Undergraduate Commencement

Ceremony Details

DATE: Sunday, May 3, 2026

TIME: 5 p.m.

If you are unsure of what school your major falls in, please review the list here:

LOCATION:
The Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, 400 Oriskany Street West, Utica NY 13502

**Parking Information can be found lower on this page under the Parking and Transportation tab.

Who Can Participate

Students completing one of the following degrees are eligible to participate in the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony:

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

DEFINITIONS:

"Graduation" is an academic process that involves the official conferral of your Bachelor's degree. It involves a careful review of your academic record and approval by the institution. This happens every May, August, and December.
"Commencement" is the annual ceremony where we celebrate our achievements and recognize our degree candidates. This happens once each year, in May.

Degree Application and Commencement Participation (RSVP) form

Commencement Deadlines and Processes

In order to participate in the May 2026 commencement ceremony, students must submit the Commencement Participation Form no later than April 1. Failure to RSVP by the April 1 deadline means that a student will NOT be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony.

If you graduated in August or December 2025, please follow step two (and only step two) of the instructions for May degree candidates, below.
If all of your degree requirements will be completed during the Spring 2026 semester, follow the two-step instructions for May degree candidates, below.

Graduating and Walking in Commencement Rules for Undergraduate Students

Students must meet the total credit hours required for their program (assuming they will pass the courses they are currently registered for) to be eligible to graduate.
Students should be eligible to graduate to apply to walk in commencement.
Students are eligible to walk in a May commencement only if they graduated the previous August or previous December, or if they will graduate that May.
Students who have not completed degree requirements are not eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies. Exceptions may be made for:
1. Students who are completing degree requirements in the summer session, provided they are registered for no more than 8 credit hours.
2. Students in an education certification program that have completed all degree requirements except student teaching.
3. Students in the exercise and wellness studies program that have completed all degree requirements except the culminating internship.
Students who graduated more than 2 semesters prior to a commencement ceremony are not eligible to walk in that ceremony. (E.g., a student who graduated in May 2023 is not eligible to walk in the May 2024 ceremony.)
Students may not walk in more than one commencement ceremony per program but may walk a subsequent time for an additional program. (E.g., a student who completes a BS in Biology and then a BS in Nursing may walk twice, once for each degree program.)

**If you will be completely finished with ALL degree requirements in the SPRING 2025 SEMESTER (including all majors, minors, internships, and student teaching):**

Apply for a May 2026 degree no later than April 1**. This needs to be done before you can submit a Commencement Participation (RSVP) Form.
Submit the Commencement Participation (RSVP) Form. The following link will take you to both forms:

Degree Application and Commencement Participation (RSVP) Form

** Submitting the degree application or the Commencement Participation (RSVP) Form after April 1 will result in your name not being printed in the commencement program. You will still be permitted to participate and your name will be called when you walk across the stage, but the program will have already been sent to print.

If you will be completely finished with ALL degree requirements in the SUMMER 2026 SEMESTER (including all majors, minors, internships, and student teaching):

Apply for an August 2026 degree no later than April 1. This needs to be done before you can submit the Commencement Participation (RSVP) form.
Submit the Commencement Participation (RSVP) form. The following link will take you to both forms:

Degree Application and Commencement Participation (RSVP) Form

If you were awarded your degree in August or December 2025:

Submit the Commencement Participation (RSVP) Form. The following link will take you to the form:

Degree Application and Commencement Participation (RSVP) Form

** Submitting the degree application or the Commencement Participation (RSVP) Form after March 15 will result in your name not being printed in the commencement program. You will still be permitted to participate and your name will be called when you walk across the stage, but the program will have already been sent to print.

Commencement Prep

As the milestone of commencement approaches, there may always seem like one more thing to do. Utica University's Commencement Committee strives to make the process as easy as possible with a checklist for preparation, rehearsal to better understand the logistics of the ceremony, and numerous activities all week long to celebrate your achievement.

Graduating students are welcome to download, fill-out the following editable announcement to Utica University's 2026 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony and print to share with family, friends, and loved ones.

Please note that all guests must have a ticket for entry into the Adirondack Bank Center to attend Utica University's Commencement ceremonies. Ticket information can be found in a separate tab on the Commencement website.

Have you:

Met with your academic adviser to be absolutely certain that you have completed all course requirements?

