Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates | Faculty | Guests | Fall & Winter 2023/2024
Graduating Students
Run by the Seawolf Philanthropy Council [SPC], the Senior Class Gift is a fundraising campaign led by students supporting core areas on campus . Please visit the Senior Class Gift donation link to make your gift and to learn more about what the SPC is supporting this year! When a graduating student from the Class of 2024 makes a gift of $10.24 or more, they will receive a red and black generosity cord to wear at Commencement as a token of appreciation for their support. Please contact SeawolfPhilanthropy@stonybrook.edu for more information.
A portrait photographer from Thornton Studio will be on campus at the Charles B. Wang Center (Room 102) Visit: www.ThorntonStudio.com then click on “Schedule Appt” and enter School Code: 02838. A thumbnail sized LinkedIn photo of your choice is included courtesy of the Alumni Association.
Weekday Portrait hours: 11 am – 7pm in the Wang Center, room 102
Saturday Portrait hours: 1 pm – 5 pm in the Wang Center, room 102- Wednesday, April 17
- Thursday, April 18
- Wednesday, April 24 - Grad Day Celebration
- Friday, May 3
- Saturday, May 4
- Monday, May 6
- Tuesday, May 7
- Friday, May 10
- Saturday, May 11
- Monday, May 13
- Tuesday, May 14
- Wednesday, May 15
- Thursday, May 16
- Friday, May 17 (Portraits will be until 3 pm)
Please email conferences and special events teams with your request to walk. Please be sure to include your year of graduation and student ID number in your email. If you wish to attend your department's convocation ceremony, you must reach out to the department rep.
UUP is proud to honor the service of our veterans each year at commencement time, and UUP members with military service can obtain a red, white and blue cord to wear at graduation festivities. Anyone interested in the cords should reach out to Secretary-Treasurer Jeri O’Bryan-Losee at jobryan@uupmail.org.
Undergraduate & Graduate candidates!
Pre-Order your regalia using the following link:
https://stonybrook.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome
Order your regalia between January 22 - March 14, 2024 and have your regalia ready to pick up at Shop Red West April 24 - May 17, 2024 (During hours of operation only. Check SBUShopRed.com for up to date information ). Order regalia between March 15 - April 22, 2024 and have your regalia shipped to your home.
Please reach out to the Shop Red West Team at shopredwest@stonybrook.edu with any questions regarding regalia.
Doctoral candidates!
Order your diploma frames, graduation announcements and rent your regalia using the following link: http://herff.ly/sbu
Rent your regalia between January 19 - April 19, 2024 and have your items shipped to you (In store pick up not available for PhD orders). Should you miss the deadline ordering date of 4/19, there will be an extension period until 4/26 for student PhD orders. An expedited shipping fee of $26.65 will be added to ensure delivery is on time before the hooding ceremonies.
Please reach out to the Shop Red West Team at shopredwest@stonybrook.edu with any questions regarding regalia.
The Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Student Organization are collaborating with the Student Support Team to make Commencement regalia accessible for those in need and facing financial hardship. We know sometimes paying for regalia is a barrier to participating in Commencement and we hope to provide the opportunity for all students to be able to attend their graduation ceremony. We understand that these are trying times so we want to give all graduates the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at graduation. We look forward to your applications and seeing you at commencement!
Undergraduate Spring Commencement Regalia Loaner Program Application - Applications Due April 15th, 2024Graduate Spring Commencement Regalia Loaner Program Application - Applications due March 26th, 2024.Graduation Application for Publication: The last day for Spring /Summer 2024 degree candidates to apply for graduation and be included in the commencement publication is 4/10/24. The last day for Spring/Summer degree candidates to apply for graduation viaSOLAR is 5/3/24.
Please note that applications submitted after 4/10/24 will not appear in the digital commencement publication.
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 10:00 am for lineup.
The duration of Stony Brook University's Commencement ceremony is approximately 90 minutes.
The following items are prohibited at commencement ceremonies: outside food/beverage, including thermoses, coolers, alcoholic beverages, backpacks, luggage, strollers, umbrellas, noise makers and balloons, weapons, laser pointers, fireworks, aerosol cans and non service pets. All bags are subject to search.
Each year a graduating senior is selected to address the graduating class, family members, friends, faculty and staff.
To submit a speech, you must be registered to graduate in May 2024 and the speech can be no longer than 5 minutes. Written speech submissions are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, April 5, 2024 via the form below. Auditions will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2024 from 12:30 PM -3:00 PM in the Student Activities Center Sidney Gelber Auditorium. Your audition appointment on April10th will be determined upon eligibility and receipt of your speech submission.
