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.
If I have applied for degree conferral in HUB, do I still need to register to participate in the commencement ceremony?
Yes, applying for graduation in HUB signals to the university that you plan to graduate (i.e., receive your degree). A separate registration is required to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Do I need to apply for graduation before registering for the commencement ceremony?
Yes, this is how we know that you are planning to graduate.
How do I apply for graduation if I missed the spring 2023 conferral due date?
Bachelor’s Degree Candidates: If you did not submit that application via HUB by the due date, please fill out the graduation update form as soon as possible.
Master’s Degree Candidates: Students who are eligible to attend the ceremony should have applied for graduation via HUB. If you did not submit the application by the due date, please contact your department’s Graduate Academic Coordinator as soon as possible.
Doctoral Degree Candidates should have completed the Application to Candidacy (ATC) initially and then the Amend ATC form if they need to change the conferral term. PhD students do not apply for graduation via HUB. Please contact your department’s Graduate Academic Coordinator if you do not have a graduation date set and you are planning to attend the 2023 commencement ceremony.
Are students required to attend the commencement ceremony?
No, participation in the in-person ceremony is optional.
Do I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, all UB diplomas are mailed approximately six weeks after the conferral of your degree. Review the Office of the Registrar diploma details.
If I am a summer 2023 candidate, will my name be in the printed Commencement program?
No, the printed Commencement program includes summer 2022, fall 2022 and spring 2023 conferrals.
If I am a summer 2023 candidate, will my name be read as I cross the stage?
Yes, the names of all students are read when they cross the stage.
Do I need to wear a cap and gown for the ceremony?
Yes, all participants must be in full cap and gown.
What color hood should I purchase?
Sage green hoods are for those in the health professions program (e.g., Exercise Science, Biostatistics, Occupational Therapy).
Salmon hoods are for those in a public health program (e.g., MPH, Public Health Bachelor's Degree).
Is there a fee to attend the commencement ceremony?
No, the only associated fee is for the purchase of regalia.
Can I invite guests to the ceremony?
Guests of graduates are permitted at the ceremony and must follow all university health and safety requirements. No ticket requirements for the ceremony. No limit to the number of guests.
Ceremony Contact
Jillian Reading, PhD
Assistant Dean/Director of Student Affairs
416 Kimball
Email: jreading@buffalo.edu