Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. you can find all ceremony dates and times on the School & College Ceremonies page.

• The main ceremony features the commencement speaker, president, and other notable speakers and honorees. Students will be recognized alongside their school or college. All graduates and six of their guests are invited. Please visit the ticketing section below for additional details. 
   

• The individual school, college, or department ceremony is where students individually walk across the stage and have their names read. The event is managed by the graduates’ school, college, or academic department. 

• All eligible graduates are automatically registered to receive commencement update emails. No further action is needed.

• Guests who wish to receive commencement update emails and/or text messages may sign up using this form.

• Check commencement.umd.edu regularly for up to date commencement information.

For questions about the main ceremony, contact the office of special events at commencement@umd.edu. For questions about your school, college, or department ceremony, contact the appropriate ceremony coordinator.

There is no cost to park in any metered or permitted space. ADA spaces still require an ADA permit or plate. Fire lanes, roadways and landscapes are not valid parking spaces.

Yes, concessions will be available at the Main Ceremony at SECU stadium with water and food options. Only cashless payment options are available.
 Check venue or ceremony details for concessions options at the School & College Ceremonies.

• Artificial Noisemakers

• Balloons

• Dangerous or Disruptive Behavior

• Fireworks / Firearms

• Flammables of any kind

• Illegal Substances

• Laser Pointers

• Outside Food or Drink of any kind*

• Pass-Outs / Re-Entry

• Pets*

• Resale of Ticket

• Sign Poles or Sign Sticks

• Signage, Apparel or other Items that display, depict or represent recognizable symbols and/or words, including nooses and swastikas, that incite, intimidate, or threaten members of the University of Maryland community.

• Skateboards / Bicycles

• Smoking

• Soliciting / Loitering / Trespassing

• Strollers

• Umbrellas

• Video Cameras (Large only; small hand-held permitted)

• Weapons (both real and facsimiles)

• Any other items or actions deemed dangerous or disruptive to any guest experience

*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.

The main commencement bag policy at SECU Stadium is as follows:

• Graduates - Graduates should bring only necessary items they can carry throughout the ceremony. Clutch-sized bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted and do not have to be clear. Backpacks and bags larger than 4.5"x6.5" are prohibited.
   

• Guests - Clear bags no larger than 12"x12"x6" are permitted. They will be searched, which can delay entry, so we recommend avoiding bags if possible. Backpacks are prohibited.

Yes, regalia must be worn to participate in any ceremony.

Visit the Regalia Information page for details on ordering.

Children two and under do not require a ticket.

• Main ceremony: Each graduate is eligible to claim six guest tickets and one personal ticket to the main ceremony. Tickets will be available to claim at 10am on April 13 2026 until May 11th, via the Athletics student ticket site. Graduates should visit the "Sign In as Student" link to claim their tickets.
  
  Learn more about the mobile ticketing system and how to transfer your tickets to guests here.
   

• Individual school, college, or department ceremonies: Contact the School or College ceremony directly for specific ticketing details. All ticketed ceremonies will be indicated as such on the School & Colleges Ceremonies page by April 2026; if you have additional questions after reviewing, please contact your school, college, or department using the contact information on that page.