Main Commencement Ceremony
Date: Monday, May 24, 2027
Location: SECU Stadium
Tickets: Required for all guests
Schedule
Link to the Main Commencement
Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement Ceremony
Date: Monday, May 24, 2027
Location: Xfinity Center
Tickets: Tickets are not required
Schedule
General Accessibility Information
The Xfinity Center is designed with parking, restrooms, water fountains, ATMs, and seating areas accessible to guests with disabilities. Power-assisted doors and closed captioning are also provided.
Closed Captioning and Livestream
The Engineering School's Commencement Ceremony is closed-captioned.
Family and friends can watch the Commencement Ceremony through our livestream, which will be available closer to the ceremony date.
Sign Language Interpretation and Communication Access
If you have guests attending the Engineering School Commencement Ceremony who need sign language interpretation, please complete the SPRING 2027 Communication Access Services Request Form for Engineering Students.
For additional assistance, you may also contact Communication Access Services at 301-314-7682 or ads-cas@umd.edu.
Directions, Parking, Transportation, and Venue Information
Directions and Entrances
View directions for:
Entrances for guests with disabilities are available at four locations:
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Gate C: Southeast corner of the arena on the Ground Level.
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Gate D: Northeast corner of the arena on the Ground Level.
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Gate E: Southwest corner of the arena on the Concourse Level.
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Gate F: Northwest corner of the arena on the Concourse Level (Student Entrance).
Parking and Shuttles
Parking in all surface and pay lots is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis on commencement days.
Recommended parking is available in lots 4B, 9B, 11B, Terrapin Trail Parking Garage, and the Xfinity Visitor Lot.
Parking for guests with disabilities is available at the Xfinity Center in:
Map to Parking Lot 9
Map to Parking Lot 11
Map to Parking Lot 6 (Terrapin Trail Parking Garage)
- In addition to ADA spaces, extra ADA parking is available in Terrapin Trail Parking Garage.
- No special permit is required for the Clark School ceremony.
- Refer to the DOTS website for up-to-date general parking and shuttle information.
- The University of Maryland does not have wheelchairs available. If you have difficulty walking long distances, consider renting a wheelchair from an off-campus vendor.
- If you require accessible transportation for a guest with a disability on the day of commencement, please call Dispatch Services at 301-314-0318 to make arrangements.
Elevators
- Elevators are located on the east side of the Xfinity Center and provide access to the Ground Level, Plaza Level (Level 2)
- Concourse Level (Level 3).
- An additional elevator near Gate F provides access between the Plaza and Concourse Levels.
Restrooms
Each of the 37 restrooms located throughout the Xfinity Center is ADA-compliant and accessible to guests with disabilities.
The Xfinity Center has four private bathrooms designed for use by persons with disabilities:
Accessible Seating
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Sections 120 and 121: Located on the third-level concourse.
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Guests should park in Terrapin Trail Garage and enter through Gate E. This is a fully accessible pathway.
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The flat surface should be reserved for wheelchairs only.
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Guests with limited mobility should sit in fixed seating around Section 120.
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Elevators at Section 217 (near Gate A) can be used to go down to Level 2 if needed.
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Limited wheelchair seating is available next to the suites in the Xfinity Center. This seating is not published because there are very few spaces.
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Section 105 is wheelchair-accessible but is located behind the stage. Guests are welcome to sit here if they choose.
If coming from Terrapin Trail Garage, the accessible seating section is on your left. Ushers can direct you to these sections once inside the building.
Due to limited space, the University recommends that only the person with the disability and one other guest sit in the accessible seating area. Additional members of your party should sit in regular seating areas. You do not need to reserve seating for guests with accessibility needs.
Additional Accessibility Guidelines for the Xfinity Center
General Venue Information
Bag Policy and Prohibited Items
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All bags will be searched upon entry.
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Clear bags are not required for COMMENCEMENT ACTIVITIES ONLY, but are heavily encouraged for easiest entry. Visit the Xfinity Bag Policy for more information.
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NO balloons.
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NO megaphones or other noise makers.
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Personal signs are OK. NO flag poles/sticks.
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Xfinity A-Z Guide
Food & Drink (Concessions)
Gates
All gates open 1 to 1.5 hours before the commencement ceremony.
All Graduating Students
Before Commencement
Day of Commencement
- Arrive one and a half hours (1.5 hours) before the ceremony for check-in.
