Commencement 2025 FAQ

SUNY Geneseo Commencement 2025 will take place in person on Saturday, May 17, in two ceremonies: a morning ceremony (9:00 a.m.), and an afternoon ceremony (1:00 p.m.). Graduates are assigned a ceremony based on their academic major. Both ceremonies will take place in the Wilson Ice Arena in the Merritt Athletic Facility. 

See Commencement 2025 parking and Google Maps directions to Merritt Athletic Facility for directions and parking information.

Commencement for master's degree recipients will take place on Friday, May 9, at 6:00 pm in Brodie Hall's Alice Austin Theatre. 

Questions and Answers

How long is a Commencement Ceremony?

Commencement lasts approximately two hours from start to finish.

Are diplomas handed out at Commencement?

No, official diplomas are mailed to graduates in the late summer. Graduates receive a diploma cover courtesy of Alumni Relations as they cross the stage.

Are professional photos being taken of each graduate?

Yes, as each grad approaches the stage a photo is taken with the crowd as a background and another picture is taken as they cross stage and shake hands with a college designee.

Is the facility accessible? Is there accessible parking?

Yes, the facility has an accessible entrance at the floor level. Volunteers will be onsite assisting and directing guests. All shuttles are accessible as well. Yes, accessible parking spaces are available in Lot I on a first-come, first-serve basis. All shuttles are accessible as well. 

Information about accessible seating can be found on the Commencement Tickets webpage (or on the Guest Safety & Accessibility webpage).

How many tickets does each graduate receive? What if I need more tickets?

See the ticket information page for details. 

Is there a livestream?

The event is livestreamed on Commencement Day (May 17). There will be a button on the main Geneseo page to direct you to the link.

Where can I meet my graduate after the ceremony?

We ask that guests exit the arena as soon as the graduate recessional ends. We recommend that you determine a location in advance to meet your graduate afterwards.

When and where do degree candidates obtain their caps and gowns?

See the regalia information page for details.

Have more questions?

Questions about graduation requirements

Visit graduation checklist.

Questions about Commencement events and preparation

If you have questions about Commencement events and preparation, please contact the Office of Campus Scheduling & Special Events at 585-245-5500 or events@geneseo.edu.