Completed an Application for Degree?

Submitted the undergraduate commencement participation form?

Submitted the Graduate-to-Be Survey?

Paid the Utica Book Store for cap & gown?

Arranged for shipping/pickup of your cap & gown through the book store?

Made hotel reservations as soon as possible, as area hotels fill-up fast during Commencement.

Made your contribution to the Class Gift?

Paid your degree application fee through Student Financial Services?

Completed your Exit Interview if you received federal student loans? The form can be completed online at www.studentloans.gov. Note that this happens the semester in which you plan to complete your degree requirements (your graduation date) or if you drop below half-time.

2026 Commencement FAQs

When and where are Utica University’s Commencement ceremonies this year?

The 2026 undergraduate Commencement ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 3, at 5:00 p.m. The 2026 graduate Commencement ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 3, at 10:00 a.m. Both ceremonies will be held in the Utica Memorial Auditorium at the Adirondack Bank Center (commonly referred to as the “Aud”). The Adirondack Bank Center is located at 400 Oriskany Street West, Utica, NY 13502.

How long do the ceremonies last?

Commencement is the University-wide ceremony for all undergraduate and graduate degree candidates. The duration of each ceremony is approximately two hours.

Will tickets be required to attend this year’s Commencement ceremonies?

Yes, tickets will be required for all invited guests to attend the University’s Commencement ceremonies. Degree candidates will receive six tickets. Tickets will be included in the student’s regalia package. Tickets are general admission; there is no assigned seating. Please note: Graduating students do not require a ticket for entry into the Adirondack Bank Center. Additionally, small children under the age of two that can sit comfortably on an adult’s lap or infants do not require a ticket. Students not using their tickets are encouraged to share them with other graduating students.

How is the best way to get to the Adirondack Bank Center and where is parking available?

There are several parking lots near and around the Adirondack Bank Center, with some being paid parking lots. Street parking is also available. Limited shuttle bus transportation is available to and from the Adirondack Bank Center from the Utica University campus. Shuttle bus service will begin approximately 90 minutes prior to each Commencement ceremony from Strebel Circle. There is no charge for the shuttle bus. Guests, as well as graduating students, should plan to arrive at the Adirondack Bank Center at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time to allow sufficient time to go through security.

When and where do graduating students obtain caps and gowns (regalia)?

As a part of completing the on-line Degree Application and CommencementParticipation Form (RSVP), degree candidates will have the opportunity to order regalia from the Utica University Bookstore. Students can elect to pick-up their regalia on campus or have it mailed directly to them. The regalia package will include six general admission tickets to attend Commencement.

How do I obtain a stole/sash or nursing pin?

Please contact the Utica University Bookstore directly about ordering nursing pins and program-specific stole/sash.

Who should be contacted regarding guests with special needs?

For questions about accommodations for guests with special needs, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (315) 792-3122 or email commencement@utica.edu.

Please note that two sign language interpreters will be at both the undergraduate and graduate Commencement ceremonies. Interpreters will be located near the stage, as well as projected on the jumbo screens. Additionally, the Adirondack Bank Center has designated seating for those in wheelchairs, which is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

May guests and graduating students take photographs?

A professional photographer will be present to take photographs of all degree candidates as they walk across the stage. A link to these photographs will be sent to each student’s University email address within 72 hours of the ceremony, and the pictures will be available for purchase on the photographer’s website. There is no obligation to order copies of these photos.

If you do not receive an e-mail from the photography company, send an e-mail to commencement@utica.edu. Include your name, as well as which ceremony you attended.

Degree candidates are welcome to take photographs during their respective ceremony, but please keep in mind that there are safety regulations regarding keeping aisles clear. We ask that you take any photos from your seat and not approach the stage to take photos.

Where should I leave my purse or backpack?

Large purses and backpacks are not allowed inside the Adirondack Bank Center. There is no storage area or check-in for personal belongings. Please limit personal items you bring with you, as you must carry them with you.

What if I have an additional question?

If you have additional questions, you may contact the Office of Academic Affairs at commencement@utica.edu.

Commencement Week Activities

Friday, May 1
Senior Soiree
Donohue Library Concourse
8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Free for Utica Students, $20 for outside guests

Saturday, May 2
DPT White Coat Ceremony
Clark Athletic Center
7:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 3
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Clark Athletic Center
11:00 a.m.

