Commencement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you plan on attending the Commencement Ceremony in May 2026, the online Apply to Graduate/RSVP for Commencement form on UCanWeb must be submitted by the appropriate deadline.**

**Deadline
May 2026 Graduates: Apply to Graduate January 1, 2026 – March 15, 2026

If you do not submit the form by the appropriate deadline and you wish to participate (walk) in the May ceremony, you must submit a request and receive approval to walk late. Refer to the Late Request to Walk webpage. If you have questions regarding your degree requirements, please contact your Dean’s Office or your advisor.

Please see the cap and gown pick up information.

Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Meet in the Ice Arena at the CARC/Roos House and line up behind your School flag. Rehearsal is strongly encouraged but not mandatory.

Graduates participating 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 on-campus traffic. This will also allow time for the completion of the pre-ceremony tasks (including a professional photo) and Student Marshals to direct degree candidates to their proper place in the processional line.

Graduates who arrive late 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.

Guests should plan to arrive early enough to park their vehicle and make their way to the CARC/Roos House. 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.

Interpreting services will be provided on stage for the hearing impaired during the Commencement Ceremony.

Mobility impaired guests can be dropped off at the main entrance of the CARC/Roos House. Please be sure to have your guest ticket with you for entrance. Limited disability parking will be available behind the CARC/Roos House in Lot 23 for cars with official persons with disability identification.

Guests with disabilities should plan to arrive early for the best seating availability.  For guests with wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility issues who are unable to navigate the bleachers, limited ground-level seating is available. Please call (315) 386-7918 to inquire about special seating.

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

Once all graduation requirements are confirmed, May graduates will receive their diploma by mail during the summer.

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

While we allow guests who utilize service animals to bring their important companions to Commencement, it is inappropriate for animals not trained to deal with large crowds, noise, and confusion to be part of the celebration. Animals are NOT allowed at Commencement, except 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 insist on bringing 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 capacity restrictions, all guests need a ticket to enter the building including small children and infants.

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 Area floor. Please arrive on time to ensure that your photo is taken. The second photo will be of the graduate crossing the stage.

A link to these photos will be shared with graduates after the photos have been processed.