Commencement 2025

Apply to Graduate

Degree Applications are available from Jan. 29 to Feb. 26 through BannerWeb.

If students miss the deadline for applying to graduate through BannerWeb, they should contact their academic department. Students should ensure they provide their name as they want it to appear on their diploma.

Graduation Fee

There is a $60 graduation fee associated with graduation, which covers diploma cover, cap, gown, and two inclement weather tickets.  

Please contact the Office of Student Records and Financial Services (SRFS) by emailing SFS@AlfredState.edu, calling 1-800-4-Alfred (option 2), or in person by visiting the 10 Elm buiding on the Alfred campus. The $60 fee will be added at your request to your spring semester bill. The fee can also be paid at the campus bookstore. Please note that students graduating with a bachelor degree will need to purchase their hood for a $30 fee.

Graduation Packet Pick Up

Students can pick up their graduation packets from the campus bookstore beginning Monday, April 7. Each packet includes the cap and gown, tassel, photo card, information about the ceremony, and two inclement weather tickets in the event of thunderstorms. Each student should try on their gown to ensure fit, and iron it before the ceremony. If you are unable to pick up your packet in person, please contact 607-587-4020 to make other arrangements. Wellsville students have the option to pick up their packets from either the Wellsville or Alfred campus stores.

Guests and Seating

Admission to Pioneer Stadium begins at 12 Noon. No tickets are required, and there is currently no limit to the number of guests per student. Be aware that seating is on a "first come, first serve" basis. Folding lawn chairs are permitted, but must have a one inch (minimum size) diameter flat bottomed feet. No seating is allowed on the track.

Please note that each student packet contains two inclement weather tickets, to be used only in the event of severe weather.  Weather decisions will be made by noon on Friday 5/9.  If the decision to move indoors is made, tickets will be enforced for the indoor location. 

Parking

Parking is available in any faculty, staff, student, or visitor lots on campus. There will be a free shuttle running from the parking lots to the Commencement site. Stops will be designated along the campus loop.

Parking lots 18 and 19 are reserved for vehicles with government issued handicapped permits or a permit issued by the University Police for the day. University Police can be contacted at 607-587-3999 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Weather Statement

In case of impending severe weather, Alfred State has contingency plans for a shortened ceremony to exit the area before a storm’s arrival. Celebrations will continue at the reception areas as planned.

By Noon on Friday before commencement, a decision to move the ceremony to indoor locations will be announced if forecasters predict life-threatening weather conditions during the ceremony.

Commencement Emergency Preparedness

Getting Here

Those traveling from NYC area can book tickets through Megabus for travel to Alfred on Friday and return Sunday.

Where to Stay

When searching the local area, there are lodging options in Alfred as well as in local areas of Hornell, Wellsville, Corning, and Geneseo. We recommend making arrangements in advance.

Family unable to attend?

Have family or extended family who are unable to attend? The event will be recorded and available to stream live on May 10 at 1 p.m.

Special Accommodations

Please contact Melanie Ryan at 607-587-4506 by April 30 if you require an American Sign Language interpreter. Seating and parking are available for guests with disabilities (including wheelchairs).

For those requesting specialized seating, only one additional family member will be allowed in the reserved seating area. Additional guests will be asked to sit in the general seating area. Please contact Melanie Ryan by April 7 for reserved seating.

Animals are not permitted at the Commencement ceremony unless they are service animals. If you wish to bring a service animal, please contact Melanie Ryan at 607-587-4506.

Reception

After the ceremony, there will be a reception for each school with light refreshments at the following locations:

• School of Applied Technology
  The Terrace, Central Dining Hall
• School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology
  Park Space, Student Leadership Center
• School of Arts and Sciences
  Student Gathering Place, Central Dining Hall

Leave your mark!

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Now's the time to leave your permanent mark on Alfred State. Show your Pioneer Pride by ordering a Legacy Brick today, and join the many other alums in Alumni Plaza on the Alfred campus or the Campus Courtyard on the Wellsville campus. See our website to learn more about buying a brick or call the Alumni Office at 607-587-3931.

Additional questions?

Any additional questions can be directed to Joann Bloxsom at 607-587-3960 or by emailing Commencement@alfredstate.edu.