Commencement 2023

Graduates who plan to attend the School of Architecture and Planning's commencement ceremony are required to complete the following two-step process:

1. Apply for graduation
   The application process confirms the graduate has met the requirements for receiving their diploma.
2. Register to attend and participate in the ceremony.

Students eligible to be conferred a degree at the 2023 Commencement ceremony for the School of Architecture and Planning include those who graduated in August 2022 or February 2023, or who have applied to graduate with an expected conferral date of June 2023 or August 2023, and remain in good academic standing may participate in commencement.

When you place your order, you will be guided in selecting the appropriate regalia based on your academic discipline and degree. Doctoral students who prefer to purchase the regalia to own, purchase during the Fine Quality Sale on February, 21 and 22.

• Undergraduate Architecture: blue gown; tassel and hood colors are blue-violet.
• Undergraduate Environmental Design: blue gown; tassel and hood colors are brown.
• Graduate Architecture: black gown; tassel and hood colors are blue-violet.
• Graduate Planning/RED: black gown; tassel and hood colors brown.
• PhD: place order online.

The Office of the Registrar will mail a paper diploma, free of charge, to your permanent address approximately four to six weeks after the conferral date. Students are responsible for making address changes; these should be made by the term conferral date to ensure that you receive your diploma.

Students who graduated June 2020 and later have the option to purchase a certified electronic diploma (CeDiploma) for $15.95. Notification will be sent to your UB email, from info@credentialtrust.com, approximately 3-6 weeks after your degree conferral date.

Students earning baccalaureate degrees (including those awarded as part of combined degrees) are eligible to receive Latin honors based on their UB cumulative grade point average (GPA) on the following scale:

Average (based on 4.000=A)

• 3.200 — cum laude
• 3.500 — magna cum laude
• 3.750 — summa cum laude

To qualify for Latin honors, students must present a minimum of 60 credit hours of UB undergraduate coursework, at least 54 of which must be graded credits (i.e., not grades of 'P',’NP’, 'S' or 'U').

To receive the Latin honors designation in commencement program books, and to be eligible to wear the honorific gold cord (cum laude, magna and summa) at the time of ceremonies, candidates for the June degree conferral date must qualify based upon their UB cumulative GPA through the winter intersession of that year and projected UB credit hours through the spring semester of that year. Standings for Latin honors may change once final grades are posted or degrees conferred.

The program book recognition is only intended for students who will have their degrees conferred in June, or have had their degrees conferred in the previous February or August.

The gold cords will be available for purchase ($12.75) through the University Bookstore on North Campus beginning March 8. At that time, qualifying students may purchase their cord at the store; please bring UB ID. Students will also have the option to contact the University Bookstore (716-636-6291 ext. 12) and make their purchase over the phone; in this case, add $7.99 for home-shipping.

Make sure to check out the Graduating Class Expo taking place Wednesday-Friday, March 8-10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the University Bookstore on North Campus.

We're inviting a student from the Class of 2023 to address the School's entire graduating class at Commencement. This is an exciting opportunity to reflect on your UB experience and how it has prepared you to take on the grand challenges facing the world today.

To nominate yourself as our 2023 student speaker

• Tell us in a 30- to 90-second video what message you'd like to share with your fellow classmates.
• The deadline for submission is Monday, March 27.

We'll announce the winning selection to the School later this semester.

It's time to look back and share your memories. Upload your favorite photos of life at UB, from your time in studio and favorite projects, to exploring Buffalo, NY and beyond, study abroad and events.

• Upload your photos with a brief caption and credit. Your photos will be included in our student slideshow, to be presented at our ceremony on May 19, 2023. 
• The deadline for photo submissions is April 23, 2023.
  
  

A photograph of each graduate participating in person (as they cross the stage) will be taken at the ceremony. Those graduates will receive an email with an option to purchase their graduation photo after the ceremony.

Only graduating students may participate in the graduation ceremony, including walking in the
processional and crossing the stage. The University will make limited exceptions when a graduating
student requires assistance due to a disability. Students needing accommodations to participate in the
ceremony should contact ap-commencement@buffalo.edu or (716) 829-5905.

We look forward to welcoming family members and friends of our graduates. Tickets are not required to attend the ceremony. There is no limit to the number of guests each student can bring. 

Please find information for guests of our graduates, including parking, directions, and accessibility.

Guests of graduates with accessibility needs may view UB's guest information resource page. Please also feel free to direct your questions to the School's commencement team at ap-commencement@buffalo.edu.

Faculty are invited to join the platform party along with School and university leadership and honored guests. In order to obtain faculty regalia in the appropriate colors and to avoid a late fee, we ask that you please RSVP to ap-commencement@buffalo.edu, so that we can organize your regalia orders prior to the university deadline.