Commencement

We will hold three commencement ceremonies on May 16, 2026 at the SUNY Plattsburgh Field House (167 Rugar Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901). Ceremonies will be at the following times, according to school:

• 9 a.m. — Arts and Sciences
• Noon — School of Business Economics
• 3 p.m. — Education, Health, & Human Services

Graduates should plan to arrive at the Stafford Ice Arena (Field House main level) at least 45 minutes prior to their ceremony.

Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.

Commencement is a festive occasion celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates. It is also ceremonial. Attendees are expected to act with appropriate behavior. Please show respect to everyone who has come to share in the experience. Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior will be removed from the event.

For the safety and comfort of all attendees, distracting items are not permitted in the gymnasium, including:

• Balloons
• Signs
• Air horns or noise-making devices
• Laser pointers
• Flyers, posters, or flags
• Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these requirements, which are designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

All students are responsible for purchasing their own regalia. Regalia can be purchased directly through the campus bookstore, either in-store or online. Online orders can be picked up in person at the bookstore or shipped.

Campus Bookstore Contact Information
Phone: 518-564-4460
Website: plattsburghtextbooksshop.com
Email: [email protected]

Announcements, frames and rings can be purchased through the Herff-Jones website. Details at herff.ly/plattsburgh.

Students need to check with their department (major) regarding an honors cords.

All three ceremonies will be livestreamed. A recording of each will be archived on the university website for later viewing.

The Honors Center will select three student commencement speakers — one for each ceremony — to speak on behalf of their fellow graduates.

This is a competitive process. To be eligible, students must have a current GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students who are interested should take the following steps:

• Let the Honors Center know you’re interested — Students who wish to speak should send an email of interest to Christine Landry in the Honors Center at christine.landry@plattsburgh.edu. The deadline is April 3, 2026.
  
  
• Send a draft speech — Students should write a draft speech of 700 words or less, or about 3–4 double-spaced pages. The student’s name should not be on the draft speech as the speeches are assigned a number in order to be reviewed in total anonymity. Attach a separate cover sheet with the name, local and home addresses, email address, phone number and academic major. The deadline for the draft submission is April 13, 2026.
  
  
• Focus on the common experience — The most well received speeches are those that have the most meaning for the largest number of persons in attendance, reflect on the common educational experience, and share, in a personal way, the value of the education received at SUNY Plattsburgh.
  
  
• Wait to hear back — The Honors Council will make the choice based on clarity of ideas, appropriateness of topic, suitability for the occasion and intended audience, quality of content, and extent to which the speech represents the best of the Plattsburgh experience.

Members of the Honors Council will provide assistance to those selected in preparing the final version of their speech. Students will also need to be available to practice their speech.

Questions? Please contact Christine Landry at [email protected] and/or 518-564-3075.