2023 Commencement
The venue was expansive as this year’s School of Public Health and Health Professions’ commencement ceremony took place at UB’s Alumni Arena.
The annual celebration of student success, held this year on May 18, was a festive gathering of graduating students joined by family, friends and others invested in their success. About 380 graduate and undergraduate students strode across the stage during the event. There, they found handshakes, smiles and hugs from the assembled faculty, administration and special guests, along with a piece of parchment naming them newly minted graduates of one of SUNY’s flagship institutions. Look back at photos from this year's ceremony.
Event security
Dear Members of the UB community,
As we approach the end of the academic year and celebrate our graduates’ many accomplishments at UB’s recognition ceremonies and commencements, I want to ensure that our graduates, their families and friends, and our faculty and staff feel safe enjoying these momentous occasions.
As with any large-scale event, UB has put in place security checkpoints for all those attending our recognition ceremonies and commencements. We ask that our graduates and everyone participating in commencement anticipate that gaining entrance into the event venue may take an extra few minutes.
I look forward to celebrating the events leading up to and including commencement weekend with our graduates and their guests.
Satish K. Tripathi
President
COVID-19
Western New York continues to experience a swift rise in COVID-19 rates, due to the spread of the omicron subvariant BA.2 and a general loosening of restrictions.
Though the increase is expected to ease in the coming weeks, UB health and safety officials recommend that visitors to UB and members of the campus community use their best personal judgment in protecting themselves as the semester draws to a close.
Individuals who should be extra cautious when attending commencement ceremonies or graduation parties – this includes the unvaccinated, undervaccinated (not boosted), elderly and immunocompromised, and those who interact with these groups – are strongly encouraged to wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask (e.g., N95, KN95, KF94).
Anyone who feels unwell or experiences symptoms such as sore throat, headache, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath and coughing should stay home and get tested. Anyone testing positive should isolate, according to CDC guidelines.
Please note that while masks are not required at commencement ceremonies for participants or attendees, they are mandatory for passengers aboard UB buses and shuttles, per guidance from the governor and CDC. Complimentary face masks are available to riders upon request.
For those unable to attend in person, degree conferral ceremonies will be available for live stream and post-ceremony viewing.
For more information, visit UB’s Countdown to Commencement website.
What time should students arrive to check-in for commencement?
Students may begin the check-in process at 3:30 p.m. if they have pre-registered to participate. Anyone who does not pre-register by May 1, 2023, can arrive at 3 p.m. and check-in with the late registration booth.
Where do students check in?
Students should proceed to the Edward Wright Practice Facility (Triple Gym) for robing. This area is located on the ground floor of Alumni Arena-Room 76.
How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony is two hours.
Are tickets required for the ceremony?
No.
How many guests can a student bring?
There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate can bring to the ceremony.
Will a reception follow the commencement ceremony?
There is no formal reception following the ceremony. Grab-and-go UB cookies will be available for the graduates and their guests to take with them.
Ceremony Contact
Jillian Reading, PhD
Assistant Dean/Director of Student Affairs
416 Kimball Tower
Email: jreading@buffalo.edu