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Commencement
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FAQs

If you have any additional questions about Commencement, please contact the Office of Major Events at SUcommencement@syr.edu.

Accordion Section

The date for Commencement 2025 is May 11, 2025.

Bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates who completed their coursework between December 2024 and August 2025 are invited to participate in the 2025 Commencement ceremonies. Under extenuating circumstances, candidates who do not meet this requirement may petition to their home school/college(s) for permission to participate.

Doctoral candidates must have certified their degree by April 2025 to participate. For information, visit the Graduate School website.

It is the student’s responsibility to know and fulfill all degree requirements for graduation. Participation in  Commencement does not indicate that all degree requirements have been completed.

Yes. All graduating students must register to indicate their intent to attend the 2025 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11, 2025, and confirm an estimated number of attendees.

Register for Commencement 2025

Registration is for graduation candidates only. Parents, family, friends and/or guests DO NOT need to complete the registration form.

Registration information will be used to estimate total attendance for planning purposes. There this no limit to the number of guests you can bring. If your guest counts change, you DO NOT need to resubmit your registration.

The full schedule for Commencement 2025 is be available on the Commencement Weekend page.

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, there is no limit the number of guests you can bring. All graduation candidates must register to indicate their intent to attend the 2025 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11, 2025, and confirm an estimated number of attendees.

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 Commencement weekend activities.

Visit our Caps and Gowns page for details.

Graduates, arrive at the JMA Wireless Dome no later than 8:30 a.m. for Commencement on Sunday, May 12. The graduate entrance is Gate D.

The JMA Wireless Dome gates open at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 12 for all guests. Commencement begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Accessible trolley service is the only service permitted to drop off at the JMA Wireless Dome. Accessible trolley service is available to and from all West Campus lots and garages throughout the weekend running consistently between 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday, May 11 and from 7 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. Listed below are lots where shuttles will be available for transportation if needed:

  • Lally Athletics Complex
  • Irving Ave Garage (accessible)
  • Raynor Ave Parking Lot
  • Henry Street Parking Lot
  • Standard Street
  • University Garage
  • University Ave South Lot
  • University Ave North Lot
  • Harrison Street Lot

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.

Syracuse University has a clear bag policy (view details) which will be in effect for Commencement weekend. However, some exceptions will be allowed 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 Ceremonies, School/College Convocations and Commencement at all JMA Wireless Dome entry gates, Lally Athletics Complex, Hendricks Chapel, NVRC and Schine Student Center for both graduates and guests.

To ensure that all guests have a safe and enjoyable visit, guests are not permitted to bring the following items into ceremony venues:

  • Air Horns & Noisemakers
  • Alcoholic Beverages or Illegal Drugs
  • Amplified Sound Devices
  • Animals (excluding certified service animals)
  • Backpacks
  • Balloons & Confetti
  • Banners, Signs or Flags
  • Cameras (w/ a 6″ zoom lens or greater)
  • Coolers (including small soft sided coolers)
  • Food & Beverages (except for special needs)
  • GoPro Cameras/Selfie Stick
  • Laptops/iPad/Tripod
  • Large Purse or Bags
  • Laser Pointers
  • Open Water Bottles
  • Pocketknives or Knives of Any Kind
  • Skateboards or Frisbees
  • Sports Balls of Any Kind
  • Video Recording Equipment
  • Weapons of Any Kind

Syracuse University Doctoral, graduate and undergraduates students may file the Diploma Request online via MySlice.

Diplomas are mailed to all degree recipients after the certification and awarding process is complete. Diplomas are sent to the permanent address on file unless an alternative address is specified within the Diploma Request. File the Diploma Request on MySlice. 

Yes, school and college convocations and commencement will be livestreamed. Visit the Commencement Weekend Schedule & Livestream page during May 9 – May 12, 2024 to view these ceremonies online.

Make your Class Giving Campaign gift of $24.00—and you’ll get an exclusive cord to wear at Commencement!

Your Class Giving Campaign gift helps to support future students and gifts of $24.00 make a big difference. To show our gratitude, we want to recognize YOU with a special cord to wear at Commencement. Class Giving Campaign donors may pick up their cords during cap & gown distribution at the Schine Student Center, beginning in Tuesday, May 7. Donors may stop by the table 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Tuesday-Friday until May 10.

Commencement is a BIG deal! The Wishing Well is a chance to celebrate the Class of 2024.

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

When you make a gift to Syracuse’s Annual Fund, you change lives. What better way to mark a major milestone? Leave your wish before April 29 and it will be featured on the Dome’s big screens during Commencement!

At this time, attendees will not be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test prior to entry to the JMA Wireless Dome. 

*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 2024 graduation candidates will be notified, via email, of any such changes as soon as they are confirmed.*

Looking for a place to gather after commencement? Drumlins Country Club is offering a Mother’s Day and Commencement Brunch on Sunday, May 12, 2024 with seatings from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Reservations are required.

Adults $39 | Children 12 & under $20
(Buffet Style, Deposit Required, Sales Tax and 20% Gratuity Not Included)

Drumlins Country Club – Grand Ballroom
(800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse, NY)
Reserve via RESY or call 315.446.8511

Yes. Visit Class of 2024 Launch Party for event details and the link to register. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Grace Terry, Assistant Director, Young Alumni & Student Engagement in the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at ghterry@syr.edu.

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.

Helium balloons are NOT permitted in the JMA Wireless Dome or Lally Athletics Complex.

Class of 2024, we want to stay in touch with you now that you’re joining the Orange alumni family. It’s especially important to share your non-syr.edu email address so we can reach you! Your syr.edu will only continue to work for one year from your graduation date.

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