College of Arts and Sciences
Undergraduate — Arts, Natural Sciences and Math, and Interdisciplinary Programs
This College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony is only for undergraduates in the following departments and programs: Art, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Geosciences, Geology, Mathematics, Media Study, Music, Physics, Theatre and Dance, and Social Sciences Interdisciplinary.
Eligibility
This ceremony is intended and scheduled only for undergraduates from the departments/programs listed above who have applied for graduation (degree) indicating one of the following graduation terms:
- Summer 2018 (Sept. '18 degree conferral)
- Fall 2018 (Feb. '19 degree conferral)
- Spring 2019 (June '19 degree conferral)
Students should check with their advisors to make sure all degree requirements have been met.
Applied for Summer 2019 Grad Term?
You are a candidate for Sept. '19 degree conferral which is part of the next academic year. However, if you would prefer to participate in this year's ceremony instead, you can. By registering for this year's ceremony, your name will be announced; however, your name will NOT be printed in the program since it only lists degree conferral candidates through the past academic year.
Applying for a Grad Term Later than Summer 2019?
Registration
Registration for the commencement ceremony is separate from applying for graduation (degree). If you plan to participate in the commencement ceremony, you must register for it.
Graduating students should please register online to participate in the ceremony. Registration Deadline extended thru May 7.
Student Information
Once you have registered for the commencement ceremony, you will receive emails periodically throughout the semester. Last-minute details will be emailed by the Wednesday preceding the ceremony.
Students with Disabilities
If you have a disability that impacts your ability to participate in a commencement ceremony, please note your needs and what accommodations you require when you register for the ceremony. The coordinator of this ceremony will contact you to discuss and finalize your accommodations. If the coordinator does not contact you at least two weeks before the ceremony, please contact the coordinator directly.
Please see the Accessibility for Guests page.
Recognition of Latin Honors
Students earning baccalaureate degrees (including those awarded as part of combined degrees) are eligible to receive Latin honors based on their UB cumulative grade point average (GPA) on the following scale:
Average (based on 4.0=A)
- 3.20 — cum laude
- 3.50 — magna cum laude
- 3.75 — summa cum laude
To receive the Latin honors designation in the printed commencement programs, and to be eligible to wear the honorific gold cord (cum laude, magna and summa) during these ceremonies, candidates for the June degree conferral date must:
- Qualify based upon their UB cumulative GPA through the winter intersession of that year, and projected UB credit hours through the spring semester of that year; standings for Latin honors may change once final grades are posted or degrees conferred.
- Present a minimum of 60 credit hours of UB undergraduate coursework, at least 54 of which must be graded credits (i.e., not grades of 'P', 'S' or 'U').
This recognition is only intended for students who will have their degrees conferred in June, or have had their degrees conferred in the previous February or September.
The gold cords will be available for purchase ($12) at the University Bookstore on North Campus beginning March 6. Students must present their UB ID at time of purchase.
Recognition of Other Honors
Candidates for graduation are also encouraged to wear on their robes any insignia, emblems or pins signifying membership in honorary societies or academic organizations, or special honors received for academic or extracurricular activities.
Student Instructions for Commencement Day
- Be sure to bring your cap, gown, hood and tassel with you. In the Tickets and Guest Information section below, please see the information marked "For Your Safety -- Prohibited Items." This information about security procedures and prohibited items applies to graduating students as well.
- Enter Alumni Arena from Coventry Loop or Webster Road. Look for the door marked specifically for students, faculty and staff.
- Report to the Edward Wright Practice Facility (Rm 76) on the ground level of Alumni Arena, 1.5 hrs prior to your ceremony start time. In this room, stop at the alphabetical check-in booth corresponding to your last name to check in and receive your name card which you will later give to the reader so your name can be announced. Further instructions will be given during this pre-ceremony period.
Tickets and Guest Information
Tickets Required to Enter Alumni Arena
This is a ticketed ceremony. All guests will need a ticket to enter Alumni Arena (the location for this ceremony). As a graduating student registers for the ceremony, they have the opportunity reserve up to SIX guest tickets.
Ticket Pick-Up
When a student registers for the ceremony, they will immediately receive a confirmation email listing date/time options for when they may pick up their tickets. Students must pick up their tickets in advance of commencement weekend, during dates/times specified in the confirmation email. The student will need to show their UB ID when they pick up their tickets.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide additional tickets for this ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
The Guest Info section of this website has all the information your guests need to know about directions and parking, seating (including seating for children and infants), accessibility and visiting campus.
Guests Attending with Children
Children, toddlers and infants are welcome as guests at all commencement ceremonies but please review the guidelines below.
Tickets for Children and Infants
| Ages 2+ Years | Under 2 Years |
|---|---|
For any ticketed ceremony, a guest ticket is required for children ages 2 and older.
| Children younger than 2 years old need a guest ticket for any ticketed ceremony only if you are bringing a baby carrier or infant car seat carrier into the ceremony; the ticket is for the seat space that will be taken up by the carrier.
|
Strollers, Baby Carriers and Car Carriers
Baby strollers are not permitted in Alumni Arena. Baby carriers and infant car seat carriers are only allowed if you have a ticket for the seat space that will be taken up by the carrier.
Crying and Disruptive Children and Babies
If you are with a child who is talking, crying or moving around in a manner that is distracting to the ceremony, you may be asked to step outside the ceremony.
For Your Safety -- Prohibited Items
Your safety is our first priority. As you arrive, you may be greeted upon entry by security personnel who will conduct a speedy inspection of all belongings you may have with you. You may also be asked to unfasten any outerwear. Because of these security measures, please allow yourself a few extra minutes.
The following items are prohibited:
- Large bags
- Backpacks
- Umbrellas (except the small, collapsible kind)
- Laser Objects
- Weapons
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs and/or related paraphernalia
- Signs/sticks
- Flags/banners
- Balloons
- Beach balls
- Fireworks or explosives
- Voice amplifiers
- Noise-making devices
- Animals (except in the case of service animals trained to perform needed tasks for attendees with disabilities)
- Any item, that in the judgment of venue management, may pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other guests.
The name of each graduate participating in this ceremony will be announced. As each graduate comes forward, they will appear on the image magnification screens.
Many departments also schedule gatherings during the days leading up to and including commencement weekend. Please check directly with your department to see if any activities may be taking place in addition to your official commencement ceremony.
Sunday, May 19, 2019
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Alumni Arena, UB North Campus
Ceremony Contact
Anne Continetti
Phone: (716) 645-1391
Email: cas-commencement@buffalo.edu
Caps/Tams, Gowns, Hoods and Tassels
Graduating students participating in commencement wear academic apparel. Order early to make sure you get the appropriate items on time.
Diplomas Mailed 6-8 Weeks After Conferral
The Office of the Registrar will mail your diploma to your permanent address approximately six to eight weeks after the conferral date. Students are responsible for making address changes; these should be made through your HUB Student Center to ensure that you receive your diploma.
