Commencement 2021
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General Information
Mandatory mask-wearing, physical distancing and compliance with UB’s health check requirement is in effect for all attending the ceremony.
For students, faculty & staff participating in this ceremony:
If utilizing a campus testing site it is recommended that you test on Tuesday, May 4 between 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m. to gaurantee your results. No reservation is required.
On-campus testing sites are located at the Student Union, Greiner Hall, Allen Hall and Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
The School of Dental Medicine is pleased to announce that commencement ceremonies for the class of 2021 will be held in person beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 7, at UB Stadium, North Campus.
Note that all participants must be in full cap and gown. Dean Zambon will be hooding all graduates.
The outdoor ceremonies will require mandatory mask-wearing, physical distancing and compliance with UB’s weekly testing requirement.
A number of details are still being coordinated. We ask your patience as we work through these critical components. Ceremony updates will be posted as soon as they become available. Be sure to check your UB email and visit the School of Dental Medicine’s commencement website daily.
All ceremonies will be live streamed.
*Should changing health guidelines make it necessary for safety, the university is prepared to convert to a virtual ceremony.
Registration
Graduates will receive communication with a custom registration link. All students that wish to participate must log in and choose how they wish to participate - either in-person or virtually.
Accessibility for Students and Guests
If you need accommodations to enable you to participate in a commencement ceremony, please reach out to the ceremony coordinator.
The university is committed to providing equal access to individuals with disabilities, including physical access to events and reasonable accommodations for members of the university community.
Please refer to the Accessibility for Guests webpage for additional information.
What if my guest has an accessibility issue or needs handicap seating?
There will be handicap seating, you do not need to notify us in advance. When your guest arrives to the gate to enter, they will be brought up a ramp to handicap seating. It is important to note that there is not an easy drop off area. Family members can park and help them to the gate, wheelchairs will be made available at the gate if needed.
If your guest requires a sign language interpreter, please let us know as soon as possible. There will be closed captioning on the screen.
Guest and Ticket Information
All guests attending the commencement ceremony will need to show their ticket upon entry; graduates will be required to check in at registration.
Tickets
Up to four guests allowed
Guests
The University at Buffalo’s top priority for our 2021 Commencement Weekend is the safety of everyone on our UB community. All New York State guidelines for a safe celebration to honor our graduates is being taken into consideration.
Your guests will be seated in pairs, if you have two four guests. If you have three guests, two of them will be seated together and the third guest will be seated on their own, but they will be next to each other within a row. Your guests will be able to select their own seats.
Attendance/COVID Requirements
All guests attending a commencement ceremony will need to show their ticket upon entry; graduates will be required to check in at registration.
Children age 2 and under do not need to follow COVID attendance requirements and do not require a ticket. Children 2 and under must be seated on someone’s lap during the ceremony.
All attendees must adhere to the following requirements on the day of the commencement ceremony:
1. Complete the Daily Health Check day of.
2. Bring photo ID and be prepared to show either:
- Negative viral test results within last 72 hours or
- Proof of full vaccination (at least 14 days after final dose).
- NYS Excelsior Pass is acceptable for proof of vaccination
See Testing Map at erie.gov/covidtestsites to find a COVID-19 testing site near you. Please call the organization before going to inquire about the cost, times it takes to receive results and other criteria. This list is subject to change and may not reflect all testing options in Erie County.
3. Proof of full recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
4. Wear a face covering over nose and mouth.
5. Maintain a minimum six feet of physical distance.
Parking
Parking information will be provided in the coming days.
Photography
Grad Images will be capturing a headshot photo of you with your diploma after you cross the stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to attend the commencement ceremony?
No. Participation in the ceremony—either in-person or virtual—is optional.
Can I participate in the ceremony if I am unable to travel to UB?
Yes, as the ceremony will be livestreamed. If you wish to participate virtually, you can still have your name read at the in-person ceremony. More information regarding this option will be forthcoming.
Do I need to wear a cap and gown for the ceremony?
Yes. All participants must be in full cap and gown.
Do I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No. All UB diplomas are mailed approximately six weeks after the conferral of your degree. Information regarding diploma mailings will be forthcoming.
Will a professional photographer be present for the in-person ceremony?
Yes, more details to come. Please note, masks must be worn at all times.
Will there be a rain location as back up?
No, the ceremonies will be held rain or shine. In the event of thunder and lighting, the ceremony would not be able to continue.