Main Ceremony
Main Ceremony
About the Main Ceremony
The main commencement ceremony is the highlight of each Terp’s academic journey! On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the University of Maryland will host the main commencement ceremony at SECU Stadium, where we come together to honor the hard work, resilience, and achievements of Terp graduates. The student processional will begin at 6 p.m. The main ceremony will feature our commencement speaker, president, and other notable speakers and honorees. Students will be recognized as a group with their school or college.
Each graduate and their guests are also invited to attend the individual school, college, or department ceremony for their program. At these individual ceremonies, graduates will walk across the stage and have their names read.
See our Schedule of Ceremonies page for a complete chronological list of ceremonies.
More information and FAQs about the main ceremony will be available on this page in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the main commencement ceremony and the individual school, college, or department ceremony?
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.
Which graduates are eligible to attend the main ceremony?
All graduates who completed their degrees in Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or are on track to complete their degree in Spring of 2025 are eligible to attend.
Graduates must complete all the requirements for graduation and apply to graduate through the Office of the Registrar.
Where can I get additional information on accessibility arrangements for Commencement?
Visit the Accessibility page for additional information.
Is accessible parking available?
Accessible parking spaces are available throughout campus. Guests with a state-issued license plate or hang tag can park in any marked accessible space. Ceremony-specific accessible parking recommendations are below.
Main Ceremony
Accessible parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in Stadium Drive Garage; a state-issued license plate or hang tag is required. Additional accessible parking spaces are available in lots 1 and Z.
School and College Ceremonies
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center: Accessible parking is located in lots 1 and Z. You may also drop off guests in the drop-off loop directly in front of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center prior to parking.
Memorial Chapel: Accessible parking is located at Regents Drive Garage. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available between Regents Drive Garage and Memorial Chapel. You may also drop guests off on Chapel Lane directly beside Memorial Chapel before parking.
Reckord Armory: Accessible parking is located at Regents Drive Garage. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available between Regents Drive Garage and Reckord Armory. You may also drop off guests behind Reckord Armory prior to parking.
Xfinity Center: Accessible parking for the Xfinity Center is available in Terrapin Trail Garage; a state-issued license plate or hang tag is required.
Will an ASL interpreter or closed captioning be provided?
Main ceremony: Yes. ASL interpreters will be available at section 27. Closed captioning will be provided on SECU stadium screens.
Individual school, college, or department ceremonies: ASL interpreters and closed captioning can be made available at any venue. Please contact the coordinator for your ceremony.
Please request any accommodations for the main ceremony in advance at commencement@umd.edu.
Will photographs be taken at each ceremony?
GradImages, the university’s official photographer, will take photographs of each graduate as they cross the stage at their ceremony. While there is no obligation to purchase the prints, the graduate will receive color proofs emailed approximately two weeks after commencement. In order to receive the proofs, be sure to complete the company’s address card distributed in the line-up area prior to the procession.
Will each ceremony be recorded or live-streamed?
Yes, each ceremony is both recorded and live-streamed. Live stream links will be available on this website in late spring 2025.
How do I order regalia?
Visit the Regalia Information page for details on ordering.
Is regalia required?
Yes, regalia must be worn to participate in any ceremony.
Can I decorate my cap?
Yes, cap decorating is permitted. Please visit the prohibited items list to review decoration guidelines.
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 are prohibited.
Are tickets required, and how many tickets will I receive?
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 on April 15, 2025, 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: Most individual ceremonies do not require tickets and do not have a guest limit. If you have questions about this, please contact your school, college, or department.
My guest tickets have a seat and section number. Are my guests required to sit in that assigned seat?
No. While tickets may list a seat and section number, guests can sit in any open section of the stadium.
I am having trouble claiming my tickets. Who can I contact?
The Athletics Ticketing Office can troubleshoot technical issues with ticket claims. Contact the office at 1-800-IM-A-TERP for assistance.
Bag Policy
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.
Prohibited Items
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.
How do I get to campus, and is there a fee to park?
The University is growing, which means there are several construction projects on and off campus. Please plan for traffic delays and plan to arrive early, and use free campus shuttles as needed.
Parking permits are not required, and meters will be turned off, on campus from May 20 to May 23. Shuttles will be provided for all ceremony sites by Shuttle-UM; a transportation map with route details will be available soon. Be sure to obey all posted signage throughout campus, as details may change.
Will I receive my diploma at commencement?
No, diplomas will be mailed to the address listed when applying for graduation via TESTUDO. For any questions about your diploma, please contact Diploma Services: 301.314.8270 / diploma@umd.edu.
You will receive a commemorative gift at your individual school, college, or department ceremony.
Who do I contact with questions?
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 your ceremony coordinator.
How can I receive updates about commencement information?
All eligible graduates are automatically registered to receive commencement update emails. No further action is needed.
Guests who wish to receive commencement update emails may sign up using this form.
How do I obtain a visa letter for international guests?
The university does not issue invitation letters for guests to visit the U.S. to attend commencement ceremonies. These letters are not required by the embassy to issue a B2 visa, which is designated for tourist activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, and obtaining medical treatment.
The graduating student should submit a copy of their I-20 or DS-2019 to the relative applying for the tourist visa. Students can also send an Enrollment Verification Certificate along with a copy of their passport. An Enrollment Verification Certificate can be requested from the Office of the Registrar.
What is the plan for inclement weather?
In the event of a weather delay, the main ceremony will be moved to Thursday, May 22. The student processional will begin at 6 p.m.
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