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.

College of Business Convocation Guest Speaker

Velchamy Sankarlingam, President of Product and Engineering at Zoom

We are honored to welcome Velchamy Sankarlingam (’95) back to campus as our 2026 College of Business Convocation keynote speaker at our ceremony on May 20, 2026!

As the President of Product and Engineering at Zoom, Velchamy has played a pivotal role in scaling the technology that keeps the world connected. From his time at Stony Brook earning his MS in Management and Policy to his leadership roles at VMware, Webex, and IBM, his journey is a masterclass in innovation and leadership.

We can’t wait for our graduates to hear his insights on navigating the evolving business landscape and leading through change.

College of Business Convocation Student Speaker

David Safo, Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a Specialization in Finance, Minor in Real Estate and Insurance

David Safo is a Business Honors student in the Stony Brook University College of Business pursuing a degree in Finance with a minor in Real Estate. He serves as the Undergraduate Student Coordinator for the Dean of Students, where he leads initiatives that support student success, mentorship, leadership development, and campus engagement, while working closely with university leadership to enhance the student experience.

He also serves as a College of Business Intern and Student Advisor, helping students navigate academic and professional opportunities. In addition, David is a Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, and Chief Justice of the Undergraduate Student Government, where he promotes community, accountability, and student advocacy. Professionally, he has gained experience through roles with Société Générale and Broadridge Financial Solutions.

David is passionate about leadership, service, and creating opportunities that positively impact others.

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

First Destination Survey

Your Plans Matter - Share What's Next!

The First Destination Survey is your chance to share what comes after Stony Brook Business — whether that's a new job, graduate school, or something else entirely. Your response provides valuable insights that help the College of Business better understand where graduates are headed and strengthen the programs and resources available to future students.

Complete the survey today and help shape the next chapter for the Stony Brook Business community.

Tell Us What You're Doing Next

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