GRADUATION & COMMENCEMENT

Protests, Demonstrations, and Other Such Expressed 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 our commencement ceremonies.

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 ceremony. 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.

Graduating Students

Participating in Commencement

(This text is already on the ARHU commencement page, so copy and paste.)

Tickets

Tickets are not required for the ARHU Commencement Ceremonies. There is no limit to the number of guests per graduate, but seating is first-come, first-served. For planning purposes, we request graduating students RSVP here by May 1, 2026.

Arrival Time

Graduates should arrive no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and no later than 8:30 a.m. for both ceremonies. You will need to leave all bags and belongings with your guests, as there is no secure area to store them during the ceremony.

Undergraduate Ceremony: Report to the XFINITY Center Auxiliary Gym, accessible through Gates C and D.

Graduate Ceremony: Report to the marked tents outside of the Reckord Armory. (In the event of rain, report to the basement of the Armory.)

Regalia

All graduates must be in academic regalia to be included in the procession of graduates. For more information on regalia, click here.

Diplomas

Students will not receive their diplomas at commencement, as final grades post after the ceremony. Students who complete all graduation requirements will receive their diplomas in the mail in approximately eight to ten weeks.

Photos

Photos will be taken during the ceremony. While there is no obligation to purchase the prints, graduates will receive color proofs via your Terpmail email address approximately two weeks after commencement. To receive the proofs, please make sure the email on your name card is correct. For more information, contact GradImages at 800-628-4509 or visit https://www.gradimages.com/.

Livestream

Guests who want to watch the ceremony on livestream will find the link on the ARHU website before the ceremony.

Information for Guests

Tickets

Tickets are not required for the ARHU Commencement Ceremonies. There is no limit to the number of guests per graduate, but seating is first-come, first-served. The doors will open for guests at 8:00 a.m.

Livestream

Guests who want to watch the ceremony on livestream will find the link on the ARHU website before the ceremony.

Parking

All non-metered parking spaces are open and free on the days of commencement. A handicapped-accessible placard or license plate is required to park in accessible spaces.

Parking closest to the XFINITY Center is available in the Terrapin Trail Garage, Lot 4B, or Lot 9B.

Parking closest to the Armory is available in the Regents Drive Garage.

For driving directions and campus maps, please click here.

Accessibility

XFINITY Center: Accessible drop-off for the XFINITY Center is Gate E, located on the southwest corner of the arena near the Terrapin Trail Parking Garage. Gate E is the closest gate to seating sections 120 and 121, which have designated wheelchair seating.

Armory: The front entrance to the Armory requires guests to climb a steep flight of stairs. Any guests in wheelchairs, guests who cannot walk long distances, and/or guests who are not able to use stairs should be dropped off at the rear entrance in Lot L. This lot is for drop-off only and will not have parking available. There will be ushers at the rear entrance of the Armory who can direct guests to the designated wheelchair seating area.

Bag Policy: Guests will only be able to carry bags that do not exceed 12”x6”x12”. All bags will be searched at the door, so your entry will be faster if you leave bags at home. 

You may bring one empty reusable water bottle with you to each ceremony. 

The following items are prohibited: outside food and drink, strollers, umbrellas, and balloons.