Register | Process with Friends | Guest Tickets | Grads Out of Town | Viewing Options | Tickets for Children | Caps & Gowns
Welcome Bachelor's Degree Candidates
We look forward to you and your guests attending your ceremony and reception. There is no fee to participate. Tickets are required for entrance to the ceremony in the Sports Arena so we can plan adequately and accommodate as many guests as possible.
2012 ceremony registration and ticket distribution runs from April 11 through May 5. Tickets will not be available prior to April 11. Each bachelor's degree candidate may request up to five guest tickets for choice of ceremony according to availability at the time of registration. So that each participant has the opportunity to invite family to the live ceremony in the Sports Arena, additional tickets per degree candidate cannot be provided. Please see Alternate Viewing Options below.
Once tickets distribution has begun, students who have received tickets and find at any point before commencement they will not use all their tickets, PLEASE return unneeded tickets to the Events Management Office in Cleveland Hall 112 so another graduate can use them. PLEASE ALSO return any unneeded tickets the day of commencement to the Guest Services booth located outside the Sports Arena. Participants who seek additional tickets on commencement day should arrive early and inquire at the Guest Services booth where returned tickets will be redistributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bachelor's Registration 2012
Your ceremony will be in the Sports Arena located in the sports complex. You confirm your place in the processional by registering in the bookstore from April 11 through May 5 (see ticket distribution below). There is no rehearsal for degree candidates.
To Register
Print and complete the bachelor's ceremony registration card. Or just complete a card available in the bookstore. Either way, you will need one form of valid photo identification (driver's license, Buffalo State ID) and a completed registration card to register and receive guest tickets. Learn about bachelor's degree application deadlines.
Processing with Friends
If you wish to process with friends, please register for the same ceremony. You do not need to register together to be seated together.You will lineup by school on commencement day, and you may sit with your friends who are in the same school as you. Learn more about the bachelor's ceremony and seating arrangements.
Regarding Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff who wish to attend a ceremony in the Sports Arena but do not intend to march or volunteer usher must obtain a guest ticket from a graduate to be admitted. Faculty/staff invitations are provided for graduates to acknowledge professors and advisors, and do not change the number of tickets each graduate is allotted. Faculty and staff can register online to march and volunteer usher through April 27.
Bachelor's Guest Tickets/Viewing Options
During ticket distribution April 11-May 5, bachelor's candidates receive:- Registration for either the 10:00 a.m. ceremony or the 2:00 p.m. ceremony.
- An entrance ticket to the processional lineup in the Ice Arena.
- Up to five guest tickets for either the 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. ceremony.
The bookstore makes every effort to accommodate bachelor's graduates with choice of ceremony, either 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. Guest tickets for ceremony choice are distributed on a first-registered, first-accommodated basis. Tickets are not available prior to April 11.
Ticket Distribution Timeline
Commencement Kickoff-Wednesday, April 11
Commencement registration and ticket distribution begins with the Commencement Kickoff event in the bookstore from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are not available prior to April 11.
Ticket Distribution Continues Through May 5
Following the Commencement Kickoff event, registration continues in the bookstore during regular store hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
For graduates who currently do not live in Western New York, see the Bachelor's Caps and Gowns page.
Alternate Viewing Options
On-Campus Live Video Viewing Option
The ceremony will be held in the Sports Arena, where guest seating capacity is approximately 3,100 individuals. To accommodate as many guests as possible on campus, live video viewing will be available for the 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. ceremonies in the Bulger Communication Center. Tickets are not required for entrance into the Bulger Communication Center (building 24 on the campus map).
Live Video Streaming Option
Each ceremony will be accessible via live video streaming the day of commencement. An archive of each ceremony will be available for access shortly following commencement. A PDF format of the commencement program booklet will be available the morning of commencement on the main commencement page.
Regarding Children
Admittance to the ceremony in the Sports Arena is by ticket only. Young children/babies DO require tickets for admittance, as building capacity for safety codes is based on individuals, including children/babies who will sit on adult laps. Please know that the live video viewing in the Bulger Communication Center, which does not require a ticket for entrance, is an option for all guests. This is a comfortable and convenient venue for those with babies and young children to view the ceremony on large screen while also attending to children's needs.
Caps and Gowns
Caps and Gowns may be purchased in the bookstore when you register for your ceremony and receive your guest tickets. Call the bookstore with cap and gown questions. 716-878-5509 .