Graduation

Students have the option to enroll in a maximum of two curricula at the same time.  Exclusions apply in the following programs that require pre-requisites:  Animal Management, Nursing, Massage Therapy, Radiologic Technology, and Surgical Technology.

In order to receive more than one associate degree from SUNY Niagara, a student must do the following:

• Successfully complete the degree requirements for each degree.
• Complete a minimum of fifteen (15) credit hours beyond the requirements of the previously earned degree(s).
• Successfully complete any applicable SUNY general educational requirements required for each degree.

In order to receive an associate degree and a certificate from SUNY Niagara, a student must do the following:

• Successfully complete the degree requirements for the associate degree program.
• Successfully complete the certificate requirements for the certificate program.
• Successfully complete any applicable SUNY general educational requirements required for each degree.

In order to receive their degree or certificate, students should notify the Records Office of their intent to graduate by filling out an online graduation application.  The graduation application initiates the process of official validation and should be submitted in the student’s final semester prior to graduation.  Students will be notified of their eligibility to graduate by the Records Office during their anticipated final semester.

Students can complete the online graduation application by following these steps:

• Log into Banner Web
• Under Student Records, select Apply for Graduation
• If you are currently enrolled in classes, select the current term from the drop-down menu. If you are not enrolled in classes, your last term of attendance will appear in the drop-down to select.
• Select the major you are applying for. If you are planning to earn more than one degree/certificate in the same semester; you must submit a separate application for each. If you do not see your major listed, please contact the Records Office at 716-614-6250.
• Select how you would like your name to appear on your diploma
  (Students can opt to have a chosen name printed on their diploma. However, some professional and licensing boards require use of legal name in the licensing process, so use of a chosen name may delay or complicate a certification or licensure process. In addition, some countries may require a diploma for various legal, immigration, or employment purposes.)
• Select Submit Request. You can view your submitted application under the Student Records tab of Banner Web
• If your mailing address has changed, please update in Banner Web under Personal Information, then View/Update Personal Information. Your diploma will be mailed to your mailing address on file.

• Review Degree Works – You can check your Degree Works audit for a status update on your application. You can view the status of your application in the degree block of your worksheet, shown below. A status of “Graduation Application Received” shows that your application has been received for the term you applied, but not yet reviewed.

• Once your application has been reviewed, if you have NOT met graduation requirements, your evaluation will be updated to state “Graduation Application Denied”. You should contact your advisor to discuss the next steps or what you need to complete in order to fulfill graduation requirements.

• If you HAVE MET graduation requirements, your evaluation will be updated to state “Clear to Graduate Pending Final Review”. After final grades have been posted at the end of the semester, the Records Office will conduct graduation certifications on all pending graduates. Please allow at least one week after final grades are posted to see the updated graduation status in Degree Works.
• Once all graduates have been reviewed in the certification process:
  • Pending graduates who have NOT met requirements to graduate will be notified through T-Wolves email and a letter mailed to their address on file.
  • Awarded graduates who have successfully completed all requirements will be notified through email and text to claim their digital diplomas.

Any student who does not apply for graduation will have his/her degree or certification automatically awarded upon successful completion of graduation requirements.  In the case of students who are pursuing a dual major, automatic conferral of degree will only be processed when the requirements for both degrees/certificates have been fulfilled.  For all students, 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.  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 Records Office prior to the end of the semester to prevent the issuance of the degree and/or certificate.

There is one formal cap/gown graduation ceremony in May. ALL potential graduates from Spring and Summer, in addition to those graduates from the previous Summer, Fall, and Winter semesters, are given the opportunity to attend this ceremony typically held on the third Saturday in May.

Diplomas/certificates are NOT issued on stage at the May ceremony as graduation evaluations take place after commencement. Therefore, all potential Spring and Summer graduates are allowed to cross the stage in May.  All students receive a blank diploma cover and tassel. Students who do not attend the ceremony but desire a diploma cover may pick this up in the Public Relations and Event Management Office (A-201).

Commencement Ceremony Participation Protocol:

Students eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies are those who have met the following requirements:

• Applicants are encouraged to submit an online graduation application within Banner Web by the published deadline.
• Students who have completed all graduation requirements in the previous fall, or have applied for spring or upcoming summer graduation, are eligible to participate in the May ceremony.
• Please note that participation in commencement ceremonies or inclusion in the list of graduates on the commencement program does not certify graduation. Graduation is confirmed only upon receipt of an official transcript and/or diploma.

For more information, view SUNY Niagara Commencement Ceremony.

Effective Spring 2022, SUNY Niagara is 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 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.

How to Get Your Digital Diploma

Graduates will receive an email and text notification with instructions for electronically claiming their diploma. To ensure your paper diploma is mailed to the correct address, please review your address on file under Personal Information in Banner Web.

Follow these simple steps:

• Check your school email and text messages for the award notification.
• Follow the link to set up your Parchment digital credentials account.
• Share your digital diploma on Facebook and LinkedIn or download a secure .pdf version.

Your digital diploma will always be accessible through your Parchment account. You can login and download or share it again and again — at no cost to you.

What You Can Do with It

Share your Achievements

• Easily share your digital diploma with employers with a secure and verified link
• Share with family and friends on Facebook and LinkedIn.  Be sure to use #SUNYNiagara when sharing your accomplishment!

View or Download

• View your digital diploma online at any time with permanent access
• Download your digital diploma and save as a PDF

Serve as an Alternative to the Apostille

• Many countries recognize digital diplomas. Parchment Award diplomas are supporting the needs of international credentials.

Replacement Diplomas

Any alumni in need of a replacement diploma will need to place an order through Parchment. A fee of $25 per replacement diploma will be charged. You will receive a paper diploma mailed to the address provided in the order as well as a digital copy of your diploma to your email address.Order Replacement Diploma

Questions about diplomas?  Email records@niagaracc.suny.edu

Questions about the digital diploma once you have received it?  Email congratulations@parchment.com