If you have any questions, please contact Hedieh Yazdanseta at (631) 632-9912 or by email at Hedieh.Yazdanseta@stonybrook.eduVisit this link to submit your speech today!
You can access tickets beginning Tuesday, May 7th by visiting the Commencement website. All candidates who have successfully applied to graduate and responded yes to attend Commencement are eligible to receive four guest tickets. Please note, tickets are free. You will NOT be billed for your tickets and should never pay for tickets.
There will be an overflow space in Frey Hall to view the live stream of the Commencement ceremony directly from the Stadium. Guests do not require a ticket to view the ceremony from this location.
Yes, our Commencement ceremony will be live streamed and a recording of the ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website following the event. A live stream link will be posted on the Commencement website the morning of the event.
You can find the link to purchase the official class ring on the Alumni website. Visit this link to order today! to purchase your class ring today!
Visit the alumni website for more information regarding the Stony Brook University Alumni Association. Visit this link to view the Alumni website!
- Please check back for more information regarding 2024 class gifts for purchase.
- 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.
Honors stoles will be distributed by your department one week prior to Commencement. For information on where to pick up your stole, please contact your respective school, college or department.
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 at ug_graduation_west_campus@stonybrook.edu
If you have questions regarding your academic status, please contact the registrar at 631.632.6175 or via email at ug_graduation_west_campus@stonybrook.edu
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 go to: http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/registrar
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@stonybrook.edu, 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 if needed.Candidates with International Guests International students or domestic students wishing to invite international family, please visit:this link for the most up to date information about international visitors. For additional questions, please contact Visa and Immigration Services at Stony Brook University.
Visa and Immigration Services
Stony Brook University
E5310, Melville Library
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3393
Telephone: (631) 632-4685
Fax: (631) 632-7064
Email: VIS@stonybrook.edu
Faculty
- Faculty! Visit facultydirect.herffjones.com to place your orders.Any faculty member not listed can click on “new faculty member” and enter their information to place their order.** IMPORTANT** Online ordering ends April 5, 2024. Faculty rentals will be available for pick up at Shop Red West beginning May 9, 2024. ALL faculty rentals MUST be returned to Shop Red West by Friday, May 24, 2024 to avoid extended rental fees.
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 10:00 AM for line up.
- The duration of Stony Brook University's Commencement ceremony is approximately 90 minutes.
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@stonybrook.edu, 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 if needed.
Guests
- The duration of Stony Brook University's Commencement ceremony is approximately 90 minutes.
You can access tickets beginning Tuesday, May 7th by visiting the Commencement website. All candidates who have successfully applied to graduate and responded yes to attend Commencement are eligible to receive four guest tickets. Please note, tickets are free. You will NOT be billed for your tickets and should never pay for tickets.
Yes, our Commencement ceremony will be live streamed and a recording of the ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website following the event. A live stream link will be posted on the commencement website the morning of the event.
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@stonybrook.edu, 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 if needed.Please check back for more information.
Fall and Winter 2023/2024
Q: Can I participate in this year's Commencement ceremony if I received my diploma last year but was unable to attend?
A: Please email conferences and special events teams with your request to walk. Please be sure to include your year of graduation and student ID number in your email. If you wish to attend your department's convocation ceremony, you must reach out to the department rep.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Spring Ceremony?
A: In order to ensure all students have optimal access to participate in the spring ceremony, we have adjusted eligibility requirements.
Students will be eligible to 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. For instance, a student who will graduate in Summer or Fall 2023, or will graduate in Summer or Fall 2024, will be eligible to attend the Spring 2024 Commencement. This will ensure students will not have to travel back after their graduation to participate in commencement ceremonies.
Q: How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate and participate in Commencement?
A: Eligible candidates may apply to graduate using the link on SOLAR. Eligibility to participate in commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2023 is for candidates who have graduated or will graduate during the 2023-2024 academic year. This includes:
- Those who anticipate earned degrees or advanced certificates in Fall 2023/Winter 2024
- Those who anticipate earned degrees or advanced certificates in Spring 2023/ Summer 2023
For more information, view links below
West Campus Candidates https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/registrar/graduation/graduation School of Professional Development https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/spd/academics/graduation.php Health Sciences https://www.stonybrook.edu/hsbulletin/records-registration/Degree-Requirements.php The Graduate School https://grad.stonybrook.edu/academics/graduation_application.phpQ: If I anticipate graduating in the Fall 2023 or Winter 2024, will I be able to walk early and attend the Main ceremony in May 2023?
