/Stony Brook University
Commencement

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Graduating Students

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Undergraduate & Graduate Candidates

Pre-order your regalia!

Order regalia between January 19 and April 27, 2026, and have your regalia shipped to your home.

If you ordered regalia to be picked up at the SBU Campus Store, you can pick it up between April 22 and May 15, 2026, during hours of operation. Check the SBU Campus Store for up-to-date information.

Please contact the SBU Campus Store team with any questions regarding regalia.

Celebrate your achievement with a Stony Brook University diploma frame!

Doctoral candidates 

Order your diploma frames, graduation announcements, and rent your regalia to be Commencement ready.

Rent your regalia now through April 23, 2026, and have your items shipped to you (in-store pick-up is unavailable for student doctoral orders). Should you miss the deadline ordering date of April 23, 2026, there will be an extension period until May 4, 2026, for doctoral student orders. An expedited shipping fee of $26.65 will be added to ensure timely delivery before the hooding ceremonies.

Please contact the SBU Campus Store team with any questions regarding regalia.

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Pre-Order Class 2026 Apparel

Celebrate your achievement in true Seawolf style!🎓

Preorder your Stony Brook University Class of 2026 apparel now through March 12, 2026 at the 2026 SBU Campus Store and be among the first to rep your milestone with exclusive graduation gear. Choose the limited-edition long-sleeve t-shirt or hoodie! These pieces are the perfect way to honor your journey and show your SBU pride.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) The Senior Class Gift is a way for graduating students to leave their mark for future Seawolves. Please visit the Senior Class Gift donation page to make your gift to the areas on campus that mean the most to you. When a graduating student from the Class of 2027 makes a gift of $10.27 or more, they will receive an exclusive red and black generosity cord to wear at Commencement as a token of appreciation for their support. Please contact Seawolf Philanthropy for more information.
 

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Leave your mark at Stony Brook and purchase a Legacy Way brick! Legacy Way is located outside of the Javits Lecture Center, at the heart of campus. Purchasing a brick is a great way to recognize your graduation, capture your on-campus memories, or to say thank you to those who've illuminated your educational journey. Every brick purchase includes a contribution to the Legacy Way Scholarship, which supports two students annually. Want to find out more? Check out our FAQs, see some inscription inspiration, and reserve your brick by Friday, June 25, 2027 to be installed this summer!

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) A portrait photographer from Thornton Studio will be on campus at the Charles B. Wang Center in Room 102. To schedule, visit Thornton Studio, click “Schedule Appt," and then enter School Code: 02838. All portrait sessions during the week will be from 11 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays will run from 12 pm to 4 pm.

APRIL SESSIONS:
  • Tuesday, April 21
  • Wednesday, April 22 (Grad Day)
  • Thursday, April 23
  • Friday, April 24
  • Saturday, April 25

MAY SESSIONS:
  • Wednesday, May 6
  • Thursday, May 7
  • Friday, May 8
  • Saturday, May 9
  • Tuesday, May 12
  • Wednesday, May 13
  • Thursday, May 14
  • Friday, May 15
  • Saturday, May 16
  • Monday, May 18
  • Tuesday, May 19
  • Wednesday, May 20
  • Thursday, May 21
  • Friday, May 22 (Commencement) *** Portrait sessions post ceremony from 1-5 pm ***

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Graduating students who have applied for graduation for Spring/Summer 2027 are eligible to participate in the Spring Commencement ceremony. Students can also participate in the spring ceremony if they have graduated in the summer 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.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) The Student Support Team collaborates with the Auxiliary Services Association, the Undergraduate Student Government, and the Graduate Student Organization to make Commencement regalia accessible for students facing financial hardship. We understand that the costs associated with obtaining regalia can be a barrier to participating in Commencement. Our team hopes to provide the opportunity for all students to be able to attend their graduation ceremony regardless of their financial circumstances. We look forward to your applications and seeing you at Commencement! 

Please visit the Student Support Team webpage for more information on the Regalia Loaner Program and how to apply.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Graduation Application for Publication: The last day for Spring/Summer 2027 degree candidates to apply for graduation and be included in the Commencement publication is April 14, 2027. The last day for Spring/Summer degree candidates to apply for graduation via SOLAR is May 7, 2027. 

Please note that applications submitted after April 14, 2027 will not appear in the digital Commencement publication.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Candidates participating in the academic processional should arrive wearing their cap and gown at the Indoor Sports Complex Parking Lot (Lot 7). Candidates participating in the ceremony should arrive at 10 am for lineup.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Each year, one graduating undergraduate senior is chosen to deliver a commencement address to the graduating class, their families, friends, faculty, and staff. Being selected as the student speaker is one of the highest honors a graduate can receive and carries a great sense of pride and responsibility.

The optimal speech will capture your Stony Brook experience and express your Seawolf pride. It should speak directly to your fellow graduates and be authentic, heartfelt, and inspiring.

To be considered, you must be registered to graduate in May 2027. Speeches should be no longer than five minutes in length.

Written speech and recorded video submissions are due by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 24, 2027, via this form.

Auditions will take place on Monday, April 5, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and on Wednesday, April 7, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, in the Sidney Gelber Auditorium, Student Activities Center.  

Your audition time on April 5 or April 7 will be scheduled once your eligibility is confirmed and your written speech and recorded video of you delivering your speech has been received.

Please note: To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate senior who has completed all degree requirements for May 2027 graduation.

We look forward to hearing your story and celebrating your journey as a Seawolf! 

If you have any questions, please contact Associate Dean of Students, Hedieh Yazdanseta at:    Hedieh.Yazdanseta@stonybrook.edu

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) You can purchase the official SBU class ring on the Balfour website. Order yours today!