Sunday, May 3
OT Pinning Ceremony
Donahue (Library) Concourse
12:30 p.m.

Regalia

As a part of completing the on-line Degree Application and Commencement Participation Form (RSVP), degree candidates will have the opportunity to order regalia (cap and gown) from the Utica University Bookstore. Students can elect to pick-up their regalia on campus or have it mailed directly to them. The regalia package will include six general admission tickets to attend Commencement.

Diplomas

Original Diplomas

The name you select to be printed on your diploma must match the name that have been registered with Utica University (see below for detailed rules about middle names and suffixes).
If you request a name for your diploma that does not match your registered name with the University and do not submit the name change prior to the diploma printing, your registered name in Banner will be printed on your diploma.
If the name being requested for the diploma differs from the name on the official student record, a name change request must be submitted to the University Registrar, 123 White Hall (registrar@utica.edu).

Middle Names

If your middle initial is recorded in Banner, you have three choices:

You may opt to include the middle initial exactly as it is recorded in Banner.
You may opt to exclude your middle initial.
You may opt to spell out your middle name, but your middle name must match the initial we have listed in Banner. (That is, if your middle initial in Banner is “A,” you wish to spell out "Ann" for your diploma, you may do so without any special documentation.)

If you wish to include your middle name or initial, but it is not listed in Banner: You must submit legal documentation that includes your middle name or initial. This can be a birth certificate, marriage license, driver's license, etc.

Suffixes

If we do not have a record of a suffix on your student record (such as Jr, Sr, III, IV, etc), you must provide proof that your legal name includes such a suffix before we will add it to your diploma name.

Titles

No additional titles, such as Fr., Esq., Dr., Mrs., etc, will be permitted on the diploma under any circumstances.

Errors on Diploma

Diplomas issued with errors will be replaced free of charge provided that the Registrar’s office is notified within one year of conferral date. The original diploma must be returned before the reprinted one will be sent out.

Replacement Diplomas

The name printed on the replacement will be the name from your original diploma.

If you have legally changed your name, please order your replacement diploma using the paper form and send it in with a copy of the documentation verifying your name change, and we will print the replacement diploma with your new name.

All information submitted on the replacement diploma form must be verified by the Registrar before we order the document.

Only the student may order a replacement diploma.

Replacement Diploma Request Form

Diploma Styles

Replacement diplomas are printed in the current style of Utica University diplomas with current signatures. The word “Replacement” is printed at the bottom of the document with the month and year the replacement was printed.

For questions about accommodations for guests with special needs, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at commencement@utica.edu or at (315) 792-3122.

Day-of Details

Information to help you the day of commencement, from parking to photography, speakers, and where to stay.

Anthony Picente in blue suit, white shirt and burgundy patterned tie, smiles.

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr ’93 has been selected as this year’s undergraduate commencement speaker on Sunday, May 5, 2026. Utica University has a long tradition of inviting prominent figures who have excelled in their respective professions to serve as our commencement speakers.

Attending Utica public schools, he holds an associate degree from Mohawk Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree from then-Utica College in Criminal Justice.

The 13th Oneida County Executive, Picente is the longest-serving in the county’s history and is currently the longest-serving County Executive in New York State. He was appointed to the position on January 1, 2007 and was then elected to full four-year terms in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023. Named Regional Director of Empire State Development (ESD) in 2001, two years later, he was promoted to ESD vice president, a position he held until 2006. He is a past president of the New York State Association of Counties as well as a former president of the New York State Association of County Executives.

Throughout his tenure, he has focused on advancing economic development in the county in high-tech areas such as nanotechnology, cyber security, unmanned aerial systems, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. This includes establishing Griffiss International Airport as the Northeastern United States’ only FAA-designated UAS Test Site; Skydome, the nation’s largest indoor drone testing site and the Innovare Advancement Center, which fosters collaboration in high-tech fields with the U.S. Air Force and the private sector. He also worked to secure funding that led to the renaissance of the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, which is now home to the AHL’s Utica Comets and the MASAL’s Utica City Football Club.

He also created The Vision 2020 Initiative, bringing together stakeholders from across Oneida County for promoting job opportunities, as well as education, training and housing alternatives. Vision 2020 has now expanded to deal with transportation issues including connectivity, alternatives to automobiles and access.

