FAQs

Graduates, arrive at the JMA Wireless Dome no later than 8:30 a.m. for Commencement on Sunday, May 14. The graduate entrance is Gate D.

The JMA Wireless Dome gates open at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 14 for all guests. Commencement begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. ET.

The JMA Wireless Dome has a clear bag policy (view details) which is still in effect for Commencement. However, they are allowing some exceptions after proper inspection. Please ensure your bag does not exceed 10” x 10”. Strollers and diaper bags will be permitted. Both walk-through and handheld metal detectors will be in place and used at all JMA Wireless Dome entry gates for both graduates and guests. 

Yes, school and college convocations and commencement will be livestreamed. Visit the Commencement Weekend Schedule & Livestream page during May 11 – May 14, 2023 to view these ceremonies online.

Visit Class Act 2023 to make your Class Act gift of $20.23 today and you’ll get an exclusive cord to wear at Commencement! 

Your Class Act gift helps to support future students and gifts of $20.23 make a big difference. To show our gratitude, we want to recognize YOU with a special cord to wear at Commencement. Class Act donors may pick up their cords 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday until May 12, during cap & gown pick-up at the Campus Store. 

Commencement is a BIG deal, and we’re celebrating the Class of 2023!

Whether you’re a soon-to-be grad making your Class Act gift or you’re a friend or family member of someone who’s graduating, we hope you’ll share gratitude, good wishes, great photos and more.

When you make a gift to Syracuse’s General Scholarship Fund, you change lives. What better way to mark a major milestone? Anyone who gives and leaves a wish by May 12 at 9 a.m. ET will have the chance to see it featured on the Dome’s big screens during Commencement!

At this time, tickets are not required.

Syracuse University adheres to New York State/Onondaga County public health guidelines and protocols that could impact admission requirements, capacities for large gatherings and ceremony dates and times. Syracuse University students will be notified of any significant change to the academic calendar that would impact key ceremonies like Commencement.

At this time, the guest count is not limited. All graduating students must register to indicate their intent to participate in the 2023 Commencement ceremony and confirm an estimated number of guests. Registration information will be used to estimate total attendance for planning purposes.

Syracuse University adheres to state and local public health guidelines that could impact the capacity in our on-campus spaces and will notify graduation candidates of any capacity limits prior to the 2023 Commencement weekend activities.

Commencement is the University-wide ceremony for all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates. The Syracuse University Chancellor and President formally confer degrees at the Commencement ceremony. The duration of the ceremony is usually 2 hours.

Yes. All graduating students must register to indicate their intent to participate in the 2023 Commencement ceremony and confirm an estimated number of guests.

Register for Commencement 2023

Registration information will be used to estimate total attendance for planning purposes. There this no limit to the number of guests you can bring. You will not need to re-register or update your guest count if plans change.

*Syracuse University adheres to New York State/Onondaga County public health guidelines and protocols that could impact admission requirements or capacities for large gatherings.

The 2023 graduation candidates will be notified, via email, of any such changes as soon as they are confirmed.*

There is no official Commencement Brunch, but both the Sheraton and Drumlins are offering a Mother’s Day and Commencement Brunch on Sunday, May 14, 2023 with seatings from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Reservations are required.

Sheraton Mother’s Day & Commencement Brunch:
Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel – Regency Ballroom (801 University Ave, Syracuse NY)
Reserve via RESY or call  315.477.8205
Adults $39 | Children 12 & under $20
(Buffet Style, Deposit Required, Sales Tax and 20% Gratuity Not Included)

Drumlins Mother’s Day & Commencement Brunch:
Drumlins Country Club – Grand Ballroom (800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse, NY)
Reserve via RESY or call 315.446.8511
Adults $39 | Children 12 & under $20
(Buffet Style, Deposit Required, Sales Tax and 20% Gratuity Not Included)

Visit our Caps and Gowns page for details.

The Commencement App is a progressive web application that does not need to be downloaded from your app store.

For installation instructions, visit our Commencement App page. 

The Syracuse University Campus Store is partnering with the Commencement Group to offer floral pre-sales via their website. All online orders will be available for pickup on-site the day of your school/college convocation and Commencement ceremony.

To retrieve your order, please stop by the floral kiosk located conveniently at the entrance of the convocations before the ceremony begins or the floral kiosks located at the Dome for the Commencement ceremony on Sunday.

Floral bouquets will also be available for purchase at each kiosk.