Commencement

Commencement Ceremony

Empire State University is pleased to host a commencement ceremony in Albany in December 2026. Detailed ceremony information is posted to the Ceremony Information page and answers to some of our most frequently asked questions are available on the FAQ page.

How to Participate

Winter commencement eligibility requirements must be met by November 1, 2026. Eligibility criteria and information on how to participate can be found on the Eligibility and Participation webpage.

Students who are eligible to participate in Winter 2026 Commencement will receive email communications to their student email address (@sunyempire.edu) through the November 1 eligibility deadline. Email communications will contain a link to register to attend: all students looking to participate in a commencement ceremony must register.

Streaming

The ceremony will be livestreamed at SUNY Empire Live. The livestream feed will begin approximately five minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and will end when the ceremony has concluded.

Notice of Photographic and Media Recording

When you attend an Empire State University commencement ceremony, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such photography, audio, and video recording and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for Empire State University’s promotional and marketing purposes now and in the future.