Frequently Asked Questions

1.What is the MPA Convocation?

This is the MPA graduation event at the end of June which we call a Convocation. MPA students are also welcomed to attend the Syracuse University Commencement Ceremony and the Maxwell's Graduate Convocation in May.

3. What is Maxwell's Graduate Convocation?

Maxwell's Graduate Convocation is a graduation event open to all Maxwell School Master's and Doctoral Degree Candidates.

Date: Friday, May 10, 2024

Time: 9 am

Location: Hendrick's Chapel.

Reception: This event is followed by a reception at 10:30 AM in the Maxwell Hall Patio, Maxwell Hall Foyer and Lincoln Courtyard. 

You may contact maxwellconvocation@syr.edu for more information.

4. What is the Syracuse University Commencement Ceremony? 

The Commencement Ceremony is the University-wide graduation for all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates. Syracuse University Chancellor and President, Kent Syverud, formally confers degrees at the Commencement ceremony. All students participating in the University Commencement must wear the official regalia of cap, gown and hood. 

Date: Sunday, May 12,2024

Time: 9:30 AM

Location: JMA Wireless Dome

2.What is the difference between the MPA Convocation, the Maxwell Convocation and the SU Commencement Ceremony?  

MPA students can choose to attend three graduation events, the MPA Convocation in June, the Syracuse University Commencement Ceremony and the Maxwell’s Graduate Convocation in May.   There are distinct differences between these three events. The MPA Convocation is open to all MPA students. The Maxwell's Graduate Convocation is open to all Master's and Doctoral Degree students. The Syracuse University Commencement Ceremony is open to all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students and all participating students must wear the official regalia of cap, gown and hood.  

3. Where is the MPA Convocation this year?

The MPA Convocation will be in Hendrick's Chapel on June 28th, 2024, at 9 am.

4.Will tickets be required to attend the MPA Convocation?

No, tickets will not be required but please do register using this link for planning purposes only. 

5. How long is the MPA Convocation Ceremony?

It is typically 1 to 2 hours. 

6.What are the qualifications to participate in

the MPA Convocation?

If you are an MPA student, or MPA with a certificate, or MPA/IR, or JD/MPA, or MPA/Econincluding joint MPA programs, you are invited to the MPA graduation event at the end of June.  It’s called a Convocation. Your name will be on the MPA Convocation Program if you choose to attend. MPA students are also welcomed to attend the Syracuse University Commencement Ceremony and the Maxwell's Graduate Convocation in May. More information on these events below.

This event is held in Hendrick's Chapel where graduates' names are read, and they process across the stage with the support of the Dean and other faculty. Family and friends are welcome, tickets are not needed. 

Students whose graduation date is the December immediately before the May ceremony, May, or June/July/August immediately after the May ceremony are eligible to participate in the University's Commencement ceremony. To do so, students need to file their Diploma Request through MySlice.

Eligibility criteria: MPA students that complete their summer classes, MPA Capstone/Workshop (PAI 752) and Leadership and Public Policy (PAI 753), in the Summer of 2024.

If you plan to graduate in December 2024, and wish to participate in this summer’s convocation, please contact Emily Alber Chase for information on how to petition to participate early.

Many MPA/IR students choose to pursue an IR Global Program during their second summer (your first summer was when you started the degrees). Those students would attend next year's MPA ConvocationConvocation.

7.How many guests are graduates allowed to invite?

At this time there is no guest limit. All convocation candidates must indicate their intent to attend the 2024 MPA Convocation ceremony using this link and confirm an estimated number of in-person attendees before May 1st, 2024.

8. When are diplomas given out?

You will not receive your diploma at the ceremony. You will need to file for a diploma. Diplomas are mailed to all degree recipients after the certification and awarding process is complete. Diplomas are sent to the permanent address on file unless an alternative address is specified within the Diploma Request.