Commencement Ceremony Details
Find information about tickets, receptions, and more!
Pre-Ceremony Details
Ceremony Accessibility Request
The Commencement ceremonies will be held in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center Fieldhouse.
Please note that each Ceremony is anticipated to last approximately 60–90 minutes. Seating is individual folding chairs on the same level in the fieldhouse (not stadium seating). There is an accessible ramp that leads from Parking Lot I to the main entrance to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center and Fieldhouse.
Please complete the Commencement Accessibility Request form to notify us if you or your guest(s) have accessibility needs.
New This Year: Photography and Videography Policy
Graduates often hire photographers for Commencement photos on campus in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. The University has recently implemented a campus photography and videography policy.
For professional photography/videography, permission must be obtained in advance. Please review the policy and have any professional photographers request permission from the Office of Marketing and Communications.
Photographers/videographers will also be required to check in with the Safety and Security Office upon arrival.
Non-professional photography/videography for personal use is permitted, subject to respect for the privacy of others, and subject to the general provisions of the student code of conduct.
Please note: Regalia will not be available before Tuesday, May 5, so plan photo sessions accordingly.
Regalia (Caps, Gowns, and Hoods)
Doctoral gown orders are rentals and are required to be returned to The Cardinal Shop in the Donald E. Bain Campus Center following the ceremony. Hoods will be provided by the Schools during the hooding portion of the respective Commencement Ceremony.
Regalia Pickup
The Cardinal Shop will be open for regalia pickup:
- May 5–7, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- May 8, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- May 9, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Commencement Ceremony Details
Attendee Safety
Comfort-Related Matters
- Each Ceremony is anticipated to last approximately 60–90 minutes.
- Seating is plastic folding chairs on the same level in the Fieldhouse.
- Please consider wearing or bringing comfortable footwear.
- The Fieldhouse is not air-conditioned and may be warm.
Prohibited Items
- Air horns, whistles, and other disruptive devices.
- Weapons of any kind, including knives.
- Unweighted balloons.
Diplomas, Honors, and Awards
Eligible students must apply to graduate, as instructed by the University Registrar. In the spring semester, students who have applied to graduate and have been approved by the Registrar’s Office must register for their ceremony, indicating their intent to attend the ceremony.
At the ceremony, graduates receive a St. John Fisher University diploma cover as they cross the stage and are congratulated by the University and school leadership. Diplomas are mailed to the address submitted when a student applies to graduate.
Honors and awards are listed in the Commencement program. Final honors, based on the final cumulative GPA, are noted on the diploma and transcript. Cords for Latin academic honors are provided to the graduate upon check-in at the ceremony.
- Summa Cum Laude: with greatest praise awarded for cumulative averages of 3.85 or higher, identified by a gold cord
- Magna Cum Laude: with great praise awarded for cumulative averages of 3.70 or higher, identified by a Cardinal red cord
- Cum Laude: with praise awarded for cumulative averages of 3.50 or higher, identified by a white cord
Photographs
Please note that a professional photographer is at each ceremony and captures two photos of every graduate, including a portrait in regalia. Additional details will be provided closer to the ceremonies.
Reception
All graduates and their guests are invited to a light reception in the Donald E. Bain Campus Center immediately following their ceremony.
Senior Gift
The Class of 2026 Gift Campaign is your opportunity to celebrate this important milestone by giving back to the place that’s been home for the past several years. Every gift — of any size — makes an impact.
As a donor, you’ll receive a special teal philanthropy cord to wear with pride at graduation.