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Graduating Students

The Senior Class Gift is a way for graduating students to leave their mark for future Seawolves. Please visit the Senior Class Gift donation link to make your gift to the areas on campus that mean the most to you. When a graduating student from the Class of 2026 makes a gift of $10.25 or more, they will receive an exclusive red and black generosity cord to wear at Commencement as a token of appreciation for their support. Please contact SeawolfPhilanthropy@stonybrook.edu for more information.
Leave your mark at Stony Brook and purchase a Legacy Way brick! Legacy Way is located outside of the Javits Lecture Center, at the heart of campus. Purchasing a brick is a great way to recognize your graduation, capture your on-campus memories, or to say thank you to those who've illuminated your educational journey. Every brick purchase includes a contribution to the Legacy Way Scholarship, which supports two students annually. Want to find out more? Check out our FAQ, see some inscription inspiration, and reserve your brick by Friday, June 26th to be installed this summer!
A portrait photographer from Thornton Studio will be on campus at the Charles B. Wang Center in Room 102. Visit: www.ThorntonStudio.com, click on “Schedule Appt, " and then enter School Code: 02838. All portrait sessions during the week will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

APRIL SESSIONS:

Tuesday, April 21^st

Wednesday, April 22^nd (Grad Day)

Thursday, April 23^rd

Friday, April 24^th

Saturday, April 25^th

MAY SESSIONS:

Wednesday, May 6^th

Thursday, May 7^th

Friday, May 8^th

Saturday, May 9^th

Tuesday, May 12^th

Wednesday, May 13^th

Thursday, May 14^th

Friday, May 15^th

Saturday, May 16^th

Monday, May 18^th

Tuesday, May 19^th

Wednesday, May 20^th

Thursday, May 21^st

Friday, May 22^nd (Commencement) *** Portrait sessions post ceremony from 1-5 pm ***
Graduating students who have applied for graduation for Spring/Summer 2026 are eligible to participate in the Spring Commencement ceremony. Students can also participate in the spring ceremony if they have graduated in the summer or fall before the ceremony or anticipate graduating in the summer or fall after a spring ceremony. This will ensure students will not have to travel back after their graduation to participate in Commencement.
The Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Student Organization are collaborating with the Student Support Team to make Commencement regalia accessible for those in need and facing financial hardship. We know sometimes paying for regalia is a barrier to participating in Commencement and we hope to provide the opportunity for all students to be able to attend their graduation ceremony. We understand that these are trying times so we want to give all graduates the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at graduation. We look forward to your applications and seeing you at Commencement!

Please visit the Student Support Team website for more information on the Regalia Loaner Program and how to apply.
Graduation Application for Publication: The last day for Spring/Summer 2026 degree candidates to apply for graduation and be included in the Commencement publication is 4/15/26. The last day for Spring/Summer degree candidates to apply for graduation via SOLAR is 5/8/26.

Please note that applications submitted after 4/15/26 will not appear in the digital Commencement publication.
Candidates participating in the academic processional should arrive wearing their cap and gown at the Indoor Sports Complex Parking Lot ( Lot 7). Candidates participating in the ceremony should arrive at 10:00 am for lineup.
Each year, one graduating undergraduate senior is chosen to deliver a Commencement address to the graduating class, their families, friends, faculty, and staff. Being selected as the student speaker is one of the highest honors a graduate can receive and carries a great sense of pride and responsibility.

The optimal speech will capture your Stony Brook experience and express your Seawolf pride. It should speak directly to your fellow graduates and be authentic, heartfelt, and inspiring.

To be considered, you must be registered to graduate in May 2026. Speeches should be no longer than five minutes in length.

Written speech submissions are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026, via this form. Auditions will take place on Wednesday, April 8, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and on Monday, April 13, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, in the Sidney Gelber Auditorium, Student Activities Center.

Your audition time on April 8 or April 13 will be scheduled once your eligibility is confirmed and your written speech has been received.

Please note: To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate senior who has completed all degree requirements for May 2026 graduation.

We look forward to hearing your story and celebrating your journey as a Seawolf!

If you have any questions, please contact Associate Dean of Students, Hedieh Yazdanseta at Hedieh.Yazdanseta@stonybrook.edu.
The SBU Campus Store will sell SBU and Seawolves apparel, merchandise, and graduation gifts at the SBU Campus Store in the Melville Library and at the stadium.

You can pre-order flowers and the Stony Brook commemorative Commencement T-Shirt through this website and pick them up at the kiosks located at the entrance to the ceremony.
Honors stoles will be distributed by the Office of Conferences and Special Events one week prior to Commencement. Please pick up your stole at the Charles B. Wang Center, Main Lobby, between the hours of 10am-4pm beginning Monday, May 11th through Friday, May 15th.
Honors distinctions are based on your CURRENT grade point average. The actual distinction awarded may be different as it is based on your FINAL grade point average. The actual honor will appear on your final transcript and diploma.

If you have questions regarding your academic status, please contact the registrar at 631.632.6175 or via email at ug_graduation_west_campus@stonybrook.edu
How do I change my name for my diploma? Update your name in your SOLAR account under "Diploma Address."

I am a dual major, why is only one of my majors noted in SOLAR? It is just a system limitation, both majors will be printed on your diploma.

Can I pick up my diploma? No, all diplomas will be mailed to the mailing address provided in your SOLAR account. Please make sure it's an updated address.

For information regarding diplomas, please refer to this website.
Candidates with International Guests International students or domestic students wishing to invite international family, please visit this link for the most up to date information about international visitors. For additional questions, please contact Visa and Immigration Services at Stony Brook University.

Visa and Immigration Services
Stony Brook University
E5310, Melville Library
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3393
Telephone: (631) 632-4685
Fax: (631) 632-7064
Email: VIS@stonybrook.edu

Faculty

Faculty participating in the academic processional should arrive wearing their regalia at the Indoor Sports Complex Parking Lot ( Lot 7). Faculty participating in the ceremony should arrive at 10:00 AM for line up.

General Information

Yes, our Commencement ceremony will be live streamed and a recording of the ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website following the event. A live stream link will be posted on the Commencement website the morning of the event.
Closed Captioning
The Commencement ceremony will be live streamed and a recording of the ceremony will live on the Commencement website following the event. The ceremony will be closed captioned. Closed captioning is available through your smartphone or tablet device. If you require equipment to access closed captioning, please contact conferences.events@stonybrook.edu, iPads will be available upon request. A link to access live captioning will become available on the Commencement website the morning of the event.

Commencement Program
A link to access our program and flipbook will be available on our Commencement homepage the morning of the event. An accessible PDF will be available for download.

Stadium Accessibility
Handicap parking is available between gate #5 and gate #6 of Stadium parking Lot. Accessible seating is available at gates #2 and #6, event ushers will be available to assist guests if needed.
Yes, East Side Dining will be offering brunch from 11AM- 4PM on Commencement day.

Students on a meal plan can purchase brunch with a meal swipe or dining dollars. Students can use their meal plan guest passes for family and friends.

Guests can pay the $15.60 door rate with a credit or debit card.
The following items are prohibited at Commencement ceremonies: outside food/beverage, thermoses, coolers, alcoholic beverages, backpacks, luggage, strollers, umbrellas, noise makers, balloons, weapons, laser pointers, fireworks, aerosol cans, and non-service pets. All bags are subject to search.