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Commencement Schedule and Information

The following plans and information are subject to State, SUNY, and campus guidance/policies and may change with little to no warning.

Commencement Rehearsal

Date/Time: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Location: CARC/Roos House, Ice Arena

Find: Your School/School's Marshal; Join the Line Up Behind Your Degree/Major

Rehearsal is encouraged but not mandatory.

Commencement Day

This is SUNY Canton's 118th Commencement Ceremony.

Date/Time: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Location: CARC/Roos House, Field House

• 8:15 a.m. - Doors Open for Guests
• 8:30 a.m. - Graduates arrive and go to the Ice Arena
• 10:15 a.m. - Procession Begins
• 10:30 a.m. - Ceremony and Live Stream Begins
• Following the ceremony, there will be a brief reception for graduates, family, and friends in the Ice Arena.

Photographs

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.

Accessibility Accommodations

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.

Safety Information

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.