A group of Stony Brook University College of Business graduates wearing red caps and gowns standing together and smiling.

2026 College of Business Convocation

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 4:00 PM

Class of 2026 Graduation Schedule

Important Dates, Times, and Locations

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Please review the schedules below for both the College of Business Convocation and the University-wide Main Commencement ceremony. Ensure you arrive at the designated times to participate in the processions.

College of business convocation

Date & TimeWednesday, May 20, 2026
4:00 PM

LocationStony Brook Arena

Arrive By: 3:00 PM

Procession Begins: 3:45 PM

Duration: ~90 Minutes

Live Stream Will Be Available

Main SBU Commencement

Date & TimeFriday, May 22, 2026
11:00 AM

LocationKenneth P. LaValle Stadium

Arrive By: 10:00 AM

Procession Begins: 10:45 AM

Duration: ~2 Hours

Live Stream Will Be Available

Please note, both are ticketed events. Eligible candidates who complete the Apply to Graduate form and indicate participation in the Main Commencement Ceremony and/or Department Convocations in SOLAR by April 15th will be eligible to claim guest tickets on the Commencement website beginning on April 28th. Unclaimed tickets are not guaranteed after the portal closes on May 12th. CoB candidates will receive 3 tickets each and be able to request 1 additional ticket.

All tickets are free of charge - you will not be billed. Children aged 1 and older require a ticket. Candidates participating in the ceremony do not require a ticket to participate.

Applying for Graduation and Ceremonies

What to Know About Graduation Deadlines and Ceremony Registration

The deadline for degree candidates to apply for graduation via SOLAR is May 8, 2026.

The last day for 2026 degree candidates to apply for graduation and be included in the commencement publication is April 15, 2026.

Please note: Applications submitted after April 15, 2026 will not appear in the digital commencement publication.

Students must officially apply for graduation in order to be awarded their degree and receive a diploma. This can be done through the graduation application link on SOLAR.

After submitting your graduation application, the next step is to complete the ceremony registration form in SOLAR. This form allows you to indicate whether you plan to attend the University-wide commencement, your department-level ceremony, both, or neither.

Students can participate in the spring ceremony if they have graduated in the winter or fall before the ceremony or anticipate graduating in the summer or fall after a spring ceremony. This will ensure students will not have to travel back after their graduation to participate in commencement.

If you wish to change your ceremony choices, use the ceremony change form on SOLAR.

Please note: Participating in the ceremony does not mean your degree has been awarded. The degree conferral process takes place 2–3 weeks after the commencement ceremony, following a review of all degree requirements.

Apply to be the College of Business Student Convocation Speaker

Deadline to Apply: March 12, 2026

You must be registered to participate in the May 20 ceremony and be eligible to graduate in May, August, or December; or have graduated in Fall 2025 or Winter 2026.
Your speech should be written and be from 3 to 5 minutes (approximately 500 words).

Apply to Be the Student Convocation Speaker

A Stony Brook University College of Business student, Karisma Persad, delivering a speech at a podium with bright red banners in the background

Apply for College of Business Convocation Awards

Deadline to Apply: March 12, 2026

Apply to receive a College of Business Convocation Award in several categories. You can also nominate someone else. Winners will be honored at the College of Business Awards Luncheon on April 27.

