Commencement Checklist

All graduates must complete the Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement application in order to be eligible to participate (walk) in the Commencement Ceremony. The application deadline for the May 9, 2026, Commencement Ceremony is Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Information on completing the application can be found in the Application Process section below.

Application Periods by Graduation Term

• August Graduates: June 1 – July 31
• December Graduates: August 1 – November 30
• January Graduates: December 1 – December 31
• May Graduates: January 1 – March 15

Missed Deadlines

• If you are an August, December, or January graduate and missed your official application period, you must complete this application form no later than March 15, 2026, to walk in the May ceremony.
• Any application submitted after March 15 will incur a $20.00 late fee that must be paid before approval to participate will be granted.

Important Notes

• It is only mandatory to apply if you are walking in the ceremony.
• However, all graduates are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you are not attending, so that your diploma is mailed to the correct address following the ceremony.
• The application form includes a place to indicate if you do not plan to attend the ceremony.

Application Process

• Confirm your eligibility by following these directions:
  1. Log in to UCanWeb.
  2. Choose the Student tab. Look for the card that says Graduation and Transcript Services.
  3. Choose Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement.
  4. Complete the application, indicating whether or not you intend to participate (walk) in the Commencement Ceremony.
  5. Press Submit.
• Use the link that says “View Application to Graduate" on the Student tab to verify your submission.
• If upon opening the application, you see "no curricula available" please contact the Registrar's Office directly at registrar@canton.edu.

Early Walking Participation

If you are close to completing your degree requirements but will not finish by May 2026, and wish to participate:

1. Please review the Early Walking at Commencement Policy to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. If you feel you meet the eligibility criteria, please submit the Early Walking Application request form. All requests require Dean’s review and approval.

• Review the schedule with family and friends and determine who is attending.
• Each graduate that completes the Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement application by the deadline will receive 5 guest tickets.
• Due to capacity restrictions, all children (including infants) count as a guest and need a separate ticket.
• The ceremony will be livestreamed, and a link will be sent to the graduates one week before the ceremony.

Please refer to the Cap, Gowns and Tassels page for all the details.

We recognize that it might not be possible for you as an online graduate to travel to campus for the Commencement Ceremony and would like to offer an opportunity for you to be included and recognized for your achievements by having your name announced during the graduate acknowledgement portion of the ceremony.

If you are an online graduate who is unable to attend the ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and wish to have your name announced, please complete the Online Graduate Submission Form. (Note: To be included, your application to graduate must have been submitted by the required deadline.)

Refer to the Guest Tickets webpage for detailed information.

You will receive an email from the Special Events Office around the middle of April asking you to review your name and degree title for the Commencement program. Your name on this list is for purposes of the Commencement program only. You are urged to check your information before April 17, 2026, to ensure that your name and degree title are correct. Changes cannot be made after the deadline due to the printing turnaround time. Official certification as a graduate is completed by the Academic Deans’ Offices and will be completed in time for diplomas to be mailed in early summer.

• If there is any missing information, incorrect denotations, or spelling errors, please report them to the Special Events Office at specialevents@canton.edu or (315) 386-7918.
• If you would like your name to appear differently on your diploma, please contact the Registrar's Office directly at registrar@canton.edu or (315) 386-7616.
• If you have a question about your listed degree information, please contact your Academic Dean's Office:
  • Business and Liberal Arts, MacArthur Hall 416, or (315) 386-7328
  • Canino School of Engineering Technology, Nevaldine North 105, or (315) 386-7411
  • Science, Health and Criminal Justice, Cook Hall 125, or (315) 386-7401

All graduates are invited to submit a phototo be displayed on the screen before the ceremony begins. This is a great way to be part of the celebration from afar!

• Photo submission deadline: May 1, 2026, by 4:00 p.m.
• No photos will be accepted after this time.

We look forward to celebrating your success—whether in person or virtually!

If you have questions regarding diplomas (including name changes) or transcripts, or your application for graduation will not go through, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@canton.edu or (315) 386-7616.

If you have any questions about the status of your permission to walk early request or your degree or credit information, please contact your respective Academic Dean’s Office:

• Business and Liberal Arts, MacArthur Hall 416, or (315) 386-7328
• Canino School of Engineering Technology, Nevaldine North 105, or (315) 386-7411
• Science, Health and Criminal Justice, Cook Hall 125, or (315) 386-7401

If you have any general questions regarding the Commencement Ceremony, please contact the Special Events Office at specialevents@canton.edu or (315) 386-7918.