53rd Annual Commencement
Friday, July 12, 2024
MVP Arena, Albany NY • Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. ET
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
This webpage is our Commencement hub. Registration is now closed for the 2024 event.
Graduate instructions and information are included here to assist registered graduates and their guests plan their special day.
Read more below for our event attendance details. Visit our FAQ page for more answers to your most common Commencement questions.
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.
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.
Parking & Directions: The MVP Arena has a parking garage located behind and attached to the Arena. It is easily accessible via Market Street or Beaver Street and has a clearance of 6’6”. It may not accommodate all graduates and guests, but there are other options near the Arena. View parking and directions information here: https://www.mvparena.com/plan-your-visit/directions-parking
Entrances: The recommended entrance to the MVP Arena is the main entrance located at 51 South Pearl Street.
Graduate check-in is located off the main entrance at ground level (atrium).
Guests should proceed up to the concourse level to access guest seating – College of Nursing and Health Sciences to the left and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to the right – follow signs. Graduates should leave personal belongings with their guests. View the MVP Arena security policy here: https://www.mvparena.com/plan-your-visit/security-procedures
Please note: As you face the stage, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences will be seated in the left-side seating section on the Arena floor and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will be seated in the right-side seating section. All graduates will cross the stage from left to right.
Concessions will open at 9:30 a.m. on both sides of the Arena.
View MVP Arena accessibility information here: https://www.mvparena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility
Sign language interpreters will be positioned for best viewing from seating section 119.
If you have questions related to the event, email commencement@excelsior.edu or call 518-608-8181.