UB to allow limited guests at commencement

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo has finalized its plans for commencement season.

As was previously announced by UB President Satish K. Tripathi, UB will conduct 17 in-person commencement ceremonies and four recognition and certificate events between April 30 and May 16, with a limited number of guests allowed to attend based on capacity restrictions.

UB’s commencement plans, including protocols for guests, were approved by the New York State and Erie County health departments, and will abide by the graduation guidelines issued on April 12 by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

Commencement exercises will take place at two outdoor locations, both on the North Campus in Amherst: UB Stadium and the Furnas parking lot (located off Lee Road). All ceremonies will be live streamed.

Requirements will include mandatory mask-wearing, physical distancing and health screening, as well as proof of recent negative COVID-19 test or proof of full vaccination.

For commencement ceremonies at UB Stadium, graduates will be allotted two to four tickets for guests depending on the size of the ceremony.

The number of guest tickets per graduate for commencement events in the Furnas lot will be determined by each school’s dean, based on participation.

Schools will provide additional information about commencement size and ticketing availability.

Commencement season begins with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ MDs ceremony, which is set for 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 30 at UB Stadium, and will conclude on May 16 with two ceremonies for the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the School of Law graduation.

All guests attending a commencement ceremony will need to show their ticket upon entry; graduates will be required to check in at registration.

All attendees must adhere to the following requirements on the day of the commencement ceremony:

1. Complete the Daily Health Check day of.
2. Bring photo ID and be prepared to show one of the below:
   • Negative viral test result (taken within 72 hours for PCR or 6 hours for antigen).
   • Proof of full vaccination (at least 14 days after final dose).
   • Proof of full recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
3. Wear a face covering over nose and mouth.
4. Maintain a minimum six feet of physical distance.

Media outlets are invited to cover UB’s commencement exercises. The best option is to attend one of the two College of Arts and Sciences graduation ceremonies taking place at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 16. Both will be at UB Stadium.

Members of the media covering a commencement ceremony on campus must adhere to the university’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for media, which include wearing facemasks at all times and completing the Daily Health Check prior to coming to campus.

The full schedule of commencement ceremonies and events is available on UB’s Countdown to Commencement website.