Undergraduate Awards

Recognizes a graduating undergraduate student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement (overall or in specialization area), intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning within their major or field of study.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance throughout their program
- Engagement in coursework, research, internships, or experiential learning
- Curiosity, discipline, and effort in academic pursuits
- Professionalism and academic integrity
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Academic Achievement: Summarize the student’s academic performance and accomplishments.
- Engagement and Rigor: Describe how the student demonstrated intellectual curiosity, discipline, or engagement beyond minimum requirements.
- Application of Learning: Provide examples of how the student applied learning through research, projects, internships, or experiential opportunities.
- Academic Character: Comment on the student’s professionalism, integrity, and approach to learning.
Recognizes a graduating undergraduate student who has demonstrated strong leadership potential through involvement in student organizations, academic initiatives, or campus activities, and who has positively influenced peers and the campus community.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Leadership roles in student organizations, projects, or initiatives
- Initiative, responsibility, and collaboration with peers
- The ability to motivate or support others
- Growth in leadership skills over time
- Contributions that strengthened student life or academic engagement
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Leadership Context: Describe the leadership role(s) or setting(s) in which the student demonstrated leadership.
- Leadership in Action: Provide specific examples of how the student led, influenced, or supported others.
- Outcomes and Effectiveness: What were the results of the student’s leadership? How did their actions strengthen a team, organization, or initiative?
- Growth and Development: Describe how the student grew as a leader over time. (Focus on development and potential)
Recognizes a graduating undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in research or scholarly inquiry through curiosity, initiative, and meaningful engagement in the research process. Emphasis is placed on learning, engagement, and research potential rather than independent leadership.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Active participation in a faculty-mentored or supervised research project
- Intellectual curiosity and willingness to engage in inquiry beyond coursework
- Understanding of research methods appropriate to their discipline
- Contribution to the research process (e.g., data collection, analysis, literature review, creative scholarship)
- Clear communication of research findings (presentation, poster, paper, or similar)
- Evidence of growth as a researcher over time
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Research Overview: Describe the research project(s) the student was involved in, including the topic, scope, and goals.
- Student’s Role and Contributions: Explain the student’s specific role in the research. What responsibilities did they take on, and how did they contribute to the project’s progress or outcomes?
- Engagement and Growth: Describe how the student demonstrated curiosity, initiative, or growth as a researcher over time.
- Research Skills and Methods: Comment on the student’s understanding and application of research methods or scholarly approaches appropriate to their discipline.
- Communication of Research: Describe how the student communicated their research findings (e.g., poster, presentation, paper, performance, or applied deliverable).
- Faculty Endorsement (Required): Please provide a brief statement endorsing this student for the Undergraduate Research Award.
Recognizes a graduating undergraduate student who has shown a sustained commitment to service through meaningful contributions to the campus or broader community.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Consistent service or volunteer involvement over time
- A genuine commitment to helping others
- Service beyond course or program requirements
- Reliability and willingness to contribute behind the scenes
- Positive engagement with community partners or campus groups
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Service Overview: Describe the service activities or commitments the student has been involved in.
- Depth of Commitment: Explain the student’s level of consistency, reliability, and dedication to service over time.
- Nature of Contribution: What specific contributions did the student make? Include examples of effort that went beyond expectations.
- Value to Community: Describe the value or benefit of the student’s service to the campus or broader community.
Recognizes a graduating undergraduate student whose actions or initiatives led to meaningful positive change within the campus community or beyond.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Clear outcomes or improvements resulting from their actions
- Positive impact on peers, programs, or communities
- Initiative or leadership in addressing a need or challenge
- Evidence of results, not just participation
- Potential for continued impact beyond graduation
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Initiative or Action: Describe the initiative, project, or actions led or significantly advanced by the student.
- Nature of the Impact: What changed as a result of the student’s actions? Who was affected, and how?
- Scope and Significance: Explain the scope (campus, community, industry, or society) and significance of the impact.
- Sustainability or Legacy: Describe whether the impact has lasting value or potential beyond the student’s involvement.
Recognizes a graduating undergraduate student who has demonstrated perseverance, adaptability, and personal growth in overcoming challenges during their academic journey.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Significant academic, personal, or life challenges
- Persistence and determination in pursuing their degree
- Evidence of growth, learning, or transformation
- Continued engagement in academics or campus life
- A positive outlook and commitment to long-term goals
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Challenges Encountered: Describe the significant challenges or obstacles the student faced during their academic journey. (Sensitivity and discretion encouraged.)
- Response to Adversity: How did the student demonstrate perseverance, adaptability, or determination in response to these challenges?
- Growth and Learning: Explain how the student grew personally, academically, or professionally as a result of these experiences.
- Continued Engagement: Describe how the student remained engaged or contributed positively despite challenges.

Graduate Awards

Recognizes a graduating graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, analytical rigor, and applied learning in their field of study (MBA hybrid, MBA online, MSAA, MSDA, MSF.)

