Commencement 2021
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General Information
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.
Guests
Graduates participating in-person will be allotted four tickets for guests.
• Tickets will be electronic and can be scanned on a mobile device or printed
• Ticket request and distribution will be forthcoming
• Ticket takers will be on site at each ceremony
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).
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.
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.