WHEn IS COMMENCEMENT HELD?
Siena's Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The procession will begin at 9:45 a.m., and the ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Doors open to the public at 8:30 a.m.
Siena's Master's Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 16.
The ceremony will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.
Where is Commencement Held?
Siena's Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be held at the MVP Arena (formerly Times Union Center) located in downtown Albany, approximately 5 miles from campus.
Siena's Master's Commencement Ceremony will be held on campus at the UHY Center (number 14 on the campus map).
WILL WE NEED TICKETS FOR COMMENCEMENT?
Tickets are not required for admission to either Commencement ceremony.
Can i purchase vip tickets?
The Office of Alumni Engagement is offering VIP seats if your family makes a donation in the name of the class of 2026 through their office. Please contact Olivia MacGregor at 518-783-2430.
HOW Do I request accessible seating for my relative?
To best accommodate your guest, the graduate needs to fill out the mobility seating request form by April 10. Please note that filling out the form doesn't guarantee seating. Assistant Commencement Coordinator Sam Hesler will be in touch to confirm your request.
I graduated in January. Can I still participate in commencement?
Yes, students who completed their degree in January are on the list for the May Commencement Ceremony. If you do not plan to attend Commencement, please let the Commencement Coordinator know: April Backus at abackus@siena.edu.
How should I order my regalia?
Regalia for both the Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies can be purchased through the Siena Bookstore, either in-person or online. Regalia will be available for purchase starting the first week of March, and students should place their order by April 10 to avoid paying extra fees.
2026 PRICING FOR REGALIA:
Bachelors Set: $92.50+tax (includes cap, gown, hood, tassel)
Items can also be purchased a la carte - Cap: $8.00, Gown: $33.00, Hood: $35.00, Tassel: $16.50
Master's Set: $99.50+tax (includes cap, gown, hood, tassel)
Items can also be purchased a la carte - Cap: $8.00, Gown: $37.00, Hood: $38.00, Tassel: $16.50
Students can begin placing orders in March. Be sure to purchase before April 10 to avoid paying late fees.
What other events are happening on campus during commencement weekend?
A number of events will be happening across campus during Commencement Weekend. Some events include the Baccalaureate Mass, Senior Awards Ceremony, and ROTC Commissioning Ceremony.
Please note: Some events are by invitation only. Be sure to reference our weekend events schedule page for more information.
HOW LONG DOES COMMENCEMENT USUALLY LAST?
The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony typically lasts three to four hours.
The Master's Commencement Ceremony typically lasts two hours.
HOW DO guests GET TO THE MVP ARENA? WHERE SHOULD they PARK?
The MVP Arena (formerly Times Union Center) manages a parking garage -- easily accessible via Market St. -- behind and attached to the arena. The garage has a clearance of 6'6". Daily parking rate is $8.
Street parking is typically available on nights and weekends. The MVP Arena has no control over the prices charged on the street or at unaffiliated parking garages. Those prices are set by the independent companies that manage the garages.
Where should guests park for the Master's commencement ceremony?
Parking for the Master's Commencement Ceremony is available in lots W and U on campus.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas for May graduates will be mailed out in late-June.