🏠 SUNY Niagara Open House | ☀️ April 2026: Sanborn + NFCI Open Houses @ SUNY Niagara |
Students who have met degree or certificate requirements in the 2025 summer semester, the 2025 fall semester, 2026 spring semester, and 2026 summer semesters are eligible to participate in the ceremony.
Caps and gowns can be purchased at the NFCI Bookstores and at the Sanborn Bookstore through May 1, 2026. The cost to purchase the regalia set (for both associate’s degree and a certificate) which includes the gown, cap, and tassel is $47.94. NFCI students must pay for and pick up their caps and gowns at the NFCI Bookstore. (Same dates apply.) Student ID is required.
The deadline to purchase caps and gowns is Friday, May 1, 2026.
For more information, call the Barnes & Noble Bookstore (Sanborn) at 716-614-6840 or Barnes & Noble at Culinary Institute Niagara Falls at 716-210-2591.
Program
SUNY Niagara makes every effort to include all degree candidates’ names in the Commencement program. Those who apply for graduation and obtain a cap and gown after the program deadline of April 27th are not guaranteed listing in the program.
Unfortunately no, you will not be permitted to bring your own cap and gown. The SUNY Niagara Commencement Ceremony is the official public recognition of the hard earned academic achievements of those graduating. It is a one-time event symbolizing and celebrating these achievements. As an academic ceremony, academic regalia is required. Allowing attire of different styles and colors, some of which may not be in proper condition, would detract from what is a uniquely dignified and highly significant event. This policy prevents inappropriate attire worn by a few to detract from the overall dignity of the ceremony.
Based on the number of graduates and the maximum occupancy limits of the venue; students who pay for their cap and gown by the May 1 deadline will receive 2 tickets to ceremony. Individuals who purchase a cap and gown after this date are not guaranteed tickets for commencement in the Main Gym.
Students who have filed for graduation and have purchased a cap and gown can pick up their 2 (two) guest tickets at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore between May 5th-15th (The location where you purchased your cap & gown: Sanborn or NFCI)
Building capacity is based on individuals. All guests entering the Main Gym must present a guest ticket, including babies and children, even if they will sit on adult laps. Also, the chairs identified as being “reserved” are for the graduates only, family members or friends can not process with or sit with the graduates during the ceremony. Strollers will not be permitted within the Main Gym.
Graduating students can request one or two extra tickets by completing the “Request Extra Tickets” form online. Extra Ticket Form. You will be notified on May 12th if your request was fulfilled via email. Please note: the college cannot guarantee the availability of extra tickets
Building capacity is based on individuals. All guests entering the SUNY Niagara Main Gym must present a guest ticket, including babies and children, even if they will sit on adult laps. Also, the chairs identified as being “reserved” are for the graduates only, family members or friends cannot process with or sit with the graduates during the ceremony. Strollers will not be permitted within the Gymnasium.
Saturday, May 16
10:00 a.m.
Arrive by 9:00 a.m. to get ready for the ceremony starting at 10:00 a.m.
Graduating students and guests should park in Lot 1, located at the front of campus closest to Saunders Settlement Rd. (Route 31).Parking is free.
Upon arrival, check in with the commencement staff stationed outside the theatre.You will receive your name card and be directed where to line up for the processional.The theatre will serve as your robing room.When the ceremony begins, ushers will guide students in a processional from the theatre through the hallway and into the Main Gym, where the ceremony takes place.
Late arrivals will be placed at the end of the processional.
Guests may enter the Main Gym about one hour before the ceremony.
If you or your guests require special accommodations, please contact the commencement coordinator by May 8.
Graduation Photos!
Island Photography is our Official Commencement Photographer for 2026.
Each graduate will be photographed 2-3 times as they cross the stage and return to their seat.
Graduates will be sent a link via text and email to view their images within 24-48 hours after your ceremony.
There is absolutely no obligation to purchase, and packages start at only $7.95
Questions? Contact Island Photography at custserv@islandphoto.com or 800-869-0908
The ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to attend:Visit: https://sunyniagara.edu
Have a wonderful Commencement Day!
Members of Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Beta Gamma and NSLS should contact the club advisers to confirm your contact information is up to date before May 1, 2026, to ensure the PTK, ABG and NSLS designation will be listed in the program book. Club advisers can also answer questions regarding wearing honors regalia for the ceremony.
Commencement seating in the SUNY Niagara Main Gym is general admission. Special needs includes visual and hearing impaired guests. Accommodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan to arrive early in order to secure special needs seating. Only one family member (or attendant) will be permitted to accompany the person in the Special Needs seating section, the rest must sit in general seating.
At the Commencement Ceremony, you will receive a Diploma Cover only.
We are teaming with Parchment to offer an official digital version of your diploma. It’s fast, free, and sharable. Celebrate your accomplishment with those who supported you along the way — your family, friends, and colleagues. Share with potential employers to kick-start the next step in your journey or career. The digital diploma will be emailed to you but does not replace the paper diploma. A paper diploma will be mailed to the graduate’s address on file approximately 3 weeks after the digital diplomas are issued. Graduates should expect email and text notification to claim their diploma mid-June.
Any student who does not apply for graduation will have his/her degree or certificate automatically awarded upon successful completion of graduation requirements.
However, filing the online graduation application is preferred to automatic conferral, as it confirms the degree or certificate that a student is seeking; once a degree or certificate is conferred, it cannot be revoked without the approval of the president of the college. The graduation application also collects other important information, including the name a student wishes to have displayed on the diploma (which might differ from a student’s legal name), updated address information, and whether a student wishes to participate in commencement.
Students who have completed graduation requirements but do not wish to have a degree automatically conferred must contact the Registration and Records office prior to the end of the semester to prevent issuance of the degree and/or certificate.
There will be NO SMOKING on campus. SUNY Niagara is a tobacco-free environment.
Guests for the Commencement ceremony can park in Lot 1, located directly in front of the Arts & Media Theatre (Building F).
The littles that you brought with you to help celebrate the SUNY Niagara graduate in your life might need a “time out.”
Stop into H102 (front classroom) which will be set up for our smaller friends with videos of Miss Rachel, coloring supplies, stickers of our mascot TRIPP, and even a changing area. Two minutes to recharge in this room will help them enjoy the day as well.