Main Ceremony
Graduate Main Ceremony Event Day Checklist
Congrats Terp Grads!
Graduates, please review this page so you and your guests can be ready for a celebratory evening at the main ceremony, at SECU Stadium on Wednesday, May 20, where we will honor your accomplishments at the University of Maryland!
PROTESTS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND OTHER SUCH EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITIES AT COMMENCEMENT
Freedom of thought and expression are the lifeblood of our academic community. Our values regarding free speech and an open marketplace of ideas can be found in our policy on expressive activities.
The University also recognizes that a healthy and thriving academic community depends on mutual respect and civility. Appropriate behavior, as described in our university policies, is an essential component of what we stand for as a university.
Commencement marks a celebratory occasion and the culmination of academic pursuits for thousands of Terrapins. We kindly ask that all in attendance stay focused and true to the purpose and spirit of today’s event.
Our policies do not allow for the obstruction, disruption, interruption, or attempt to force the cancellation of any university event, including commencement. If you wish to engage in protests, demonstrations or other such expressive activity, we ask that you abide by university policy and do so in the designated areas outside of the stadium. Failure to uphold a respectful atmosphere in accordance with our policies will result in being asked to leave, and potentially disciplinary or other such action.
Thank you for your shared commitment to observe and protect our principles of free expression.
Before You Arrive
Preparation is an important part of making sure you're ready to celebrate. Follow these tips before coming to campus to ensure you have the best experience on Commencement Day!
Claiming - Claim your tickets—one (1) graduate and six (6) guest tickets—starting April 13 using your Athletics Student Ticketing Account.
Downloading - Be sure you and your guests have tickets downloaded in advance. Your guests will enter separately from you—they need to have their tickets transferred and downloaded.
Hydrate
Graduates are encouraged to bring a personal water bottle. Bottle-filling stations will be available at lineup and during the ceremony. We recommend you start hydrating at least 48 hours before the event.
Review Ceremony Logistics
You and your guests can find all Commencement information at Commencement.umd.edu. Be sure to share commencement.umd.edu with all of your guests to ensure everyone has the information they need. Information about clear bag policy, downloading tickets, parking, and more is available.
Graduates should arrive in full regalia, which includes a black gown, hood, red stole, cap, and black tassel. Volunteers will also be on hand to assist in regalia maintenance.
Wear Comfortable Shoes and Clothes
Wear comfortable clothes under your regalia. The processional requires walking down stairs and standing for an extended period of time. Don’t worry if you need to take a quick seat or ask for help. First aid will be available to those who need it.
Review the arrival section below. Be sure you understand when and where to arrive. On-time arrival is critical for your participation in the ceremony.
Please arrive early and expect traffic delays. Use the free campus shuttle as needed.
All graduates and guests will pass through a security checkpoint. Graduates should bring only necessary items that they can carry with them throughout the ceremony. Please review the bag policy for more information.
Use the Restroom
While restrooms will be available at lineup and during the ceremony, the lines can get long. Visit the Adele H. Stamp Student Union and other restroom locations on campus prior to passing through security.
Wear Sunscreen
Even if it's overcast, you will be outside, and it can get warm in those black robes.
Eat Well
Eat nutritious food at home and/or bring a small snack while waiting. There will be water on-site for graduates.
Graduates and guests will be screened with metal detection upon arrival. Review the list of permitted and prohibited items further down on this page.
Graduate Arrival Time and Location
| 4:30 p.m. Arrival Time | 5:00 p.m. Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| ARCH | AGNR |
| ARHU | CMNS |
| BMGT | EDUC |
| BSOS | JOUR |
| ENGR | ROTC |
| PLCY | SPHL |
| INFO | UGST |
Graduates should arrive at the time listed, based on the school or college they are graduating from.
**Note: Ceremonies across campus will end at varying times; we are aware this may impact your travel time to the main ceremony. Please arrive as close to your school's scheduled arrival time as possible.
Graduates and Guests participating in XFINITY Center events, before the main ceremony at SECU Stadium should consult the map below on this page, which outlines the most efficient travel routes between the venues.
Bag Policy
Be prepared for the main ceremony by reviewing the bag policy before arrival.
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.
Security & What to Bring
Graduates will be screened with metal detection upon arrival. Please be aware that there are no secure storage locations for any personal items during the ceremony. Graduates should carry all personal items, or leave them off-site.
As a general rule, graduates should bring only necessary items they can carry with them throughout the ceremony.
What to Bring
Your Digital Ticket
Regalia
Comfortable Shoes
Water Bottle - Water will be provided during the processional lineup.
Sunscreen
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
Weapons (both real and facsimiles)
Any other items or actions deemed dangerous or disruptive to the fan experience
*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.
Share the SECU Stadium map with your guests so they can plan their day to celebrate your achievements! The map has helpful information, including the location each school or college will be seated on the field, accessible seating locations, elevators, first aid stations, and more.
Parking & Transportation Routes
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. Use free campus shuttles as needed.
Parking permits are not required, and meters will be turned off from May 19-May 22, in most parking lots on campus.
Parking is available in lots and garages near SECU Stadium, including Regents Drive Garage, lots 1/Z, Terrapin Trail Garage, lot 9B, lot 11B, and lot 4B. Parking lots should be used as wayfinding points when driving to campus.
Walking to SECU stadium is possible from most lots. Shuttles are also available throughout campus. All shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
Guests in wheelchairs and guests with limited mobility arriving to SECU stadium, should park in Stadium Drive Garage, and enter through gates F or G. This is a fully accessible pathway.
When driving to SECU Stadium, guests should enter campus at the entrance closest to the area you will park. Available entrances include; Stadium Drive, Campus Drive and Adelphi Ave., Campus Drive and Baltimore Ave, and 193 and Paint Branch Ave.
Traffic on campus can be busy during commencement. Give yourself additional time to travel to campus for these ceremonies.
Obey all campus parking and traffic signage and regulations.
Campus parking and transportation maps will be available here soon.
Guests relocating their vehicles from the XFINITY Center should anticipate and expect delays.