FAQs

General Information and Frequently Asked Questions... 
Below are questions that parents and students frequently ask us about Commencement. If you have other questions, please call Academic Affairs at 518-783-2307 or e-mail Lynn Rogers at lrogers@siena.edu.  

Where is Commencement held?
Siena’s Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Times Union Center located in downtown Albany on Sunday, May 19.

Will we need tickets for Commencement?
Yes. Each graduate will receive 10 commencement ceremony admission tickets for Sunday, May 19. Tickets are required for entry. There is open seating for all guests in the Times Union Center’s lower and upper levels. Tickets are not required for the Baccalaureate Liturgy on Saturday, May 18 in the Alumni Recreation Center.

What time should we be there on Commencement Day? Will there be concessions?
We recommend that  guests arrive between 8:45-9:30 a.m. Sunday morning at the Times Union Center. Limited “light breakfast” concessions for purchase will be available from 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. There will be no concessions available once the Commencement Ceremony begins.

Where will my graduate assemble?
All graduates are to assemble at 9 a.m. in the designated Exhibition Hall areas of the Times Union Center. To ensure the timely preparation of the academic procession, these areas will not be open to the families or guests of the graduates.

When should we make hotel reservations?
Reservations for accommodations and dining out should be made as early as possible. Information on area hotels and restaurants can be found online.  Hotels close to or affiliated with Siena. There are restaurants within walking distance of the Times Union Center.

How do we get to the Times Union Center? Where should we park?
Directions and parking information for the downtown Albany area can be found at www.timesunioncenter-albany.com. The attached Times Union Center Parking Garage with the exception of the lowest deck of the garage is available for use that day at a rate of $4. The garage fits approximately 900 vehicles.

Can we take photographs during the ceremony?
Guests may take photographs from their seats; however, to allow the procession of graduates to and from the stage in an orderly fashion and to comply with safety codes, we request that guests don’t approach the stage area or enter the arena floor. A professional photographer will take pictures of the individual graduates and a videographer will tape the ceremony. The photographs and video will be made available for purchase at a later date.

A member of our family has mobility impairment and requires special access at the Times Union Center. How may we arrange for this?
Elderly and disabled guests may use the disabled seating areas designated in the Times Union Center lower level. One family member is requested to remain with the disabled guest at all times. Ushers will also be available, as needed. If you have special guests’ needs, please contact lrogers@siena.edu  for further information.

What time will the ceremony be over?
The ceremony typically lasts about three hours, beginning with the procession at 9:45 a.m. and ends at approximately 12:45 p.m.