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance in graduate-level coursework
- Depth of understanding and analytical or critical thinking skills
- Application of theory to practice (research, capstone, consulting, work experience, etc.)
- Engagement in advanced academic or professional inquiry
- Consistent professionalism and academic integrity
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Academic Achievement: Summarize the student’s academic performance and accomplishments.
- Engagement and Rigor: Describe how the student demonstrated intellectual curiosity, discipline, or engagement beyond minimum requirements.
- Application of Learning: Provide examples of how the student applied learning through research, projects, internships, or experiential opportunities. (Focus on depth and application.)
- Academic Character: Comment on the student’s professionalism, integrity, and approach to learning.
Recognizes a graduating graduate student who has demonstrated effective leadership through strategic thinking, collaboration, and professional-level responsibility in academic, organizational, or professional contexts.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Leadership in student organizations, teams, or professional settings
- Strategic decision-making and accountability
- Ability to influence outcomes and manage complexity
- Collaboration across disciplines, cultures, or stakeholder groups
- Leadership that aligns with professional and ethical standards
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Leadership Context: Describe the leadership role(s) or setting(s) in which the student demonstrated leadership.
- Leadership in Action: Provide specific examples of how the student led, influenced, or supported others.
- Outcomes and Effectiveness: What were the results of the student’s leadership? How did their actions strengthen a team, organization, or initiative?
- Growth and Development: Describe how the student grew as a leader over time. (Focus on maturity and strategic leadership.)
Recognizes a graduating graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding research achievement through independent inquiry, analytical rigor, and meaningful contribution to their field or profession. Emphasis is placed on originality, depth, and contribution to the field.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Leadership or significant independence in designing and conducting research
- Strong command of research methods, theory, and analysis
- Original contribution to knowledge, practice, or applied problem-solving
- High-quality research outputs (e.g., thesis, dissertation, capstone, publication, conference presentation, applied project)
- Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate findings effectively
- Research that demonstrates relevance, rigor, and potential impact
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Research Summary: Describe the student’s research project(s), including research questions, methodology, and overall significance.
- Independence and Leadership: Describe the student’s level of independence and leadership in designing, conducting, and advancing the research.
- Original Contribution: Explain how the research contributes to the field, profession, or applied practice. What is new, innovative, or impactful about this work?
- Research Rigor and Quality: Comment on the analytical rigor, depth of inquiry, and quality of the research design and execution.
- Research Outputs and Dissemination: List and describe any research outputs (e.g., thesis, dissertation, capstone, publication, conference presentation, applied project).
- Advisor or Committee Endorsement (Required): Please provide a statement describing why this student’s research merits recognition at the graduate level.
Recognizes a graduating graduate student who has demonstrated meaningful service to the College, profession, or community through sustained engagement and contribution.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Ongoing service to the College, university, profession, or community
- Application of professional or academic skills in service contexts
- Commitment to giving back beyond program requirements
- Thoughtful engagement with community or professional partners
- Service that reflects leadership and responsibility
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Service Overview: Describe the service activities or commitments the student has been involved in.
- Depth of Commitment: Explain the student’s level of consistency, reliability, and dedication to service over time.
- Nature of Contribution: What specific contributions did the student make? Include examples of effort that went beyond expectations.
- Value to Community: Describe the value or benefit of the student’s service to the campus or broader community.
Recognizes a graduating graduate student whose work, leadership, or initiatives produced meaningful, measurable, or lasting impact within the College, industry, or broader society.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Clear outcomes or measurable results
- Impact at an organizational, industry, or societal level
- Strategic problem-solving or innovation
- Leadership in designing or executing impactful initiatives
- Evidence of sustainability or long-term influence
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Initiative or Action: Describe the initiative, project, or actions led or significantly advanced by the student.
- Nature of the Impact: What changed as a result of the student’s actions? Who was affected, and how?
- Scope and Significance: Explain the scope (campus, community, industry, or society) and significance of the impact.
- Sustainability or Legacy: Describe whether the impact has lasting value or potential beyond the student’s involvement. (Graduate nominations should emphasize scale and durability.)
Recognizes a graduating graduate student who demonstrated exceptional perseverance and adaptability while balancing significant personal, professional, or academic challenges.

Criteria - Nominees should demonstrate:
- Significant obstacles encountered during their graduate studies
- Effective management of competing academic, professional, and personal demands
- Growth in leadership, perspective, or capability as a result of challenges
- Continued academic progress and contribution to the community
- Professional maturity and determination
Nomination Prompts (answer one or more):
- Challenges Encountered: Describe the significant challenges or obstacles the student faced during their academic journey. (Sensitivity and discretion encouraged.)
- Response to Adversity: How did the student demonstrate perseverance, adaptability, or determination in response to these challenges?
- Growth and Learning: Explain how the student grew personally, academically, or professionally as a result of these experiences.
- Continued Engagement: Describe how the student remained engaged or contributed positively despite challenges. (Graduate: may include balancing work, family, leadership, or professional demands.)

Submit an Application for a Convocation Award

Stony Brook University College of Business Graduates in red caps and gowns standing together and smiling

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Convocation Questions, Answered!

Have questions about convocation? We’ve gathered helpful information to address the most common questions students have, from participation and eligibility to important dates and ceremony logistics. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or finalizing your graduation details, the Convocation FAQ page is designed to provide clear guidance and timely answers, all in one place.

Explore the FAQs to stay informed and feel confident as you prepare for this important milestone.

View Convocation FAQs

2026 College of Business Convocation

Class of 2026 Graduation Schedule

Important Dates, Times, and Locations

College of business convocation

Main SBU Commencement

Countdown to the College of Business Convocation

May 20, 2026, 4:00 PM

Applying for Graduation and Ceremonies

What to Know About Graduation Deadlines and Ceremony Registration

Apply to be the College of Business Student Convocation Speaker

Deadline to Apply: March 12, 2026

Apply for College of Business Convocation Awards

Deadline to Apply: March 12, 2026

Undergraduate Awards

Graduate Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Convocation Questions, Answered!