Current Students
Everything you need to stay on track
As a current philosophy student at the University at Buffalo, you are part of an active scholarly community. This page brings together the key resources, policies and contacts you need to plan your coursework, meet program milestones and stay engaged in department life.
Resources for:
Quick Links
Need to register for a course, declare your major, help getting involved or more?
Academic Advising
As a Philosophy major at the University at Buffalo, you have access to expert academic advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences and dedicated First-Year Success Coaches. They help you map out your degree, choose courses wisely, navigate college life and stay on track for timely graduation.
We recommend meeting with your advisor at least once each semester to review your progress and plan next steps.
Connect with your advisor
Graduation and Commencement
Graduation (degree conferral) and participating in commencement are two separate steps.
Step 1: Apply for graduation
You must apply for graduation to have your degree officially awarded.
- Apply for Graduation in the HUB Student Center
- If the option does not appear, contact the Office of the Registrar
Step 2: Register for commencement
After applying for graduation, you must separately register to participate in the commencement ceremony.
When you place your order, you will be guided in selecting the appropriate regalia based on your academic discipline and degree.
Your Regalia Colors
Cap and Gown: Blue
Tassels: Blue and white
Hoods: Hoods are lined in blue and gold. The width of the velvet border varies by degree, while the color of the velvet border indicates the academic discipline.
Common questions
Do concentrations appear on the diploma?
No. Concentrations appear on your official transcript only.
Can I take or retake classes after graduation?
No. Once your degree is conferred, additional coursework does not apply to your undergraduate degree.
Donna Smith
Undergraduate Administrator; Graduate Administrator
Department of Philosophy
135A Park Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-4150
Phone: (716) 645-2780; Fax: (716) 645-6139
Email: donnaobe@buffalo.edu
Support and resources available to students across identities and experiences.
The Career Design Center helps you explore options, build practical skills and take action on your goals. Whether you are just starting to think about what comes next or actively preparing for jobs or graduate school, you will find clear guidance and real opportunities to move forward.
What you can do at the Career Design Center:
- Meet one-on-one with a career design consultant
- Get support with job and internship searches and grad school planning
- Use online tools for resumes, interviews, networking and exploring real-world challenges
- Attend job + Internship fairs, skillshops and networking events
- Gain access to thousands of jobs + internship postings on Bullseye powered by Handshake.
- Explore the Career Design Studio any time to discover tools, resources and ideas that help you plan your path.
A consolidated set of academic, campus and wellness resources to support every part of your UB journey.
Academic Success
Developing self-learning skills necessary to succeed, such as reading textbooks, taking notes, checking for understanding, and utilizing faculty, peers and tutoring.
Social Integration
Engaging, learning outside the classroom, developing networks of support and healthy behaviors in managing stress.
- Athletics, Recreation and Intramurals
- Counseling Services
- Experiential Learning Network
- Health Promotion
- Intercultural and Diversity Center
- LGBTQ+ Center
- Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs
- Psychological Services Center
- Stress Management and Prevention
- Student Engagement
- Student Health Services
- UB Events Calendar
- Veteran Services
Understanding UB
Successfully navigating UB’s physical setting, including its interconnected online systems and resources.
- Campus Living
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Financial Aid at 1Capen
- Hired: Professional Clothing Boutique
- HUB Student Center
- International Student Services
- Navigate
- Parking and Transportation at 1Capen
- Registrar: HUB Student Center Training Guides
- Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
- Student Accounts
- Setting up your tech
- Technology Guide
- UBIT Help Center
This is more than college. It’s your new home.
From late-night bites to early-morning classes, UB is designed to help you thrive—on campus, off campus and all over Buffalo. Whether you’re settling in or just visiting, here’s everything you need to make life at UB easier, warmer and way more fun.
Hungry? You’ve got options. Choose a traditional meal plan at one of UB’s dining halls or explore campus cafés with international flavors like Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean and Mexican. There’s something for every taste (and every schedule).
Getting around UB is easy. Whether you're walking from your dorm, hopping on a free UB Stampede or Shuttle, or driving your own car (permit required, small fee), getting to class is simple and convenient. UB’s campus is big, but travel time is short.
Live where you’ll thrive. UB offers a wide range of housing, both on campus and off. From residence halls to nearby townhouses, you'll find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. If you're renting off campus, be sure to read your lease carefully and know your rights as a tenant.
🛒 Shopping
Buffalo winters are legendary. Get what you need to stay warm and stocked. Nearby shopping spots include:
- The Boulevard
- Walden Galleria
- Wegmans
- Tops Market
- Target
- Walmart
📚 Textbooks
Save money and stay ready. In addition to the University Bookstore, try:
- AbeBooks
- Amazon.com
- Ebay.com
- UB Libraries for digital and reserve copies
And don’t forget to check student mailing lists or e-bulletins for used books and swaps.
🌆 Life in Buffalo
Buffalo is a city with heart, history, flavor and energy—and only minutes from Niagara Falls and Canada. Whether you're here for four years or for life, there’s always something new to discover.