FAQs

The date for Commencement 2027 is Sunday, May 9, 2027.

The full schedule for Commencement 2027 is available on the Schedule page.

Bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates who completed their coursework between December 2026 and August 2027 are invited to participate in the 2027 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 2027 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 2027 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 9, 2027, and confirm an estimated number of attendees.

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.

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 2027 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 9, 2027, 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.

Yes, all graduates are encouraged to attend rehearsal for Commencement. Rehearsal is on Thursday, May 6 from noon – 1:00 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome. The entrance is Gate C. 

Graduates should arrive at the JMA Wireless Dome no later than 8:30 a.m. for Commencement on Sunday, May 9. The graduate entrance is Gate D.

The JMA Wireless Dome gates open at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 9 for all guests. Commencement begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. ET.

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 Doctoral, graduate and undergraduates students may file the Diploma Request online via MySlice by March 1, 2027.

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. 

Visit our Regalia and Etiquette page for details.

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. 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. For more information visit the Safety and Security page for more information.

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

Make your Class Giving Campaign gift of $27.00—and you’ll get an exclusive cord to wear at Commencement!

Your Class Giving Campaign gift helps to support future students and gifts of $26.00 make a big difference. To show our gratitude, we want to recognize YOU with a special cord to wear at Commencement. 

Please note: a parent gift is different from a class gift and does not qualify for a graduation cord.

Let’s celebrate the Class of 2027! The Wishing Well is a special way for families and friends to share a congratulatory message and photo of their student to celebrate a HUGE milestone—graduation.

We will be accepting submissions for the Class of 2027 in the Spring! 

Looking for a place to gather after commencement? Drumlins Country Club is offering a Mother’s Day and Commencement Brunch on Sunday, May 9, 2027 with seatings from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Reservations are required.

Adults $40 | Children 12 & under $20

(Buffet Style, Deposit Required, Sales Tax and 20% Gratuity Not Included

Drumlins Country Club – Grand BallrooBallroom
(800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse, NY)
For more information or to make a reservation call 315.446.8511

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