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Visit the alumni website for more information regarding the Stony Brook University Alumni Association!

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) The SBU Campus Store will sell SBU and Seawolves apparel, merchandise, and graduation gifts at the SBU Campus Store in the Melville Library and at the stadium. You can pre-order flowers and the Stony Brook commemorative Commencement T-Shirt through and pick them up at the kiosks located at the entrance to the ceremony. 

Pre-Order Class 2026 Apparel 

Celebrate your achievement in true Seawolf style! 

Preorder your Stony Brook University Class of 2026 apparel now through March 12, 2026 at the 2026 SBU Campus Store and be among the first to rep your milestone with exclusive graduation gear. Choose the limited-edition long-sleeve t-shirt or hoodie! These pieces are the perfect way to honor your journey and show your SBU pride.

You earned it. Now frame it.🎓

Showcase your diploma with an official Stony Brook University diploma frame made to celebrate your Seawolf pride. Perfect for grads and families looking for a meaningful gift.

Shop diploma frames to be commencement-ready!

(UPDATED FOR 2027) The academic attire worn by graduates at Commencement has a history that dates back to at least the 14th century. Caps, gowns and hoods all have a specific design and history. The degrees also have a specific color associated with them. Learn more about academic attire.

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Honors stoles will be distributed by the Office of Conferences and Special Events one week prior to Commencement. Please pick up your stole at the Charles B. Wang Center, Main Lobby, between the hours of 12 pm - 3 pm beginning Tuesday, May 12th through Thursday, May 14th. 

School of Social Welfare stoles will be distributed at the Social Welfare Honors Convocation on May 15th. Invitations will be sent from the school. Please email Christine.Corrado@stonybrook.edu if you have any questions.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Honors distinctions are based on your CURRENT grade point average. The actual distinction awarded may be different as it is based on your FINAL grade point average. The actual honor will appear on your final transcript and diploma.

If you have questions regarding your academic status, please contact the registrar at (631) 632-6175 or via email.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) If you have questions regarding your academic status, please contact the registrar at (631) 632-6175 or via email.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) How do I change my name for my diploma?  Update your name in your SOLAR account under "Diploma Address."

I am a dual major, why is only one of my majors noted in SOLAR?  It is just a system limitation, both majors will be printed on your diploma. 

Can I pick up my diploma?  No, all diplomas will be mailed to the mailing address provided in your SOLAR account. Please make sure it's an updated address.

For information regarding diplomas, please refer to this Office of the Registrar webpage.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Stony Brook University does not issue invitation letters for international visitors who want to travel to the United States, including visitors attending Commencement. If your family or friends plan to visit you in the United States, you may write your own invitation letter to support their visitor visa application. More information, along with a sample invitation letter, can be found on Visa and Immigration Services' website here.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Submit your photos by April 23, 2027!

 

Faculty

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) The Provost's Office will cover regalia rental fees for full-time faculty who intend to attend the main commencement ceremony on May 22, 2026 at LaValle Stadium. Please visit this faculty page to place your order for May 2026 commencement.

** IMPORTANT** Online ordering ends April 3, 2026. 

Faculty Regalia Pickup Information

Faculty rentals will be available for pick up beginning Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Pickup Location: SBU Campus Store

ALL faculty rentals MUST be returned by Friday, May 29, 2026 to avoid extended rental fees.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) Faculty participating in the academic processional should arrive wearing their regalia at the Indoor Sports Complex Parking Lot (Lot 7). Faculty participating in the ceremony should arrive at 10 am for line up.

 

General Information

(UPDATED FOR 2027) The duration of  Stony Brook University's Commencement ceremony is approximately 90 minutes.

(UPDATED FOR 2027) As we celebrate our graduates' incredible achievements, let’s honor their journey by opening doors for the next generation. A gift to the Parent Fund or other area on campus is a meaningful way to say 'thank you' for the memories while ensuring future Seawolves have the same life-changing opportunities. Please visit the donation link for more information. Let’s pay it forward together!

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Information regarding ticket ordering is not yet available. Updates will be posted here as soon as details are confirmed.

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Please check back for more information.

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Yes, our Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed and a recording of the ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website following the event. A livestream link will be posted on the Commencement website the morning of the event.

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Closed Captioning
The Commencement ceremony will be live streamed and a recording of the ceremony will live on the Commencement website following the event. The ceremony will be closed captioned. Closed captioning is available through your smartphone or tablet device. If you require equipment to access closed captioning, please contact Conferences & Events. iPads will be available upon request.  A link to access live captioning  will become available on the Commencement website the morning of the event. 

Commencement Program
A link to access our program and flipbook will be available on our Commencement homepage the morning of the event. An accessible PDF will be available for download. 

Stadium Accessibility
Handicap parking is available between gate #5 and gate #6 of Stadium parking lot. Accessible seating is available at gates #2 and #6. Event ushers will be available to assist guests as needed.

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Yes, East Side Dining will be offering brunch from 11 am to 4 pm on Commencement day. 

Students on a meal plan can purchase brunch with a meal swipe or dining dollars. Students can use their meal plan guest passes for family and friends.

Guests can pay the $15.60 door rate with a credit or debit card.

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) Information regarding parking is not yet available. Updates will be posted here as soon as details are confirmed.

(NEEDS 2027 UPDATE) The following items are prohibited at Commencement ceremonies: outside food/beverage, thermoses, coolers, alcoholic beverages, backpacks, luggage, strollers, umbrellas, noise makers, balloons, weapons, laser pointers, fireworks, aerosol cans, and non-service pets. All bags are subject to search.