Frequently Asked Questions
The inauguration is a distinguished ceremonial occasion that formally commemorates the appointment of the university president, paying homage to the institution’s enduring traditions while signifying the commencement of a new chapter in its leadership.
An inauguration typically refers to the entire series of events surrounding the formal ceremony of a new president. Inauguration activities will be held from April 16 to April 19, 2026.
Investiture is the formal ceremony itself where the new president is given the authority and symbols of office. The investiture of Dr. Andrea Goldsmith as the seventh President of Stony Brook University will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 am in the Stony Brook Arena.
Yes, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to take part in the week-long celebration activities. Some events during the week may require a purchased or free registration ticket for entry.
This is a free, general admission event open to members of the campus community and the public. Registration is required and will open on Monday, January 26, 2026. Please visit our website to register and for updates.
Faculty are invited to join the academic procession. Registration is required, and all participants participating in the procession must wear academic regalia. Information on registration, regalia, assembly, and arrival will be shared in the coming weeks.
For the investiture, attire will be determined by your role at the ceremony.
Processional participants: Wear your regalia attire to the ceremony. You may want to have a change of clothes for the reception afterwards to ensure comfort.
General Audience: Business casual attire is the recommended dress code.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends (Not participating in the ceremony): Business attire is also recommended, but feel free to showcase your Seawolf Pride by wearing red! It’s a special occasion, so dress accordingly while embracing your school spirit!
Parking information will be provided soon.
Closed Captioning
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 inauguration2026@stonybrook.edu, iPads will be available upon request. A link to access live captioning will become available on the inauguration website the morning of the event.
Accessibility Information
Parking: Accessible parking is available in the LaValle Stadium, Gym Road, Indoor Sports Complex (metered), and Chemistry lots.
Seating: Main Arena seating can be accessed from the Arena Lobby via elevator. Accessible seating is located on the Mezzanine in Sections 102, 106, 110, and 114, including suite areas. There is an elevator in the lobby to access the mezzanine level
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms with grab bars are available on the East and West sides of the Arena, and in the main lobby
For special accommodations, please contact inauguration2026@stonybrook.edu
The duration of the ceremony is approximately 90 minutes.
Yes, it will be live-streamed, and a recording of the ceremony will be posted on the inauguration website following the event. A live stream link will be posted on the inauguration website the morning of the event.
Yes, all invited media will be asked to RSVP in advance. Each day upon arrival, they will be checked in and issued a credential.
Faculty are invited to participate in the academic procession. Please note that academic regalia is required for all participants in the procession.
The University will sponsor the fees for Stony Brook regalia rentals for full-time faculty participating in the procession. Please visit facultydirect.herffjones.com to place your regalia order. The deadline to order is Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Rented regalia will be available upon arrival in the assembly area and must be returned there immediately after the ceremony.
Faculty who own their regalia from their alma mater are also welcome to wear their own regalia in the procession.
Further details about participation in the procession will be shared in the weeks leading up to the event.
