People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are different. You graduate from the University and earn your diploma. It is an indication that you have successfully completed your course of study. You can choose to participate in a commencement ceremony and celebrate your achievements.

YES. You have to file for graduation via SOLAR, preferably at the beginning of your last term. This triggers an audit so we can check and make sure you have met all of your requirements. While you can file for graduation later, please notes that there are deadlines associated with filing that may affect your ability to participate in commencement activities. 

If you are taking your last class in the Summer and want to participate in Spring commencement activities, do not apply to graduate until you have registered for your Summer courses. 

The University ceremony includes all graduates from every school in the University. It skews heavily toward the undergraduate population. It is a big production that involves thousands of people and usually has hig profile speakers. It is held in the football stadium (outside – rain or shine). Graduates get a limited number of tickets for their guests and they will not have their name called out on stage.

SPD's celebration is a smaller, more intimate ceremony for graduates of all of the School's programs. Each graduate will have their name announced as they walk across the stage. This year, the event will be in the Staller Center Main Stage, which will have ample seating for guests. We will post an RSVP form here as soon as it is available.

If you have questions about the University's Commencement, please visit their website.

Yes. We need to know how many people are coming and if there are any special needs. Use this link to RSVP.

Yes. No matter which ceremony you choose to attend (the University or SPD ceremony), you must have regalia.

Let us know by indicating your need on our RSVP form.  

The Stony Brook Arena is located on Toll Drive. The Wang Center is a short walk away. While there are multiple lots available, the best strategy would be to park in the LaValle Stadium lot, which is located between the two sites. View the parking map to see the other lots available, including handicap parking. 

Of course, but it will be hard for them to get close to the stage. There will be a professional photographer there as well taking pictures of each graduate.

We streamed our last ceremony on SPD's YouTube Channel and are  checking to see if this is feasible for 2025. We will update this page when we have the confirmation.

Contact us at spd_graduationandcertification@stonybrook.edu.