Commencement Checklist

All potential* 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

*Potential Graduates - those on track to meet graduation requirements.

Missed Deadlines

• If you are an August, December, or January graduate and missed your official application period, you MUST complete the Walk in Commencement form no later than Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to participate (walk) in the May ceremony.
• Any application submitted after the March 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. deadline will be considered as a late request to walk and will incur a $20.00 late fee that must be paid before approval to participate (walk) will be granted. See Apply to Graduate - Late Request to Walk section below for more information.

Important Notes

• It is only mandatory to apply if you are participating (walking) in the ceremony.
• However, all graduates are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you are not participating (walking), so we have your correct information (i.e., name, address, etc.) for the development and mailing of your diploma.
• If you do NOT plan to participate (walk) in the ceremony, you can indicate that on the application form.
• Completing the Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement application does NOT guarantee that graduation requirements have been completed.

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.
   • If upon opening the application, you see "no curricula available," please contact the Registrar's Office directly at registrar@canton.edu.
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.

Apply to Graduate - Late Request to Walk

Graduates who missed the Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement application deadline (Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.) and wish to participate (walk) in the May ceremony have the option to request approval to walk late. Any application submitted after the March 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. deadline will be considered as a late request to walk and will incur a $20.00 late fee that must be paid before approval to participate (walk) will be granted.

Please note: This late fee only applies to graduates who missed the Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement application deadline and who wish to participate (walk) in the Commencement Ceremony. This does not apply to graduates only receiving their diploma.

To request approval to participate (walk) late in the Commencement Ceremony, please complete the Late Request to Walk Form by Friday, May 1, 2026, at Noon. After Friday, May 1, 2026, at Noon, you will not have the option to participate (walk) in the Commencement Ceremony.

Early Walking Participation

If you are close to completing your degree requirements but will not finish by May 2026 and wish to request to participate (walk) early in this year's ceremony:

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.
• Due to building occupancy regulations and to ensure the safety of our guests, tickets are required for all guests (including children and infants) entering the CARC/Roos House to attend the Commencement Ceremony.
• Each graduate, who submitted the Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement application by the appropriate deadline AND indicated that they will be participating (walking) in the Commencement Ceremony or were approved to walk early or late, will receive FIVE (5) guest tickets due to capacity restrictions.
• The ceremony will be live-streamed, and a link will be sent to graduates one week before the ceremony and will be posted on SUNY Canton's website.

Please refer to the Cap and Gown (Regalia) page for full details.

We recognize that it might not be possible for you as an online graduate to travel to campus for the Commencement Ceremony, and we 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 Recognition of Online Graduates Form by Friday, May 1, 2026.

Please refer to the Tickets - Guest and Extra page for full details.

Graduates 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 Friday, 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.

If you have "confidentiality" on your record or your name appeared in the program in the last two years under the major you are graduating in, your name will NOT appear in the program.

Correction Deadline: Friday, April 17, 2026

Corrections or Questions

• For missing information, incorrect denotations, or spelling errors, please contact the Special Events Office at specialevents@canton.edu or (315) 386-7918.
• For your name to appear differently on your diploma, please contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@canton.edu or (315) 386-7616.
• For questions about your listed degree information, please contact your Academic Dean's Office:
• School of Business and Liberal Arts - MacArthur Hall 416 - sbla@canton.edu - (315) 386-7328
• Canino School of Engineering Technology - Nevaldine North 105 - csoet@canton.edu - (315) 386-7411
• School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice - Cook Hall 125 - shcj@canton.edu - (315) 386-7401

All graduates are invited to submit a photo to 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: Friday, May 1, 2026, by 4:00 p.m.  No photos will be accepted after that time.
• All photos will be reviewed prior to being posted.

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

Campus Store:  Cap and Gown (Regalia) Orders

• (315) 386-7319 or campusstore@canton.edu

Dean's Offices:  Permission to Walk Early Request Status, Degree or Academic Credit Information

• School of Business and Liberal Arts - MacArthur Hall 416 - (315) 386-7328 - sbla@canton.edu
• Canino School of Engineering Technology - Nevaldine North 105 - (315) 386-7411 - csoet@canton.edu
• School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice - Cook Hall 125 - (315) 386-7401 - shcj@canton.edu 

Registrar's Office:  Diplomas (inc. name changes), transcripts, application for graduation submission issues

• (315) 386-7616 or registrar@canton.edu

Special Events Office:  General ceremony questions, ADA seating

• (315) 386-7918 or specialevents@canton.edu