Frequently asked questions

Commencement Weekend for the Class of 2024 takes place May 17–19, 2024. The weekend kicks off with the University Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17, at 9 a.m. at Fauver Stadium at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex on the River Campus. During that ceremony, all degrees—for both undergraduate and graduate-degree candidates—will be conferred by University President Sarah Mangelsdorf.

Commencement Weekend continues with events for graduates, their families and friends, faculty, and staff through Sunday, May 19. Those events include celebration ceremonies for schools and departments, during which each student will be recognized individually.

Find the latest information on the weekend schedule.

A complete schedule is available on this site.

Updates and information will be posted on this website and shared in University newsletters and on the University’s social media channels.

Feel free to use the contact form on the Commencement website.

If you haven’t ordered your regalia yet or have any questions, you can contact the University Bookstore.

If you haven’t ordered your regalia yet or have any questions, you can contact the University Bookstore. If you have ordered your regalia, items can be picked up at the Bookstore starting on May 6.

Students who plan to complete their degree requirements within the academic year (fall, spring, summer) are eligible to participate in that year’s Commencement ceremonies. Please see your Academic Advisor or your school Registrar to inquire about your eligibility. Review the Commencement Eligibility Policy for full details.

Class of 2024 candidates from all schools can register for weekend ceremonies, and register their guests for the University Commencement Ceremony.

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A livestream of the University Commencement Ceremony will be available as well as for individual school and department celebrations. The links will be shared on this website.

We recommend no more than six guests, but candidates who want to invite more than six family members and friends may do so for the University Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17.

Class of 2024 candidates from all schools can register for weekend ceremonies, and register their guests for the University Commencement Ceremony.

Diplomas for each graduating student will arrive in the mail (US Postal Service) during the summer. Diplomas will not be presented to candidates during Commencement Weekend.

There are seats reserved for guests with wheelchairs or who need other accommodations. Students will be able to register their guests for accommodations when they register for the University Commencement Ceremony.

Campus dining facilities in Wilson Commons (located near the stadium) will be open on Friday, May 17. Guests will also be invited to visit several food trucks immediately following the ceremony. The trucks will be parked on campus, just a short walk from the stadium.

We are unable to reserve blocks of rooms or other spaces for guests. Visitors are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. The tourism agency of Monroe County, Visit Rochester, offers resources for finding hotels in the area as well as lists of historical and cultural sites in the area.

The University Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17, is outdoors and cannot be rescheduled. Candidates and their guests are encouraged to take the weather forecast for May 17 into account when preparing for the ceremony. If the weather prohibits the ceremony from taking place as planned, it will be canceled and not rescheduled. In the event of a weather delay, the ceremony will not be paused for more than two hours. Information about delays will be posted to the Commencement website and will be emailed to all registered graduates.

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and all visitors to campus is our top priority. During the University Commencement ceremony, members of the University’s Department of Public Safety will be on hand through the activities, as will staff from environmental health and safety. A staff of emergency medical technicians will be at the event, ready to assist anyone who needs attention.

There will also be a shaded first-aid area available for people who need assistance.

Keep in mind that no alcohol or glass containers are allowed in the stadium. Complimentary water will be available for graduates and guests.

Volunteers from the University community are welcome to help with the University Commencement Ceremony. The event relies on the help of staff and students to serve as ushers and guides, as well as other duties during the ceremony. Watch @Rochester this spring for a call to volunteer.