- Enter through the Pavilion entrance near Lot 4B: View the entrance location on Google Maps.
- Proceed to the check-in area in the Xfinity Center Pavilion/Small Gym (Room 0601).
Each graduate should:
- Obtain an announcement card from the Check-In/Registration tables in Pavilion Room 0601.
- Complete the survey on the back of the card or online.
- Find the sign displaying your degree/major and lineup area.
- Hold on to your announcement card and give it to the name reader when your name is announced.
Undergraduate Students
Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 Graduates
Undergraduate students who completed all degree requirements during Summer 2026 or Fall 2026, or who expect to complete all degree requirements during Spring 2027, are eligible to participate in the Clark School and Main Commencement Ceremonies.
Summer 2027 Graduates
Undergraduate students who have seven (7) or fewer credits remaining to complete during the Summer 2027 term may submit a Commencement Early Participation Request under the heading "Attend Commencement."
Students must:
- Be registered for the Summer 2027 term.
- Submit the Summer Graduation Application before submitting the participation request.
- The Summer Graduation Application is expected to be available in mid-April.
Graduate Students
Master's Students
Master's students can find graduation procedures and deadlines on the Graduate School website under "Deadlines."
Doctoral Candidates
Please make arrangements with your advisor in advance to be hooded during the Engineering School Commencement Ceremony.
If your advisor is unavailable, you may arrange for one of the following individuals to hood you:
- Another member of your dissertation committee
- A faculty member of your choice
- Your Department Chair
For questions about participating in the commencement ceremony, please contact your departmental graduate advisor.
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.
Regalia for Students
- Graduating students are responsible for obtaining their own graduation regalia.
- Regalia is required to participate in both the Main Commencement Ceremony and the Clark School of Engineering Commencement Ceremony.
- We encourage students to purchase your regalia early.
Where to Purchase or Order Regalia
On Campus: University Book Center
Academic regalia, including full regalia packages and individual items such as tassels, stoles, and hoods, is available for purchase from the University Book Center (UBC)
Order Online: Oak Hall Cap & Gown
- Regalia will be available to order online directly from our vendor, Oak Hall, for a limited time.
- Visit the University Book Center for detailed information.
Graduate Salute
- The University Book Center will host a Graduate Salute event during the first week in December.
- The event will provide an opportunity to purchase regalia, order announcements, and class rings.
- Special pricing on diploma frames will also be offered.
Grad Fair
- The University Book Center will host a Graduation Fair the first week in March.
- The event will include regalia fittings and purchasing.
- Candidates will have an opportunity to order announcements and class rings.
- There will be special pricing on diploma frames.
Regalia by Degree
Bachelor's Degree Candidates
For those earning a bachelor's degree, a black gown and mortarboard are worn. A black tassel with a custom UMCP medallion is attached. A custom UMCP red stole completes the regalia for bachelor's degree candidates.
Be sure to indicate that you will be completing a Bachelor of Science degree.
Master of Science
- Students will wear a modified gown with longer sleeves, the mortarboard with an attached UMCP black tassel, custom UMCP red stole, and a hood.
- The gold hood color represents your specific degree or discipline. Be sure to provide the name of the degree you are earning.
Master of Engineering
- Students will wear a modified gown with longer sleeves, the mortarboard with an attached UMCP black tassel, custom UMCP red stole, and a hood.
- The orange hood color represents your specific degree or discipline. Be sure to provide the name of the degree you are earning.
- If you are not sure, be sure to reach out to your department graduate coordinator.
Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation, Previously (Technology Entrepreneurship) and Product Management
- Students will wear a modified gown with longer sleeves, the mortarboard with an attached UMCP black tassel, custom UMCP red stole, and a hood.
- The gold hood color represents your specific degree or discipline. Be sure to provide the name of the degree you are earning.
Doctoral Degree Candidates
- The most elaborate regalia on display at Commencement are worn by those receiving a doctoral degree. A doctor's gown is a much fuller gown and is decorated with velvet lapels and three chevrons sewn onto the sleeves of the gown that designate the recipient as a “doctor.”
- In place of the mortarboard, doctoral students wear a tam, a velvet hat with a tassel attached that is much less rigid in construction, and a hood (Doctor of Philosophy – Dark Blue Velvet).
- Doctoral regalia may be purchased or rented.
- Doctoral candidates who are undecided or pending defense are strongly encouraged to pre-order. Payment is deferred until regalia is picked up.
