Graduate

Before Commencement Day

Get your regalia

Students must have all three items — cap, black gown and appropriate hood — to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

See details: Academic Regalia for Graduate students

April 6, 2026 - Finances deadline

Deadline for meeting all financial obligations to the university.

April 8, 2026 - Commencement Fair

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. April 8 in the hallway outside the bookstore

Your graduation central: Pick up regalia, complete important tasks for commencement, and celebrate your accomplishments — all in one place, for all graduating students!

May 6 - Naz alumni sign up to present diploma to relative

Naz alumni: Have a relative graduating from Nazareth, and want to be part of the ceremony?

To honor the tradition of a Nazareth education, Naz alumni are invited to ceremoniously hand their graduating student their diploma.

This opportunity is open to one legacy family member per undergraduate or graduate student graduating in this May's commencement ceremonies.

Alumni: Sign up by May 6, 2026.

COMMENCEMENT DAY

Friday, May 15, 2026

 

Hooding & Pinning May 15 (selected programs)

Occupational Therapy (OT) Hooding & Pinning

Occupational Therapy Hooding & Pinning Ceremony:

1-2:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026

Beston Hall

By invitation only

Physical Therapy (DPT) Hooding

Doctorate of Physical Therapy Hooding Ceremony:

10-11:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026

Beston Hall

By invitation only

Public Health (MPH) Hooding and Pinning

Master of Public Health Hooding and Public Health Pinning:

4 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026

Peace Theatre (Arts Center 14)

Open to guests

SLP Hooding and CSD Pinning

Speech-Language Pathology Hooding and Communication Sciences & Disorders Pinning:

4 to 5 p.m. May 15, 2026

Linehan Chapel

Open to guests

Social Work (MSW) Hooding

Master of Social Work Hooding Ceremony:

3-4:30 p.m. May 15, 2026

Beston Hall

By invitation only

Commencement Ceremony

  • Time: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Golisano Training Center on campus (indoors)

What to expect:

  • The campus bookstore in the Shults Center's lower level is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for last-minute items.
  • For guests: Doors open at Golisano Training Center at 4:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. ceremony.
  • Students, allow extra time to arrive on campus. Assemble at 5 p.m. on the turf field at the west end of the Golisano Training Center.
  • Five minutes before the ceremony: Procession begins.

Read: Graduate Commencement FAQs >

After the ceremony

Go Light Your World Ceremony

8:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026:

The Candlelight Ceremony of Gratitude and Induction into the Nazareth Alumni Association take place outdoors at the Garen Peace Garden (the campus fountain). The ceremony includes a candlelit procession, speakers, readings, and music. It concludes with a champagne toast and dessert reception in front of the Golisano Academic Center.

Class of 2026 students (both graduate and undergraduate) and families are welcome to attend.

Sponsored by Culture, Community and Belonging; Undergraduate Association; and Alumni Engagement.

Graduates in cap and gown awaiting Grad Commencement

What's Next?

We'd love to hear what's next for you and how your college experiences have helped prepare, support, or connect you. Send us your story!