Guest information varies based on the ceremony venue. To determine if the correct ceremony venue is the Center for the Arts, please visit the Ceremonies Page.
Western New York continues to experience a swift rise in COVID-19 rates, due to the spread of the omicron subvariant BA.2 and a general loosening of restrictions.
Though the increase is expected to ease in the coming weeks, UB health and safety officials recommend that visitors to UB and members of the campus community use their best personal judgment in protecting themselves as the semester draws to a close.
Individuals who should be extra cautious when attending commencement ceremonies or graduation parties – this includes the unvaccinated, undervaccinated (not boosted), elderly and immunocompromised, and those who interact with these groups – are strongly encouraged to wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask (e.g., N95, KN95, KF94).
Anyone who feels unwell or experiences symptoms such as sore throat, headache, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath and coughing should stay home and get tested. Anyone testing positive should isolate, according to CDC guidelines.
Please note that while masks are not required at commencement ceremonies for participants or attendees, they are mandatory for passengers aboard UB buses and shuttles, per guidance from the governor and CDC. Complimentary face masks are available to riders upon request.
For those unable to attend in person, degree conferral ceremonies will be available for live stream and post-ceremony viewing.
North Campus directions are available on the Visiting UB website. To ensure your vist to campus during the busy Commencement season goes well, please view the alternate campus access information below.
Use the Coventry Entrance (off of Millersport Highway) or Flint Entrance (off Millersport Highway or Maple Road) for the most direct access to events at Alumni Arena, the Center for the Arts and Slee Hall.
To avoid most traffic after events, park in Furnas Lot, Jarvis A + B Lots, or Ketter Lot. To access these lots, enter campus from Rensch Road (off of Sweet Home Road), or use the Hamilton Entrance (off the John James Audubon Parkway). Please note that it is a short walk (approximately 7-9 minutes) from these lots to Alumni Arena, the Center for the Arts and Slee Hall.
| Building Name | Latitude | Longitude |
| Center for the Arts | 43.0009982 | -78.782920 |
The Stadium Lot, Slee A Lot and Baird A Lot are recommended for guest parking. During commencement ceremonies, guests are welcome to park in any faculty/staff and student parking lots; a UB hangtag is not required. For a map with details for parking lots; please see the UB North Campus Map.
Tickets are required for some commencement ceremonies. For more information about ticketing, please visit the ceremonies page and choose the ceremony you would like to attend.
Children, toddlers and infants are welcome as guests at all commencement ceremonies; please follow these guidelines.
| Ages 3 and up | Ages 2 and under |
|---|---|
| A guest ticket is required. | No ticket is required as long as the child will be seated on a lap. |
Baby strollers are not permitted in the seats or aisles in the theater because of the safety hazards they pose. Therefore, the use of baby strollers is discouraged. If a baby stroller is necessary, it must be left in the entrance of the theater at your own risk.
Upon arrival, security personnel will conduct a speedy inspection of all belongings.
The upper Baird and Slee Lots are designated as accessible parking for guests with disabilities. Those with official parking hangtags may utilize these accessible lots and spaces. The University at Buffalo does not issue these hangtags.
Guests who are unable to walk from the parking lot may be dropped off in the Coventry Loop in front of the building. Parking is not permitted in Coventry Loop.
The Center for the Arts is equipped with elevators inside the Mainstage Theater allowing for access to seats in the lower orchestra and wheelchair row by persons with special needs. Please be aware that the balcony of the Mainstage Theater is not serviced by an elevator, patrons seated in the balcony must be able to take the stairs to get to their seats.
A limited number of wheelchairs will be available for sign-out at the Guest Services Desk inside the Center for the Arts lobby (Coventry entrance), to transport guests from Coventry loop to seating.
These wheelchairs cannot be used by guests to sit in during the ceremony. The demand for wheelchairs tends to be quite high and we cannot guarantee that a wheelchair will be available to you when you arrive. We strongly encourage guests who need wheelchairs to supply their own and arrive early. Bringing your own wheelchair with you, if you require one, is especially crucial in case of an emergency evacuation.
There is no specific ticket for accessible seating. For ceremonies requiring guest tickets, each guest will need a standard guest ticket.
Please check in at the Guest Services Desk in the Center for the Arts Lobby. Patrons are then directed to the Mainstage Theater; please look for accessibility entrance, indicated by a sign in front of the theater. Please check in with the usher in this location who will make arrangements to seat you in the appropriate area.
Please note that guests with special needs may only bring ONE companion to sit with them. If the ceremony is ticketed, then the individual in need and their companion must each have a ceremony ticket. This limit is to ensure that we maintain ample seating for others in need.
Special seating areas are designated for the following:
