Students should make an appointment with their academic advisor to ensure that all degree requirements will be met.

The Application for Degree is a required form that notifies the University of a student's intent to fulfill his/her degree requirements at the end of the current semester. 

• The deadline for the fall 2011 AFD for undergraduates is Friday, October 28, 2011. The AFD is available on BU BRAIN.
• If you need to cancel your application or change your diploma address, please contact the Degree Coordinator.
• Fall 2011 AFDs must be submitted no later Friday, October 28, to guarantee inclusion in the Fall 2011 Commencement program.

Successful submission of the AFD:

• Acknowledges your plan to complete your degree requirements
• Ensures your name appears in the Commencement program
• Ensures you receive your diploma, upon completion of your degree requirements, via mail approximately 6-8 weeks after the semester's conclusion

Participating in Commencement activities is optional and does not guarantee graduation. To be considered a Binghamton University graduate, you must complete the Application for Degree and satisfy all your degree requirements. If you would like to participate in Fall 2011 Commencement, you must complete the Commencement Participation Form (CPF).

Note: Fall Commencement is for students who will complete all degree requirements by the end of the fall 2011 semester or completed all degree requirements during summer 2011.

Successful submission of the online form:

• Reserves your seat and your guests' tickets for Commencement
• Makes you eligible to purchase a cap and gown
• Makes your name automatically added to our e-mail list for Commencement information

Complete Commencement Participating Form >

Caps and gowns may be purchased from the University Bookstore two weeks prior to Commencement.

If you are completing your degree in winter 2012 or spring 2012 but want to walk at Fall 2011 Commencement:

Undergraduate students who will complete their degree requirements during winter 2012 or spring 2012 may petition to participate in the Fall 2011 Commencement.

To be approved, the following criteria must be met:

• 12 or fewer credits remaining to fulfill degree requirements AND completing these credits during the next major term
  • This information will be verified through DARS
  • Any discrepancies within DARS must be resolved between the student and academic advisor

Exceptions may be made in the following student's circumstances:

• Military or family necessity
• International student returning to home country
• Extraordinary personal circumstances

The Fall 2011 Petition to Walk is now closed. If you need assistance, please email commence@binghamton.edu.

Graduate students should complete the GAFD to notify the University of the student's intent to fulfill his/her graduate degree requirements at the end of the current semester.

• The GAFD for fall 2011 will be available for graduate students on Monday, August 29, 2011.
• The recommended deadline for submission is September 24, 2011.
• The application is valid for one semester only. If you do not graduate, another application should be completed the following semester or the semester in which you expect to fulfill your graduate degree requirements.
• If you need to cancel your application or change your diploma address, please contact the Graduate School's Degree Completion Assistant.

Graduate students should familiarize themselves with the policies and deadlines for degree completion as detailed on The Graduate School's Degree Completion/Graduation webpage. In particular, students should be aware:

• Grades for courses required for the degree may not be changed after the degree is conferred.
• Incomplete grades must be completed before the degree is awarded.
• Missing grades showing on the academic transcript must also be resolved prior to degree conferral.
• Students must be continuously registered each semester until awarding of the degree.

Complete the Graduate Application for Degree >

Participating in Commencement activities is optional and does not guarantee graduation. To be considered a Binghamton University graduate, you must complete the Graduate Application for Degree and satisfy all your degree requirements. If you would like to participate in Fall 2011 Commencement, you must complete the Commencement Participation Form (CPF).

Note: Fall Commencement is for students who will complete all degree requirements by the end of the fall 2011 semester or completed all degree requirements during summer 2011.

Why complete the Commencement Participation Form?

All graduating students must submit the online Commencement Participation Form to:

• Reserve your seat and your guests' tickets for Commencement
• Be eligible to purchase a cap and gown

Complete Commencement Participating Form >

Caps and gowns may be purchased from the University Bookstore two weeks prior to Commencement. Click here for pricing and more details >