Q: Where to find updates for the School of Architecture and Planning Commencement 2025? A: For the latest updates, students, parents, and guests can follow this Commencement 2025 web page.
Q: How long is the graduation commencement ceremony? A: The ceremony is anticipated to last 90 minutes, with potential variations depending on the number of graduating students and the duration of speeches. To allow sufficient time for the ceremony and exiting the parking lot, we recommend making an 8 pm reservation.
Q: Will the commencement ceremony be live-streamed? A: Yes, for additional details, please visit this webpage: Link to live stream information.
Q: Are tickets required for the School of Architecture & Planning commencement ceremony? A: Yes, tickets are now required for the School of Architecture & Planning commencement ceremony for both students and guests. More information on ticketing and distribution will be provided soon. We recommend arriving early due to preceding ceremonies and traffic to ensure timely seating before the commencement begins.
Q: How do I notify you if I need accommodations to participate in the ceremony? A: You can notify us of any accommodations you need by indicating your requirements in the "Register to Participate in the Ceremony" form. If you need further assistance, please contact the ceremony coordinator directly at ap-commencement@buffalo.edu.
What should my guests do if they need accommodations? A: Guests who require accommodations should visit the Center for the Arts ceremony venue page for information on accessible options at the Mainstage Theater.
Q: Is there a separate ceremony time for undergraduates and graduates in the School of Architecture and Planning? A: No, there is only one ceremony where both undergraduates and graduates from the School of Architecture and Planning share the stage at the same time.
Q: What are the qualifications for wearing the honorific gold cord on the day of Commencement? A: Eligibility for the honorific gold cord, determined by Latin Honors, begins in early March. The School of Architecture & Planning receives an initial list of eligible students from the Registrar’s Office, promptly shared with the University Bookstore for cord purchase. A final list is generated in late March/early April to update symbols in the commencement program. Eligible students will be notified by the school via email, but the Registrar’s Office manages the intricate calculations for Latin Honors.
Q: How can students check to see if they successfully registered for commencement? A: To verify your successful registration, please check your email for a confirmation message with the subject line “Registration confirmed for Commencement” from: ap-commencement@buffalo.edu. A confirmation email is sent to all graduating students who have duly submitted their registration forms.
Q: What should a student do if they've registered for commencement but can no longer participate? A: If you wish to withdraw your participation in the commencement ceremony, please send an email to ap-commencement@buffalo.edu. This will notify the commencement committee of your decision, and they will guide you through the necessary steps.
Q: When can students purchase their cap and gown? A: Students can buy their gowns and caps at any time. For more information and to make a purchase, please visit the provided link: Cap and Gown Purchase. It's important to note that purchasing regalia is not connected to registration. URP Planning students wear brown tassels and hoods, while ARC Architecture students have lavender tassels and hoods. Additionally, GRADs wear black gowns, and UNDERGRADs wear blue gowns.
Q: What is the cost of a cap and gown set? A: The complete set is priced at approximately $120 or more. Please plan accordingly if you intend to make a purchase. The set includes a cap and gown. URP Planning students have brown tassels and hoods, while ARC Architecture students have lavender tassels and hoods. Additionally, GRADs wear black gowns, and UNDERGRADs wear blue gowns.
Q: Can I walk earlier or defer my participation in the commencement ceremony? A: If you wish to walk earlier, make sure to apply for the conferral of your degree at the appropriate time. On the other hand, if you prefer to defer your participation in commencement, you can do so for up to a year, although your name will not be in the program next year.
Q: I am an international student, does the University provide an invitation letter for my parents to apply for their VISA? A: As an international student, if you require an invitation letter for your parents to apply for their visa, please note that the University at Buffalo (UB) does not issue such letters. Instead, we recommend utilizing the sample letter available on the International Student Services (ISS) website for this purpose.