Beginning May 16-17, 2026, St. Bonaventure will host separate Commencement ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students in the Reilly Center Arena — noon on Saturday for graduate students and 10 a.m. Sunday for undergraduates.
This new format allows all graduates to be honored together each May, and expands the weekend to include new and reimagined traditions — including a campus-wide Honors and Awards Ceremony and a Grad Student Alumni Launch Party on May 15.
Below is a tentative schedule of events and activities leading up to Commencement exercises. All events are subject to change. Students should look for a Senior Week schedule in their emails closer to May.
Seniors eligible for graduation will be provided information about registering for Commencement well in advance of the event. Commencement exercises will be livestreamed.
Please return to this site often for updates.
Security measures
The university has implemented security enhancements for major events at Reilly Center, including some events during Commencement Weekend. The enhancements are part of the institution’s continued commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Evolv Express Gen2 system will provide advanced entry screening at the main public entrance to the arena, the hallway leading from the SBU Bookstore and ticket office. The Evolv system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimize congestion and disruptions to traffic flow.
Other metal detectors will be utilized at less trafficked entrances.
Frequently asked questions
Wondering about parking or bookstore hours? Find all of your
Commencement FAQs here. For more details graduates might need to know, from moving out to applying for graduation, visit our
Guide for Graduating Students.