Syracuse University schools and colleges host celebratory Convocations on the Friday or Saturday before Commencement to individually recognize degree candidates and to present special awards. Convocations are either preceded or followed by receptions, where students and families have the opportunity to mingle with deans and faculty.
Commencement is the all-university ceremony on Sunday, May 10, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending approximately at noon. The Syracuse University Chancellor and President ceremoniously confers degrees at Commencement.
The University-wide ceremony for all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates. Syracuse University Chancellor and President, Kent Syverud, formally confers degrees at the Commencement ceremony.
Date: Sunday May 10, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM, Doors open at 8 a.m.
Location: JMA Wireless Dome
The speaker for 2026 hasn't been announced yet. View last year's speaker, or all past speakers.
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Hendricks Chapel
Graduation Candidates
ONLY
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: JMA Wireless Dome
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: All Tents on the Quad
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Schine 304 ABC
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: K.G. Tan Auditorium, NVRC
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Grand Hall, NVRC
Master's and Doctoral Degree Candidates
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Hendricks Chapel
Bachelor's Degree Candidates
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: JMA Wireless Dome
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Lally Athletics Complex
Bachelor's and Master's Degree Candidates
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Hendricks Chapel
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: JMA Wireless Dome
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Center for International Services
As part of an ongoing effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable event, all guests and degree candidates will go through security screening, including metal detection, prior to entering all Convocation and Commencement venues. Please allow additional time for security screening to avoid delay.
As in past years, large bags, backpacks, duffel bags, and large shopping bags will not be allowed, and degree candidates and all guests may not bring bags larger than 10"x10" into Convocations or Commencement. All purses, binocular cases, and camera cases will be opened and inspected. There will not be a holding area for items at any venue.
As always, the following items are prohibited:
Service dogs are the only animals permitted inside Commencement Weekend venues.
Commencement begins with a ceremonial procession of faculty, administrators, and distinguished guests entering in full academic regalia, symbolizing Syracuse University’s scholarly heritage and the formal conferring of degrees.
