Commencement Weekend is one of the busiest times to visit Syracuse. Scroll down for information on lodging, parking, accessibility accommodations, and more.
When the weekend’s coming together, download the OrangeNow app for easy access to Commencement information and receive messages about the weekend. Once you install the app, choose the Commencement Experience option under profiles.
Syracuse University is easily accessible by car, air, bus, or train. The Central New York region offers many convenient lodging and dining options for families and guests. Visit the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau for a full, updated list of lodging and dining options.
Throughout Commencement Weekend, there are several options for campus parking and transportation that can add ease to attending convocations, weekend events, and Sunday's ceremony.
As a unified and deeply connected community, we are committed to creating an environment that’s accessible to all. During Commencement weekend ceremonies, there will be sign language interpreters, and/or computer aided real-time translation (CART). There will also be accessible shuttles available throughout Commencement weekend and event staff will be on-site at Convocation and Commencement ceremonies for information and/or assistance with accessibility accommodations.
If you would like to invite your international family members and/or guests to Commencement, you may download the Announcement Letter Fall 2026.
For helpful tips and guidance concerning international travel, please see U.S. Visas.
Looking for recommendations on where to eat while on campus or in Syracuse? You can visit locations on campus, take advantage of the concession stands at the JMA Wireless Dome that will be open during ceremonies throughout the weekend, or book a reservation at a local restaurant.
Several dining locations on campus will be open and are within walking distance to all campus buildings, including the West Campus Starbucks. You can visit the What’s Open Now page of the Campus Dining website to see what is open during your visit, or pull up the Campus Dining tab on the OrangeNow app.
Concession stands will be open and serving breakfast from 7-9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. At 9 a.m., the stands will begin to serve snack items, including pizza, pretzels, hot dogs, and nachos. On Sunday, May 10, the stands will open at 8 a.m. at serve breakfast (bagels, muffins, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and bottled beverages) until the end of the Commencement ceremony.
For recommendations on restaurants, pubs, breweries and more in the Syracuse, NY area, check out VisitSyracuse.com.
Looking for a place to gather after commencement? Drumlins Country Club is offering a Mother’s Day and Commencement Brunch on Sunday, May 10, 2026 with seatings from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Reservations are required. Reserve via RESY or call 315.446.8511.
Overnight accommodation is available in Campus Residence Halls for the families of Syracuse University’s 2026 graduation candidates.
For more information and to register for accommodations, visit the Commencement Housing page or reach out to the Office of Conference Services at housing@syr.edu.
Registration for Commencement Housing has now closed. If you have any questions regarding Commencement Housing, please email housing@syr.edu
For more information on lodging, please visit the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau, email info@visitsyracuse.org or call 1.800.234.4797.
Central New York hotels generally require a two-day reservation during Commencement Weekend. It is important to book early since area hotels often sell out.