A: Fall and Winter graduation candidates can either walk early in the Main commencement ceremony held in May of the same academic year or opt to walk in the Main ceremony the following year as long as their degree has been awarded. If you wish to participate at a later date, please email conferences.events@stonybrook.edu to submit your request
Q: If I choose not to walk early in the Main ceremony, can I opt to walk in the Main ceremony the following year?
A: Fall and Winter candidates who have met degree requirements and are unable to participate in the Main ceremony will be able to walk in the following academic year ceremony as long as the degree has been awarded. To participate in department convocations at a later date, please email your department rep directly. View the department contact list here. Please email conferences.events@stonybrook.edu to submit your request.
Q: I am an International or Out of State student graduating in Fall 2023, could I participate in the May 2023 ceremony?
A: Yes, eligible candidates who have earned degrees or advanced certificates in Fall 2023/Winter 2024 are permitted to walk in the May 2023 commencement ceremony. You must apply to graduate and register for the ceremony. You may apply to graduate using the link on SOLAR.
Q: I won’t complete all of my credits in May 2023 to fulfill my degree requirement. Can I choose to walk “early” before my requirements are met?
A: Candidates wishing to participate prior to completion of degree requirements will be eligible to walk early if they are registered for Summer/Fall classes and complete a degree audit showing anticipated completion. To submit a request, go to SOLAR and ‘apply to graduate’. The Registrar’s Office will determine the final eligibility. Summer 2023 / Fall 2023/ Winter 2024 candidates must have a degree audit showing eligibility for graduation and show proof of Summer/Fall registration to be allowed to walk early. Please apply to graduate in SOLAR and register to attend the May ceremony. For West Campus Undergraduates, please direct your questions to ug_graduation_west_campus@stonybrook.edu
Q: Will I receive my diploma at commencement?
A: Please note that attending the Main ceremony or department convocations is an honored academic ritual but does not equate to receiving a final degree. The degree awarding process takes place at the time your record is reviewed for completion of all degree requirements after final grades are posted. Once this is done, the degree will be awarded accordingly (winter, spring, summer, fall). As soon as the University awards the degree, students can see it on their record in SOLAR.
Q: Will I have access to SOLAR and Stony Brook Email Address if I wish to return to a commencement at a later date?
A: Stony Brook graduates will have access to SOLAR and their Stony Brook University email address for 200 days after graduation. If you wish to attend a ceremony at a later date and receive communications from the events team, please email us at conferences.events@stonybrook.edu for assistance.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Spring Ceremony?
A: PhD students who have applied to graduate (application linked here) - Application for Graduation *On the application, you will have the option to select the May Doctoral Hooding Ceremony you are planning to attend. This will be either the May before, or May after your completion. If you have any questions or concerns related to the ceremony, please contact doctoralhooding@stonybrook.edu
*Example for Fall/Winter 2023 Graduates
If you select:
May before completion- this confirms your intent to walk at the May 2023 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.
May after completion - this confirms your intent to walk at the May 2024 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.
Q: How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate and participate in Commencement?
A: PhD students must apply to graduate to be eligible to participate in the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony. The steps to apply to graduate can be found here Application for Graduation. Should you have any questions regarding your eligibility please contact your program directly. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been processed.
Q: If I anticipate graduating in the Fall 2023 or Winter 2024, will I be able to walk early and attend the Main ceremony in May 2023?
A: Fall and Winter Doctoral Candidates can either walk early in the May Doctoral Hooding Ceremony prior to their completion, or after. PhD students who have applied to graduate (application linked here) - Application for Graduation *On the application, you will have the option to select the May Doctoral Hooding Ceremony you are planning to attend. This will be either the May before, or May after your completion. Please email doctoralhooding@stonybrook.edu with any questions or concerns.
*Example for Fall/Winter 2023 Graduates
If you select:
May before completion - confirms your intent to walk at the May 2023 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
May after completion - confirms your intent to walk at the May 2024 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
Q: I am an International or Out of State student graduating in Fall 2023, could I participate in the May 2023 ceremony?
A: Yes, you can walk before your completion as long as you have applied to graduate. Application can be found here Application for Graduation and indicate your intent to participate in the May before completion, on your application.
Q: Will I have access to SOLAR and Stony Brook Email Address if I wish to return to a commencement at a later date?
A: Stony Brook graduates will have access to SOLAR and their Stony Brook University email address for 200 days after graduation. Doctoral Candidates who wish to attend a ceremony at a later date, please contact doctoralhooding@stonybrook.edu to update your email address for communication.