Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement FAQs

  • How do I sign up for Spring 2024 Commencement?

    If you are fulfilling degree requirements in the Spring 2024 semester, you must file your Application for Degree (located in BU Brain). After you complete this, the Intent to Participate form will be available at the top of your my.Binghamton portal. Once you have filled out the Intent to Participate, you are signed up for Commencement - you should see a confirmation message with your ceremony date and time in place of the form notification on your portal.

    If you are fulfilling degree requirements after Spring 2024, you must file a Commencement Petition, which can be found at the top of your my.Binghamton portal. This form will go to an advisor for review. If approved - you will receive a notification and the Intent to Participate form should be available at the top of your my.Binghamton portal. Once you have filled out the Intent to Participate, you are signed up for Commencement - you should see a confirmation message with your ceremony date and time in place of the form notification on your portal.

    If you graduated prior to Spring 2024, log in to your my.Binghamton portal and fill out the Intent to Participate form at the top. Once you have filled out the Intent to Participate, you are signed up for Commencement - you should see a confirmation message with your ceremony date and time in place of the form notification on your portal.

    All forms are due by March 15, 2024 - to confirm you have completed all tasks, use the checklist to make sure you completed each item.

  • Does Binghamton University hold a Commencement Ceremony in December?
    Binghamton University does not hold a Fall commencement ceremony. All graduates from the entire academic year are invited to the Spring 2024 ceremonies.
  • Do I have to attend Commencement graduate?
    No, participation in Commencement does not determine whether or not a student actually graduates. All graduates have the option to attend Commencement. 
  • What if I have a class or exam during my scheduled ceremony?
    Contact your professor and discuss the conflict with them as soon as possible. If you need further options, reach out to the Commencement Office.
  • I already graduated, can I still walk in Spring 2024?
    If you are a summer '23, fall '23 or winter '24 graduate, you are eligble to walk in the spring 2024 ceremony. At the top of your my.Binghamton portal, fill out the Intent to Participate form to sign up for Commencement. If you are unable to log in to your dashboard, or if you cannot access the form, contact commence@binghamton.edu.
  • I am fulfilling my degree requirements after Commencement. Can I still participate?
    If you are graduating after Spring 2024, you must file a Commencement Petition by March 15, 2024, which can be found at the top of your my.Binghamton portal. This form will go to an advisor for review. If approved - you will receive a notification and the Intent to Participate form should be available at the top of your my.Binghamton portal. Once you have filled out the Intent to Participate, you are signed up for Commencement - you should see a confirmation message with your ceremony date and time in place of the form notification on your portal.
  • I don't seem to fit the criteria to submit my Application for Degree. What should I do?

    In order for the Application for Degree to be available to you, the following criteria must be met:

    • You must be registered for classes this semester.
    • You must have earned at least 104 credit hours.
    • You have not already completed the application for degree this semester.
    • You have successfully confirmed your enrollment for the current semester.

    For undergraduate students who do not meet these criteria, email degree@binghamton.edu to request an alternative Application for Degree.

  • When can I order my cap and gown?

    Cap and Gown sales for Spring 2024 Commencement are now being accepted! Visit the cap and gown webpage for additional information and to find out how to pre-order your cap and gown. The deadline to pre-order is February 24, 2024.

  • When will tickets be available?

    Ticket allotment per ceremony will be posted by March 2024. Graduates will also be able to claim tickets in March 2024.

  • When will I receive my diploma?

    You will receive your diploma in the mail, to the address Binghamton University has on file, six to eight weeks after the end of your final semester.

  • My family needs a Visa to attend Commencement. How do I obtain a letter of invitation?

    If your family needs to apply for a visa in order to attend the Commencement ceremony, you as the student can write a letter of invitation. Be sure to include:

    • Your name, the reason for living in the U.S. and current immigration status (likely F-1 or J-1)
    • The names of your family members who wish to visit, an explanation of the purpose of their visit and how long they expect to stay
    • A copy of your I20’s/DS-2019, if you feel comfortable doing so.

    If you require confirmation of Commencement dates on University Letterhead, visit the ISSS Forms webpage and find the “Invitation to Graduation” form under “Letters of Support.”

    If you still have questions regarding international guests, please contact International Student and Scholar Services at isss@binghamton.edu.

  • Will Commencement still happen if NYS has guidelines in place preventing mass gatherings?

    As always, our main priority is the health and safety of our students and their families. The occurrence of all Commencement activities will depend on NYS guidelines and number of COVID-19 cases on campus at the time of the event. Guests who are making travel and hotel arrangements are encouraged to make reservations that are refundable.

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