2025 Commencement Ceremony
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, we look forward to returning to the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview to celebrate our graduates.
Gates open at noon. Reception to follow the ceremony.
Please note the walk from the main gate to the seating area is a 7 - 10 minute walk.
Location
Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview
490 Restoration Way | Syracuse, NY 13209
Regalia
All students who participate in Commencement are required to wear a cap and gown. You can obtain these through the Syracuse University Bookstore in the Schine Student Center (bring your ESFID when you pick up) or by calling (315) 443-9900. Students can purchase it at SU Bookstore beginning April 14th or order online by April 27th and ship to home. Please note shipping charges apply for ship to home option.
Syracuse University Bookstore will hold two dates for regalia pick-up and payment in Gateway. More details to come!
Regalia Reuse Program
Alumni can donate gently used graduation regalia for soon-to-be graduates to rent and wear on their big day! On average, graduation regalia is only worn for 90 minutes, with over 5 million ending up in the landfill annually. By donating or borrowing graduation regalia, you are keeping “single use” textiles out of the landfill and further fulfilling ESF’s mission to Improve Our World!
Donating Regalia
Regalia should be clean, gently used, and free of stains or heavy perfumes/colognes
Only donate ESF-branded graduation regalia
How to donate:
- Commencement ceremony: There will be a drop off bin at the Amp.
- On campus: Bring it to the Office of Sustainability (123 Bray) or use a donation bin in Moon and Gateway the week after Commencement.
- Ship it: Send your regalia to: Office of Sustainability, 1 Forestry Dr., 123 Bray Hall, Syracuse, N.Y. 13210
Borrowing Regalia
If you're interested in renting a cap and gown for commencement, complete this Rental Form. Please note that there are a limited number of caps and gowns available, so this program is on a first come first served basis. Due to this, if you change your mind about renting regalia, please reach out to sustainability@esf.edu to cancel your submission - this way someone on the wait list can now receive regalia. You will hear back about your status for receiving regalia and pickup dates and times mid-April.
Parking
Guests may park on-site at the Amphitheater in the Orange Lot. Please follow directional signage and instructions from the ESF team.
There is a designated accessible parking or drop-off; please follow the signs once you enter the Orange Lot.
Clear Bag Policy
The Amphitheater has a clear-bag policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into all events. Bags will be checked upon entry.
More Details on the Clear Bag Policy
Event Accessibility
Accessible parking and drop-off are both available at the Amp. Accessible seating is also available.
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodation, please contact 315-470-6660 or studenthelp@esf.edu. Two weeks’ advanced notice is requested.
Closed captioning for hearing impaired guests and participants is provided.
Seating
All guests are to be seated in the Amp seats, not the lawn. Please note there will be sections designated for graduates and faculty; all other seating is available for guests.
Weather
Commencement will proceed, rain or shine! All seating at the Amp is covered.
Get Your ESF Gear
ESF merchandise will be available for purchase from the ESF Bookstore tent at the top of the lawn.