Picente was instrumental in the state and county's reaching of the historic agreement in 2013 with the Oneida Indian Nation and was the leader in the establishment of Mohawk Valley Health Systems’ Wynn Hospital —the first new hospital built in New York State in decades— and constructed a new county parking garage to accompany it and downtown Utica’s growth. He spearheaded the county-funded Utica University Nexus Center, a youth sports tournament and training facility that brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors per year and has hosted international sporting events. He led the development of the Marcy Nanocenter, which is now home to Wolfspeed’s first, largest and only 200mm Silicon Carbide fabrication facility in the world; and the County’s Triangle Site at Griffiss International Airport, which will soon be home to Chobani’s new dairy processing plant, the largest ever investment in a natural foods production facility in the U.S.

“It is a tremendous honor to return to Utica University—a place that played such an important role in shaping my life and career—to deliver this year’s commencement address," Picente said. "As a proud member of the Class of 1993, I know firsthand the value of a Utica education and the strong foundation it provides for success. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of this year’s graduates and sharing in a moment that marks both the culmination of their hard work and the beginning of their next chapter. It is especially meaningful to come back to campus and stand alongside the next generation of leaders as they prepare to make their impact on our communities and beyond.”

Tickets are required for all guests to attend Utica University's Undergraduate Commencement ceremony. Degree candidates will receive six tickets in their student regalia package. Please note that tickets are general admission and that there is no reserved or assigned seating.

Graduating students do not require a ticket, nor do infants or small children under the age of two who can sit comfortably on a adult's lap.

Based on the number of students that are currently planning to attend the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony, we anticipate having a limited number of additional guest tickets available. Additional tickets will be made available on a first come, first serve basis beginning on a DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED to graduating students who have completed their RSVP to participate in Commencement. Students will be limited to no more than three additional tickets. Undergraduate students can pick-up additional tickets in the Student Involvement and Leadership Office (206 Strebel Student Center). Off-campus undergraduate students may email the office at commencement@utica.edu to request additional tickets.

Student not using their tickets are encouraged to share them with other graduating students or turn them in to the Student Involvement and Leadership Office so they can be distributed to other students. Please note that lost tickets cannot be replaced.

There are several parking lots near and around the Adirondack Bank Center, with some being paid lots. Street parking is also available. Limited shuttle bus transportation is available to and from the Adirondack Bank Center from the Utica University campus.

A professional photographer will be present at the undergraduate commencement ceremony to take photographs of all graduates as they walk across the stage. A link to these photographs will be sent to each student's Utica University e-mail address within 72 hours of the Ceremony, and the pictures will be available for purchase on the photographer's website. There is no obligation to order copies of these photos.

Graduating students are also welcome to take photographs during the ceremonies, but please keep in mind that there are regulations regarding keeping aisles clear. Please take any photos from your seat. Students are NOT allowed to approach the stage during the ceremony.

There's plenty to see and do while in the surrounding area, and to help you along the way, Utica University has compiled a list of hotels, motels, inns, and restaurants to help you during your stay.

HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

Video and Remote Viewing Options

Family members and friends that aren't able to attend Utica University Commencement can still be a part of the celebration via live streaming and video archives of past ceremonies. These options allow you to stay in the comfort of your own home and enjoy the ceremony.

On Sunday, May 3, prior to 5 p.m., the video window box for Utica University's undergraduate Commencement livestream will be posted to the Commencement landing page.

Those wishing to view the livestream will simply need to click the video window box.

Contact Us

Office of Academic Affairs

(315) 792-3122

commencement@utica.edu

Commencement Deadlines and Processes

Graduating and Walking in Commencement Rules for Undergraduate Students

If you will be completely finished with ALL degree requirements in the SPRING 2025 SEMESTER (including all majors, minors, internships, and student teaching):

If you were awarded your degree in August or December 2025:

Commencement Prep

Have you:

2026 Commencement FAQs

Commencement Week Activities

Regalia

Diplomas

Day-of Details

Video and Remote Viewing Options

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Contact Us

Office of Academic Affairs

**If you will be completely finished with ALL degree requirements in the SPRING 2025 SEMESTER (including all majors, minors, internships, and student teaching):**