Student Checklist, Name Verification & Information
Students who have any accommodative or accessibility needs for the commencement ceremony should contact Carol Mangano at manganoc@union.edu or 518-388-6102 for assistance.
Graduates whose parents or guardians are Union employees: you may request reserved seating under the Karp colonnade for up to 6 guests, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email Carol Mangano at manganoc@union.edu.
Student Checklist
1. Name Verification for Diploma and Commencement Program - More information will be posted soon.
2. Record your name. In the beginning of January, you will receive an email from NameCoach. Please log on so you can submit a recording with the correct pronunciation of your name as you wish it to be announced at the Commencement Ceremony. Or, just click here to record your name!
3. Meet with the Registrar for your audit.
4. Attend the "100 Days to Graduation" event - Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. in The Nott Memorial.
4. Order your cap and gown. An email will be sent to each senior by the Campus Store by the end of April. The email will contain a link for you to order your cap and gown. If you need assistance, please contact Mark Yetman, Campus Store Manager.
5. Plan for moving out of your residence hall by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Senior Portraits
iSmile Studios will be offering Senior Portrait sessions on campus at various times during the academic year. They are offering Senior Portrait sessions (no fee) as well as Friend Portrait Sessions for group photos (fee to be announced at a later time). Stay tuned for more information as it gets closer to Commencement!
100 Days Until Graduation!
100 Days to Graduation will held on Friday, March 6th in the Nott Memorial. This is an opportunity for seniors to get all of their questions answered and collect all the information they need for graduation in one location. You will be able to record your name in the Name Coach software program. It is the official kickoff to commencement season!
Dean's Letter to the Graduates
June 8, 2026
Hello Seniors,
As we count down the days to the big weekend, please take a moment to review these essential updates and reminders to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Graduation rehearsal:
Friday, June 12 at 1:45 p.m.
Meet at the corner of South Terrace Lane and South Lane (near Sorum House)
Pre-ceremony information:
Check the Commencement website for comprehensive information regarding Commencement weekend. If you have guests with accessibility needs, please see the Accessibility Information page online.
Regalia check: Double-check that you have all your regalia: cap, gown, tassel and any stoles or cords for honors/organizations. Take them out of the packaging ahead of time to let wrinkles fall out or give them a quick steam.
Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of standing and walking (including across the stage). Dress business casual under your gown; you'll be taking photos with the gown both on and off.
Food & hydration: The ceremony will last about two hours, and the current forecast is calling for hot, sunny weather. Bagels will be available at the line-up location and water bottles will be provided at the seats, but we encourage you to eat a good meal and hydrate before arriving.
Severe weather plan: If severe weather occurs, the ceremony will move to the M&T Bank Center. We will communicate details this week if this becomes a distinct possibility.
The four rain tickets you received when you picked up your cap & gown will serve as your guest allotment if we move indoors.
Arrival at the venue:
8:45 a.m. – Check-In: Head directly to the check-in tables upon arrival. You will receive a card with your name and seat number (graduates are arranged alphabetically).
DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD. Take a photo of it immediately. You will bring it with you when you cross the stage to receive your diploma case.
9:15 a.m. – Line-Up: Everyone must be in place and ready to roll. Pay close attention to instructions from faculty and student marshals and event staff for the procession.
Late Arrival: If you miss the procession, go immediately to the Class Dean table near the entrance to Karp Hall. They will give you your name card, and a marshal will help you find your row.
Note: If you arrive after your name has already been called, you will be placed at the end of the student line.
DURING THE CEREMONY:
Cap & Tassel Etiquette:
Wear your cap flat on your head with the point facing forward.
Your tassel starts on the right side and is moved to the left at the end of the ceremony.
You will toss your cap when President Kiss instructs you to do so!
Ceremony Expectations:
Silence your cell phone.
Be respectful: Avoid disruptive noises (air horns, yelling, stomping, etc.) so every graduate's name can be heard.
Remain seated during the ceremony as a courtesy to others.
NO alcoholic beverages are permitted at the ceremony or in the student line-up areas.
Crossing the Stage:
Follow your marshal's cues. After walking the path from Karp to Schaffer, give your name card to the photographer’s assistant for your first photo.
Move toward the stage and check in with the Senior Class Dean, who will direct you to wait behind Dean Angrist.
When Dean Angrist reads your name, walk to center stage.
Take the diploma case with your LEFT hand, leaving your RIGHT hand free to shake President Kiss' hand. A second photo will be taken here.
Exit toward the Lippman Hall walkway, stopping for a third and final professional photo.
Photography: Please ask your guests to refrain from blocking aisles or views. Grad Images will email you proofs about two weeks after the ceremony with an option (not an obligation) to purchase.
After the Ceremony:
Meeting Point: Coordinate a specific meeting point with your family and friends ahead of time, as the crowd will be large and cell service could be spotty.
Rugby Field will be set up with tables for academic departments, programs, student affairs and athletics (see the map in your Commencement program). Come socialize and celebrate with family, classmates, faculty and staff.
Diplomas: Please note that you will not receive your actual diploma on Sunday. Digital and hardcopy diplomas will be sent to you officially after Commencement.
Congratulations, graduate! Enjoy this special day. You've earned it!
Sincerely,
Dean Angrist