Syracuse University Commencement
The University-wide ceremony for all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates.
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. | Doors Open 8 a.m.
Location: JMA Wireless Dome
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Ceremonies
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.
2026 Commencement Speaker
The ‘Sunday Night Football’ play-by-play voice and NBC Olympics primetime host, who began his broadcasting career at Syracuse University's own WAER-FM, will address graduates May 10.
Academic Procession
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. This tradition represents the passage of knowledge from one generation to the next and marks the graduates' entry into our community of scholars.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Each year the University awards honorary degrees to individuals nominated for outstanding achievement in their fields, innovative and creative achievements, humanitarian efforts and more. Recipients are determined by a selection committee of the University Senate and announced in the spring.
For more information on the Class of 2026 Honorary Degree Recipients, see the SU News press release.
Syracuse University Scholars
To be named a Syracuse University Scholar is the highest undergraduate honor the University bestows. Scholars are selected based on criteria that includes coursework and academic achievement, independent research and creative work, evidence of intellectual growth or innovation in their disciplinary field, a personal statement and faculty letters of recommendation.
For more information on the Class of 2026 Syracuse University Scholars, see the SU News press release.
Class Marshals
Two Syracuse University seniors are selected as all-University representatives for the Class of 2026 and have unique opportunities throughout their senior year to engage with various University stakeholders, help select their Commencement speaker, and discuss their student experience and offer constructive suggestions with senior administrators. They are selected by a search committee, composed of Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience staff, using criteria based upon scholarship, academic honors, student organization involvement, campus and community service, and exhibited school spirit.
For more information on the Class of 2026 class marshals, see the SU News press release.
Student Marshals
Marshals represent each of the University’s schools and colleges. They are selected for their distinguished achievement in scholarship, academic honors, student organization involvement, leadership, and collegiality, as well as campus and community engagement and service. School and college marshals have many roles within the Orange community and participate in significant University events including Fall New Student Convocation, Spring New Student Convocation and leading the procession of graduates from their respective school or college into the Commencement ceremony.