Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Walking across the stage at Commencement is a rewarding way to celebrate your hard work. Please join us for the Excelsior University Commencement in Albany, New York on Friday, July 10, 2026 at the MVP Arena. Registration and regalia are required for the in-person ceremony.
This webpage is our Commencement hub. Check back for additional information especially as the event gets closer.

Read more below for our event attendance details.
Visit our FAQ page for more answers to your most common Commencement questions

Are You Eligible to Participate in Commencement?

The Class of 2026 is invited to Commencement on July 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Excelsior’s graduating class includes students with degrees conferred from July 2025 through June 2026. If your degree will not be conferred until after June, you may request to march before degree conferral and, if you meet specific criteria, you will be approved to register to participate in the ceremony. Please contact your academic advisor if you have any questions or to make this request. 

Please note:

Refer to the graduate processing parameters for specific details regarding conferral dates.

You may also check your graduation status when you log in to MyExcelsior.

Also, if you are taking your last course during the Spring II term, your degree will be conferred on July 17, 2026, and you must contact your academic advisor before June 1, 2026, to request to march before conferral*.

*AD Nursing students due to licensure requirements will have a different timeline, contact your academic advisor with any questions.

Date, Time, and Location

Friday, July 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. ET

MVP Arena
located at:
51 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207

Graduate Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. ET
Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. ET

Guests not limited and tickets not required. Visit the MVP Arena website to access all kinds of venue information.

Registration and Guests - Deadline to Register: Monday, June 8, 2026

Commencement registration and regalia orders begin March 18.

Tickets
Tickets are not required to attend the ceremony. Graduates are encouraged to invite family and friends to enjoy the celebration. The ceremony will be livestreamed for graduates who are watching and celebrating from a distance. Details to come.

Excelsior University Publicity Consent Waiver

Excelsior University and its partners will be taking photographs and video recordings, including audio, during all phases of Commencement and surrounding events. The Commencement will be livestreamed on the internet. By attending Commencement, you irrevocably consent to being photographed and video/audio recorded and consent to those images and videos as well as your appearance, likeness, voice, and name being used in the livestream as well as for other University marketing, promotional, and communications purposes in any medium and at any time now or in the future. You waive any right to inspect or approve any use of such material and any compensation or royalties. You agree to hold the University harmless and release it, as well as its employees and agents, from any claims or cause of action on behalf of yourself, heirs, and representatives. If you do not wish to be photographed or videorecorded, please e-mail commencement@excelsior.edu with Subject: Photo and Video as soon as practicable so arrangements can be made or do not enter the Commencement.

Purchase Regalia - Deadline to Order: June 8, 2026

Regalia is required to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Regalia will be shipped directly to graduates and must be brought to the ceremony to participate. The deadline to place your order is Monday, June 8, 2026.

Commencement registration and regalia orders begin March 18.

Hotel, Travel and Tourism Information

Commencement takes place in downtown Albany, New York at the MVP Arena. The Arena website has complete information including directions and parking.

Visit Discover Albany or download their app for all kinds of travel and tourism information. Hotels and restaurants in the Downtown sections of their website are closest to the MVP Arena – some are within walking distance, but not all.

The website of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is another resource for planning including dining and parking information.

Make your trip even more memorable and plan to explore the historic sites and attractions the Capital Region of New York State has to offer. For statewide tourism information, visit the I Love NY website or download their app.

Individuals Needing Accommodation

Prearrange accommodations requests. A sign-language interpreter will be at the ceremony for those with hearing impairments and a limited number of accessible seating platforms are available in the MVP Arena. If you or any of your guests require an accessibility accommodation, contact studentsupport@excelsior.edu by June 22, 2026.

View MVP Arena accessibility information here: https://www.mvparena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility

If you have questions related to your degree conferral date and your academic eligibility to participate in the event, please contact your advisor.
If you have questions related to the event, email commencement@excelsior.edu or call 518-608-8181.

Graduating Student Awards

Two Excelsior University students at commencement

Excelsior has academic awards that serve to recognize the outstanding achievements of our graduates. For these awards, graduates are nominated and contacted by the University when they meet the academic criteria. One additional award is open to all graduates for self-nomination.

Inclusion and Belonging Award
This annual award recognizes significant achievements of an Excelsior University student who has consistently modeled a core Excelsior value: respecting the uniqueness of each individual; celebrating and learning from differences; ensuring that all voices are heard, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented; and leading efforts that enhance inclusion, equity and justice in their classroom, their organization or their community.
Apply by: Friday, April 10, 2026

Be the Class of 2026 Graduate Speaker!

Sena Amegbletor speaking at the Excelsior University 2024 Commencement

Represent your class at Commencement and consider nominating yourself as graduate speaker. Submit a brief statement incorporating what you value most about your Excelsior experience and a general overview of your proposed speech topic. Please include any previous public speaking experience.

Email your statement to commencement@excelsior.edu by
Friday, May 15, 2026.

Professional Graduate Photographs

Excelsior University student at commencement

Island Photography will take professional photos as graduates cross the stage during the ceremony. If you are attending Commencement, click here to register your contact information. Color proofs and ordering information will be sent after the ceremony with no obligation to purchase.
If you have any questions please visit Island Photography’s website or contact their customer service team via email at custserv@islandphoto.com or phone at 800-869-0908.

Excelsior Merchandise

Apparel & Gifts
Class Rings, Jewelry, Diploma Frames, & More
Nursing pins may be ordered by mail. To request a form that includes pricing, call 405-609-6956, or email jostensnursing@mtmrecognition.com with “Excelsior University” in the subject line.

Graduate Slideshow

Upload your celebratory photos to be included in a special slideshow on Commencement day.
The deadline to submit your photos is June 22, 2026.

Submit Your Photos Here

Welcome to the Alumni Association

Excelsior University reached an extraordinary milestone, and we couldn’t have done it without you! Together, our alumni community has grown to an incredible 200,000 strong—a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The Alumni Association encourages alumni to stay connected, share their successes, and serve as advocates for Excelsior and our students. Every Excelsior graduate belongs — no application, no dues required!

Stay engaged and join our community on Excelsior Connects.

Celebrate on Social

Download digital swag and share your success on social media with the #excelsiorproud. Like and follow Excelsior University on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Download grad graphics for: