets
Registration/guest ticket distribution for Commencement begins with the Commencement Kickoff event in the bookstore on Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.