Update: April 13, 2021, 12:00 p.m.
Dear Graduates,
In just over a month, the Buffalo State College community will watch together with great pride as we celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of the Class of 2021 during our virtual Commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2021. While public health officials continue to encourage virtual graduation ceremonies, our Commencement Committee is hard at work to create a meaningful, in-person activity for our cherished graduates to mark the occasion and safely celebrate your accomplishments.
During the week of May 3–7, you will have an opportunity to walk across the stage set up in the Student Union Plaza (Quad) and be photographed in your academic regalia alongside college leadership—just as you would during a normal Commencement ceremony. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture the moment, with photo package order forms available on site.
To ensure adherence to proper social distancing and appropriate gathering guidelines, graduates will be required to register in advance and reserve a specific time to visit the stage. Masks will be required while participants cross the stage, but graduates will be permitted to remove their masks at specific locations for photos. Those registering to walk the stage must also participate in weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing during the week of May 3, even if they are taking a fully remote course schedule.
Graduates who participate will be provided with a commemorative gift and will have the opportunity to safely take photos with fellow graduates at a number of selfie stations in the Plaza.
Academic regalia, while not required to participate in the stage walk, can be purchased on campus in the Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State Bookstore or ordered online. (Shipping charges increase after April 20; no online orders will be available after May 1.)
If you have any questions about Commencement or the opportunity to walk the stage May 3–7, please send an email to commence@buffalostate.edu. Details about our virtual Commencement ceremonies will be shared soon and posted at commencement.buffalostate.edu.
Looking ahead to the 2021–2022 academic year, Buffalo State College will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary this year—150 years of believing, inspiring, and achieving! We are hopeful that public health guidelines will allow us to invite our classes of 2020 and 2021 back to campus to celebrate their wonderful accomplishments in person with a special ceremony during our 150th anniversary celebrations. More information will be posted at https://suny.buffalostate.edu/150 and will be sent to you via email as plans are formalized.
In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you in the Plaza May 3–7!
Sincerely,
Katherine Conway-Turner
President
Buffalo State College
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