Commencement 2026

Follow the instructions found here: https://www.ecc.edu/graduate/index.html

Clear up any possible holds with SUNY Erie, such as parking tickets, outstanding balances, etc.

To ensure that as many graduates as possible can participate in Commencement, each graduate will be provided with 3 guest tickets. This limit is based on the capacity of our venue. Each graduate will also receive an entry ticket for themselves to enter the venue.

If additional guest tickets become available after initial distribution, graduates will have the opportunity to request extra tickets through a lottery process. Based on availability and demand, should tickets remain available, students may request up to 1-2 additional tickets.

Tickets will be distributed at the time of regalia pick-up. Each guest must have a ticket to enter. The only exception is for infants (1 year or younger) who may sit on a guest's lap.

There is no cost to you for your regalia or guest tickets. SUNY Erie covers this for all graduates so you can fully participate in your ceremony.

Pick-Up Details
To help ensure you are ready for Commencement, regalia and tickets must be picked up in advance

Regalia and Ticket pick-up begins May 1.
The deadline to pick up regalia and tickets is May 15

Regalia and tickets must be picked up in person and cannot be mailed. It is your responsibility to pick up your regalia and tickets at one of the locations below

North Campus Bookstore
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

City Campus Bookstore
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

SO Cobham
Pick-up hours will be shared prior to May 1

VTTC (Automotive Technology students only)
Pick-up hours will be shared prior to May 1

Original South Campus location (Architecture, EMT, and Collision Technology students only)
Pick-up hours will be shared prior to May 1

Helping Everyone Feel Safe and Ready 

To support a safe and welcoming environment for all graduates and guests, the venue will have standard entry procedures and guidelines in place for Commencement. 

What to Expect Upon Arrival 

• All graduates and guests should be prepared to undergo security screening upon entry. This may include a walk-through metal detector or a handheld screening wand. 
• Bags may be checked by event security. We recommend arriving early to allow time for entry and to avoid delays 

Arena Floor & Stage Access 

We know how meaningful this moment is, and how much families want to be part of it. To ensure the safety of all participants and allow the ceremony to run smoothly: 

• Only graduates are permitted on the arena floor and stage during the ceremony 
• Guests, family members, and friends will celebrate from their seats in the audience 
• Graduates will have opportunities before and after the ceremony to take photos and celebrate together with their guests 

Items Not Permitted 
To help ensure the ceremony remains safe and respectful for everyone, the following items are not allowed: 

• Weapons or firearms of any kind 
• Noise makers or items that may disrupt the ceremony 
• Alcohol, vape, smoking 
• Any items that could pose a safety concern or interfere with the experience of others 

A Quick Reminder: These guidelines are in place to support a safe, organized, and positive experience for all graduates and their guests. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping make this a meaningful celebration for everyone. 

Parking on campus will be free and ample on commencement day.

Once on campus, signage will direct you to general parking, accessible parking, barrier-free entrance drop-off, and building entrances for guests, graduates, and barrier-free access.

Guest parking for Commencement is available and recommended in parking lots (G-24, R-12, R-13) closest to the Sports Arena.

Follow the Bengal Walk (pathway) to the Sports Arena.

Graduates are expected to wear their official cap and gown, complemented by attire that reflects the formality of this important occasion. Recommended dress includes business or business-casual clothing and comfortable, polished footwear suitable for walking and standing during the ceremony

Graduates should be at Buffalo State by 5:00 PM, and doors will be open at 4:30. You will be lined up and will fill out the form needed for your professional photos during this time.

We invite all graduates and guests to fully embrace the pomp and circumstance of Commencement by remaining for the entirety of the ceremony. Your presence and participation honor not only your own achievements, but also those of your fellow graduates

Accessible seating and entrances are available at the arena. Please reach out to vafrontera@ecc.edu with any questions about specific accommodations.

Grad Images will photograph graduates as they receive their diploma covers on stage from the President. About a week after the ceremony, you will receive information on purchasing photos through their website.

Your diploma will be mailed to you during the summer. Once you receive your diploma, you can place it inside the diploma holder provided to you when you walked across the stage during Commencement.

Review your permanent home address in Workday to ensure your diploma is mailed to the correct address