Commencement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you plan on participating (walking) in the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement application on UCanWeb must be submitted by the appropriate deadline.**

**Deadlines

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

If you missed your designated deadline, please refer to the Commencement Checklist - Step 1 for full details.

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

Yes, Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Ice Arena at the CARC/Roos House. There will be a line up for each School, and the assigned Student Marshal will help you locate your degree/major. The rehearsal will help to familiarize you with the ceremony process and give you an opportunity to ask questions. The rehearsal is strongly encouraged but not mandatory.

Graduates

Those participating (walking) in the Commencement Ceremony must arrive in the Ice Arena at the CARC/Roos House by 8:30 a.m. This will ensure that participants are not delayed by the increased on-campus traffic, allow time for the completion of the pre-ceremony tasks (including a professional photo), and allow time for the Student Marshals to direct degree candidates to their proper place in the processional line.

Graduates who arrive late/after the procession begins will need to wait until the procession concludes before being seated; graduates may not be able to be seated with their School and/or degree/major program. An event volunteer will help with the seating.

Guests

Doors to the CARC/Roos House will open at 8:15 a.m. The Commencement procession begins at 10:15 a.m., with the ceremony beginning promptly at 10:30 a.m. Guests should plan to arrive early enough to park their vehicle and make their way to the CARC/Roos House.

Communication Access

To ensure an inclusive experience, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be on stage during the Commencement Ceremony for guests who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Arrival & Parking

• Drop-off: Guests with mobility disabilities may be dropped off at the main entrance of the CARC/Roos House. Please ensure you have your guest ticket ready for entry.
• Parking: Limited accessible parking is available behind the CARC/Roos House in Lot 23 for vehicles displaying an official accessible parking permit (placard or license plate).

Seating & Accessibility

We recommend that guests with disabilities arrive early for the best seating options. For guests using wheelchairs, walkers, or those who find bleacher seating inaccessible, limited ground-level seating is available.

To discuss specific seating needs or other accommodations, please contact us at (315) 386-7918.

The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, and all candidates present at the ceremony and online candidates who requested to be included will be recognized individually by name as they cross the stage.

Once all graduation requirements are confirmed, paper diplomas will be mailed to May graduates in early summer. Graduates will also be sent an email with access to an electronic diploma. Please clear all financial holds that you may have. A diploma cannot be issued unless all financial obligations are satisfied.

Restrictions

No backpacks or large bags are permitted in the facility/CARC.

No balloons or selfie-sticks are allowed in the Field House.

SUNY Canton cares about the safety of all ceremony participants/volunteers and reserves the right to request the removal or inspection of prohibited items before entrance to the facility or Commencement Ceremony is allowed. The College appreciates your cooperation in making this a safe and memorable event for all.

Animals at Commencement

The only animals permitted at Commencement are service animals required to perform tasks for persons with disabilities.

New York State Law prohibits leaving an animal inside a confined vehicle in extreme heat or cold without proper ventilation or other protection. For the safety and comfort of the animals and our guests, it is important that pets be left at home. Guests who bring pets to the ceremony will be asked to leave immediately. No exceptions will be made for graduates or guests.

No, children are not permitted to walk across the stage. We welcome children, who are accompanied by an adult at all times, to attend the ceremony. The College does not provide supervision or childcare while a parent participates in the ceremony.

Yes, 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.

There will be a professional photographer on site to take two photos of each graduate. The first photo will be an individual graduate photo prior to the ceremony on the Ice Arena floor. Please arrive on time to ensure that your photo is taken. The second photo will be of the graduate crossing the stage.

A professional photograph proof will be sent to graduates following Commencement. Graduates will have the option of purchasing additional copies from the photographer. Details will be sent to graduates via email.