Honors and Recognition
Honors
- Latin honors at the time of commencement are tentative. The final determination will be made when all grades are submitted for all semesters. To view GPA cutoffs and review the university policy, visit the Office of the Registrar website.
- Undergraduate students earning Latin Honors (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude) will be notified and receive a tassel from the college.
- Detail information about Latin and Engineering Honors cutoff and eligibility can be found in the links below.
Placement of Honor Cords and Medals
Honor cords and medals are placed on top of the stole.
Special Regalia Considerations
Active-duty U.S. military personnel are allowed to wear their dress uniform instead of regalia if they prefer.
Regalia Information for Faculty and Staff
- Faculty and staff should contact their department's commencement coordinator for information about bulk orders and online ordering.
- Graduation regalia requests must be submitted by early April.
- Regalia pickup is scheduled for early May.
University Book Center Contact Information
Location: Adele H. Stamp Student Union, Building #163, College Park, MD 20742
Phone Number: 301-314-2665
Website: University Book Center website
RSVP
- An RSVP is required for all August 2026 and December 2026 graduates and May 2027 candidates who plan to attend a Clark School of Engineering Commencement Ceremony.
- The RSVP form for Spring 2027 Commencement will be available during the Spring 2027 semester.
STUDENTS MISSING SPRING GRADUATION APPLICATION
- If you are an undergraduate student in the Clark School of Engineering and have missed the deadline to apply for graduation, you must submit an Exception to Policy Request for a Late Graduation Application by May 7, 2027.
- If you are a graduate student and missed the deadline to apply for graduation, you will need to reach out to the Graduate Coordinator from your department or check with your advisor.
Faculty and Staff
- Faculty and Staff planning to participate in the Clark School of Engineering Commencement Ceremony must complete the RSVP form to receive important updates and communications.
- The RSVP form for Spring 2027 Commencement will be available during the Spring 2027 semester.
School vs. Main Commencement
- Graduating students are encouraged, but not required, to attend both the Clark School of Engineering Ceremony and the Main Commencement Ceremony.
- Each graduate’s name will be announced as they walk across the stage during the Clark School of Engineering Ceremony.
- Students will be recognized alongside their school or college.
Length of Ceremonies
- The Engineering School Commencement Ceremony will lasts approximately 2.0 to 2.5 hours . During the ceremony, we ask that all graduates, guests, faculty, and staff remain seated for the entire ceremony to provide full recognition to all graduates.
- The University of Maryland Commencement ceremony last approximately 2.5 - 3.0 hours.
Future Dates
There is a range of dates posted on the University of Maryland Academic Calendar and we are acutely aware that families and friends are anxious and excited to make their reservations based on the individual ceremony schedules. Unfortunately, the University has not approved a schedule for publication because those schedules could change prior to release.
We do not know when the dates will be released but as soon as they are, they will be posted on the University Commencement website and then on the Engineering School's Commencement website.
We appreciate your patience in this process!
Tickets
Engineering School Commencement
Tickets are not required for graduates or guests attending the Engineering School Commencement Ceremony.
Main Commencement
Tickets are required for all graduates and their guests to attend the Main Commencement Ceremony. Each graduate will receive one ticket for themselves and six guest tickets.
Additional information can be found on the Main Commencement website in the FAQs section.
Photos
GradImages is the university’s official photographer. They will take photographs of each graduate participating in the Main Commencement Ceremony prior to the procession and at the Clark School graduation ceremony as graduates cross the platform.
There is no obligation to purchase prints. However, graduates will receive color proofs by email approximately two weeks after commencement.
Be sure to complete the company’s address card distributed in the line-up area prior to the procession to receive your proofs.
GradImages contact information:
Phone Number: 800-261-2576
Email: ecc.giservice@gradimages.net
Online: www.gradimages.com
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed to all Doctoral, Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Undergraduate students who have completed all graduation requirements approximately six to eight weeks after graduation.
The University and the Engineering School do not issue invitation letters for guests to visit the United States to attend commencement ceremonies. These letters are not required by the U.S. Embassy for issuing a B-2 visa, which is designated for tourist activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, and receiving medical treatment.
Graduating students should provide a copy of their I-20 or DS-2019 to any relative applying for a tourist visa. Students may also submit an Enrollment Verification along with a copy of their passport. Enrollment Verification can be requested from the Office of the Registrar.
