Class of 2025

Commencement Ceremony
All graduates, all degrees, all schools
Friday, May 16, 2025
Fauver Stadium at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Center, River Campus
Event starts: 8:45 a.m.
Stadium opens: 7 a.m.

School and Department Graduation Ceremonies
Individual recognition through your specific school
May 16–18, 2025
Multiple times and locations

Explore the full weekend schedule

Guests attending the University Commencement Ceremony on May 16 may park in lots throughout River Campus. Parking attendants will direct guests to the nearest available spaces. Due to the expected increase in traffic, it is highly recommended that you allow plenty of time to arrive on campus, park, and walk to the stadium. Stadium seating opens for guests at 7 a.m.

Shuttle buses will run continuously from River Campus parking lots to the corner of Wilson Blvd and Library Road outside Fauver Stadium at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. In a weather delay, shuttles will be extended until 3 p.m.

Explore an interactive campus map to help you prepare.

Students must register to participate in Commencement Weekend. There is no limit to the number of guests graduates may invite to the University Commencement Ceremony. Register for Commencement Weekend events.

Tickets were sent to guests’ email addresses that graduates provided during the registration process. Please check with your graduating student if you are planning to attend and need a ticket.

When you arrive at Fauver Stadium, please have your printed tickets ready or available on your mobile device. Each ticket has a unique QR code, which will be scanned at the entrance.

All graduates should arrive at their designated lineup locations no later than 8 a.m. on Friday, May 16 to prepare for the processional. Doors to the field and stadium seating open for guests at 7 a.m.

The tennis courts at Goergen Athletic Center (enter from Faculty Road) are the lineup location for the graduates from the following schools and degrees, processing in this order:

• Doctoral Degrees
• Eastman School of Music
• School of Medicine and Dentistry
• School of Nursing
• Warner School of Education
• Simon Business School

Wilson Quad will be the lineup location for all School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences graduates.

Avoid bringing personal items. There will not be storage for graduate’s items at the lineup locations, so please plan ahead.

Full regalia is required for graduates to participate in all ceremonies. The only exception is for doctoral and M.D. graduates, who should not bring their hood with them to the University Commencement Ceremony, as they will be hooded in separate ceremonies.

Please do not wear anything over your robe (purses, scarves, etc.). You may wear graduation stoles and cords. All outerwear should be worn under the robe.

For pick up information, reference our frequently asked questions. Contact the University bookstore if you missed the deadline to order regalia or need assistance.

The University Commencement Ceremony on May 16 will occur outdoors, regardless of the weather. We hope there will be no rain on your parade, but keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly for wet, warm, sunny, or chilly weather.

If you cannot join us in person or have family and friends looking to view the University Commencement Ceremony online, the live broadcast will begin at 8:30 a.m. EDT on May 16 from the Commencement Weekend website.

The live broadcast will also be displayed at the following locations on River Campus with limited seating:

• Campus Information Center, Wilson Commons
• Starbucks, Wilson Commons
• Conference Rooms 121 and 122, Wilson Commons
• Gowen Room, Wilson Commons
• Video Wall, Ronald Rettner Hall Atrium

Many school and department graduation ceremonies will have live broadcasts.

Guests and graduates should plan about how to reconnect after the University Commencement Ceremony. Those seated near the field may want to reunite on the field. Others may prefer to exit the stadium and reunite outside.

During the Graduate and Family Picnic, there will be an opportunity for guests and graduates to take photos near the UR2025 installation on Wilson Quad, and the iconic MELIORA installation on Eastman Quadrangle near the front entrance to Rush Rhees Library.

Guests and graduates can purchase food from a variety of trucks on Wilson Quadrangle—just a short walk from the stadium—serving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 16.

The fun doesn’t end after the May 16 University-wide Commencement Ceremony. School and unit-specific graduation ceremonies will take place throughout Commencement Weekend.

For events taking place at on the Eastman Campus at Kodak Hall:

• Free parking is available in East End Garage (475 E Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604) and the Surface Lot (73 Gibbs Street, Rochester, NY 14604) across Kodak Hall.
• Tickets are not required for guests to attend the Kodak Hall ceremonies. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Doors open to guests 45 minutes prior to each ceremony.
• All ceremonies will be livestreamed.

Find your school’s graduation ceremony.