Yes. Students are to indicate by April 28 if they are attending Commencement and the number of guests (limit of two) they will bring.

All students and guests will check in the day of the event.

Additional information will be emailed to all attendees the week of May 3.

• All guests will be issued a check-in time (emailed to them the week of May 3).
• All students and guests must have an event pass. Students may pick up passes for themselves and their guests on Thursday and Friday, May 13 and 14.
• Passes are required at check-in the day of the event and must be worn by students and guests at all times while they are on campus.
• Guests should arrive at check-in at their designated time.
• Guests will complete a health screening and demonstrate compliance with COVID-19 protocols. (See guidelines at top of this page.)
• Graduates and guests will proceed to their designated location on the basketball courts outside the Richter Center.
• Graduates and guests will enter the Richter Center for the stage-crossing event at their designated time.

Due to the ceremony setup this year there will be no seating available. All students and guests should plan on standing for approximately 1-2 hours, with movement occurring as you actively participate in the procession. You will get a specific email with all details the week of May 3

There will be limited handicapped seating in prenumbered chairs in the lineup area on the basketball courts next to the Richter Center. Please note, however, that ceremonies require that all guests follow the movement of their student, moving into and out of the Richter Center at designated times. 

To request special seating or parking accommodations, please email the Office of Events and Conferences at commencement@sbu.edu.

No. Due to COVID-19 precautions, both events are for students only this year. Both events will be livestreamed.

All visitors to campus for Commencement will be directed to parking lots on the west side of campus, behind Plassmann Hall and the Walsh Science Center. This is so that all guests may be welcomed through our check-in station. Golf cart shuttles will be available.

The bookstore will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 16. 

These locations will be open as indicated:

Friday, May 14

• Freshens in Francis Hall: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Fairway View Pavilion at SBU Golf Course: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday, May 15

• Freshens in Francis Hall: 7:30 a.m..-7 p.m.
• Café La Verna Starbucks: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Fairway View Pavilion at SBU Golf Course: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday, May 16

• Freshens in Francis Hall: 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Fairway View Pavilion at SBU Golf Course: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Yes. A photographer from GradImages will photograph each graduate at the stage-crossing ceremony. Graduates will preregister with GradImages and receive instructions for viewing proofs and ordering photos. To register, go to: https://www.gradimages.com/registration/Register?ClientID=102008&OccasionRef=163384

Yes. Guests will follow the movement of their students, moving into the Richter Center at designated times. You will be allowed to position yourself directly in front of the stage (with social distancing restrictions in place) as your graduate crosses the stage.

Jostens, the well-known American company specializing in school-related products, offers personalized graduation announcements, thank-you notes, note cards, diploma seals and other products. To learn more, go to https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1053058/St-Bonaventure-University/

The Office of Safety & Security will provide security services throughout the day. Please note that purses, backpacks, camera bags, binocular cases and other such personal carry-in items are subject to inspection.

Prohibited items include coolers, alcohol, controlled substances, weapons, and noisemakers of any kind.

All visitors to campus are subject to search.

Due to special procedures in place for Commencement this year, it is important that graduates and their guests arrive at check-in on time and at their designated location outside Richter Center well before the time for their procession into the building.

Students who anticipate being six (6) credit hours or fewer short of meeting their degree requirements, but who wish to participate in the Commencement ceremony, must fill out the Commencement Participation Agreement Form, which is available on my.sbu.

This form serves as a request to participate in Commencement with the understanding that you will complete your degree requirements at an agreed-upon date. This form must be complete by April 30.

Students are to be checked out of their residence halls no later than 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. Rooms are to be clean and free of all personal belongings. Additional information will be provided by RDs.  

Caps and gowns are to be purchased from the bookstore, and are available starting April 26. The cost is $63 for undergraduate students and $67 for graduate students.