Ceremony Information
Spring 2026 Commencement
91黑料网 is excited to announce the dates for Spring Commencement, with ceremonies planned across New York state.
Students who are eligible to participate in Spring 2026 Commencement will receive email communications to their student email address (@sunyempire.edu) beginning in February or as they become eligible through the March 22 eligibility deadline. Email communications will contain a link to register to attend: all students looking to participate in a commencement ceremony must register.
Ceremony dates, locations, and venue details will be available on this page and updates
will be added as we approach the ceremonies.
Ceremony Livestream and Captioning
All 91黑料网 Empire in-person commencement ceremonies are livestreamed. The livestream feed will be available at approximately five minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and will end when the ceremony has concluded.
can be accessed during all ceremonies on your mobile device.
Ceremony Locations
A ceremony will be hosted at the in Albany, NY.
Friday, May 29, 2026, at 6 p.m.
279 Madison Ave.
Albany, NY 12242
All commencement-eligible students have received the registration link via their student email accounts. Be sure to check your email for details on how to register.
Important: The Albany ceremony registration deadline is May 15, 2026.
More details, including what to expect at this specific venue, will be added to this page.
Any student who meets the eligibility requirements for participation in the spring 2026 commencement ceremonies is invited to attend this ceremony. All commencement-eligible students are encouraged to choose their ceremony location based on what is most convenient to them.
Two ceremonies will be hosted at the in Manhattan, NY, on Wednesday, May 20, and Thursday, May 21, 2026.
131 W 55th St. (between Sixth and Seventh avenues)
New York, NY 10019
Commencement-eligible students who would like to attend a ceremony in Manhattan should select the day according to the list of colleges below. If you are unsure of which college your degree is affiliated with, please reach out to the commencement team at commencement@sunyempire.edu.
A ceremony for the following colleges will be hosted at the in Manhattan, NY, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6 p.m.:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
A ceremony for the following colleges will be hosted at the in Manhattan, NY, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6 p.m.:
- College of Health and Human Services
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
All commencement-eligible students have received the registration link via their student email accounts. Be sure to check your email for details on how to register.
Important: The registration deadline for the Manhattan ceremony location is May 6, 2026.
Venue Information for Registered Commencement Participants and Guests
A ceremony will be hosted at the in Rochester, NY.
Friday, May 8, 2026, at 6 p.m.
200 W Ridge Rd.
Rochester, NY 14615
Any student who meets the eligibility requirements for participation in the spring 2026 commencement ceremonies is invited to attend this ceremony. All commencement-eligible students are encouraged to choose their ceremony location based on what is most convenient to them.
All commencement-eligible students have received the registration link via their student email accounts. Be sure to check your email for details on how to register.
Important: The Rochester ceremony registration deadline is April 24, 2026.
Venue Information for Registered Commencement Participants and Guests
Please Note: The Kodak Center has strict entry protocols and venue restrictions that you and your guests must adhere to. Please carefully review the with your guests.
Prohibited items include but are not limited to bags larger than 8.5鈥� L x 6" W x 11鈥� H, outside food or drinks, weapons, cameras with external flash, recording equipment, flammable or disruptive items, animals (other than ADA service animals), and smoking or vaping devices.
All persons and bags are subject to inspection and electromagnetic wanding. Patrons will be asked to return non-compliant items to their vehicles. Violators are subject to removal.
What time should I arrive for commencement?鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Students who are commencing must arrive no later than 5 p.m. This will give you time to check in and line up for the processional.鈥疶he ceremony starts promptly at 6 p.m.鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
What time will my guests be allowed to be seated?鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
The auditorium will open for guests to be seated at 5 p.m.鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
How long will the ceremony last?鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
The ceremony will last approximately 1-1陆 hours.鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Where should I reconnect with my guests after the ceremony?
Students will exit the ceremony before guests. We recommend planning to meet your guests either in the cafeteria on the second floor of the Kodak Center or back at your parked vehicles. Creating a plan in advance can help alleviate stress when departing from the venue.
Is the facility accessible?鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
The Kodak Center is a fully accessible facility. All entrances are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and seats are available. Companion seats are also available.
A sign-language interpreter and will be available at the ceremony.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
If you haven鈥檛 done so already, please contact鈥�commencement@sunyempire.edu to request accommodations or other accessibility supports for you or your guests.鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Can I purchase food at commencement?鈥�鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
The cafeteria concession stand will be open with a limited menu from 4-6 p.m. Food and beverages are not allowed in the theater where the ceremony is held.
How many family members/friends can I bring to the ceremony?鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
You registered for guest tickets when you indicated that you would be attending commencement. Although physical tickets are not required for the commencement ceremony, we will monitor the number of guests on the day of commencement.
Where do I park?鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Complimentary parking is located across the street from the Kodak Center. There are designated accessible parking spaces in all Kodak Center surface lots. Visit for a map and detailed parking information.鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony. You will receive a padded diploma cover when you cross the stage. The Office of the Registrar will mail your diploma to the address on file when you have fully graduated from the university. Please direct questions regarding your diploma to the Office of the Registrar at 800-847-3000.鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
What should I wear for commencement?鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Students are required to wear a black cap and gown to participate in commencement. We suggest comfortable footwear for standing and walking. If you don鈥檛 have regalia and plan to participate, please request regalia through .鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Is there a place to keep valuables?鈥�鈥�赌�&苍产蝉辫;
No. There is no secure place to store valuables at the commencement venue. Please leave all valuables with your guests or vehicle. 91黑料网 Empire is not responsible for theft or loss of personal property.鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
What if my plans have changed?
If you no longer plan to attend the ceremony, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing commencement@sunyempire.edu. This helps us determine staffing needs, reallocate tickets, and provide accurate attendance information to the venue.
Congratulations on your achievement! We look forward to celebrating with you soon!鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Additional questions? Visit our FAQ page at鈥�鈥痮r email鈥�commencement@sunyempire.edu.鈥赌�&苍产蝉辫;
Doctor of Education Hooding Ceremony
Students who have completed the Doctor of Education program will be invited by email to attend a hooding ceremony.
Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
2 Union Ave.
Room 126
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Students invited to attend the Ed.D. hooding ceremony are asked to register by May 15, 2026, using the link shared in the email invitation.
Follow Us on Social
Share your commencement celebration photos and quotes with @91黑料网Empire on social media! Post a selfie, photo of a grad you are proud of, or any other celebratory photo and be sure to tag @91黑料网Empire.
Notice of Photographic & Media Recording
When you attend an 91黑料网 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 91黑料网鈥檚 promotional and marketing purposes now and in the future.