UMD Commencement 2025: Before You Go

“Kermencement” is just around the corner (or “korner”?)—and between studying for finals, preparing to move out and grabbing one last scoop of Maryland Dairy ice cream, it’s time to make sure you’re ready for graduation.

The University of Maryland’s main commencement ceremony will be on May 21 in SECU Stadium, honoring Summer 2024, December 2024 and May 2025 graduates. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the student processional beginning at 6. The event will feature an address from Kermit the Frog, created by alum Jim Henson ’60, as well as remarks from President Darryll J. Pines and other notable speakers.

New this year: Guests at SECU Stadium can bring only clear tote bags smaller than 12" x 12" x 6" (graduates can carry a clutch-sized bag that does not have to be clear, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”). As in previous years, they must have a ticket requested by their student to enter the stadium—so transfer tickets to family and friends in advance.

Grads can also participate in one of 28 individual school, college and department ceremonies across campus from May 20-23, where they can walk across the stage and have their name read. (Diplomas will be mailed to the address students provided while applying for graduation.)

Check out important information below and visit the Commencement website for detailed FAQs, timelines and even a chatbot called “Shell-ebration Guide” that can provide quick answers.

Tickets
Each graduate can claim six guest tickets and one personal ticket on the Athletics student ticket site. Graduates should click on the "Sign In as Student" link to claim their tickets by May 16. Most school and college ceremonies do not require a ticket, but check the School & Colleges Ceremonies page for details.

The rain date for main commencement will be May 22 at the same time.

Where to Go
For the main commencement ceremony, graduates should arrive at Cole Field House’s historic entrance by 4:30 or 5 p.m., depending on their college or school. Guests can enter SECU Stadium at 5 p.m. via gates C, D, E, F, G, I and J.

Individual school, college and department ceremonies will be at six locations across campus, from The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center to Reckord Armory. Dates and times can be found on the Commencement website.

What to Bring and Wear
Students: Graduates must wear full regalia (black gown, hood, red stole, cap and black tassel) to participate in the main commencement ceremony or school and college ceremonies. Personalize your look by decorating your cap.

You can bring an empty water bottle to SECU Stadium as well as a clutch-sized bag, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, which does not have to be clear. Larger bags are prohibited. There are no lockers for storage, so please only bring what you can carry throughout the ceremony.

Guests: Clear bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 6" are permitted at SECU Stadium and will be searched. Backpacks are prohibited. Empty refillable water bottles are allowed, as is one sealed bottle of water. No outside food or drink is allowed; concessions will be open. Other items that are not allowed include artificial noisemakers, balloons, strollers and umbrellas; a full list is available on the main FAQ page.

Repeat: Remember to transfer tickets to your guests because they will be arriving separately. Tickets will have section and seat numbers, but they can sit in any open sections of the stadium. If your family and friends want to get updates about commencement, they can sign up here.

School and college ceremonies have fewer limitations, but get in touch with your unit’s contact person if you have any questions.

Parking and Transportation
All UMD parking spots are free from May 21-23 (ADA spaces will still require a credential).

Shuttle-UM will offer four routes across campus to each of the ceremony sites, with buses running every 15 or so, so visitors are encouraged to park once and rely on the buses to travel between events. Given the construction across campus, plan to arrive early. Parking and shuttle maps are available here.

Photos and Videos
Use the hashtag #UMDgrad before, during and after commencement for a chance to see you and your friends on official social media channels. (See tips from UMD’s photographers about how to get the best graduation shots across campus.)

GradImages will take pictures of each graduate as they cross the stage at their school or college ceremony, as well as when they process into SECU Stadium. These can be purchased online about two weeks after commencement.

All ceremonies will be livestreamed and recorded; links will be available on the Commencement site a day or two before. Guests are also permitted to take their own photos and videos.