Commencement FAQs

For information about ticketing and seating: Ticket Information

Timeline

What time should my guests arrive?

• Guests must arrive 30 minutes prior to ceremony start time and be in their seats 15 minutes prior to the ceremony.
• Doors will close at 9:35 a.m./2:35 p.m. and ticketed guests will wait until after the processional has entered the building and the platform party is seated.

What time should students arrive?

• Students will begin lining up 45-60 minutes prior to the ceremony behind Alumnae Hall.
  • For undergraduate students, 9-9:15 a.m.
  • For graduate students, 2-2:15 p.m.

What time does the ceremony begin?

• The processional begins 15 minutes prior to the ceremony.
  • For the undergraduate ceremony, the processional will begin walking at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. ceremony start time.
  • For the graduate ceremony, the processional will begin walking at 2:45 p.m. for a 3 p.m. ceremony start time.

How long will the ceremony last?

• Based on the number of graduates, the undergraduate ceremony will last about two hours; the graduate ceremony about 90 minutes.

Accessibility

I have family members who require reserved seating for accessibility issues (wheelchair/walker or ASL interpreter). Will there be reserved seating for them?

• Accessible seats (floor seats) and wheelchair spaces may be requested during the ticket claim process.
• Accessible seats must be requested in advanced of the ceremony. For those who do not request “Accommodations in Advance,” our staff will do their best to accommodate guests’ needs, but our options may be limited at that time.
  • An ASL interpreter will be present.
  • A Family Viewing Area will also be available to guests on the second floor of the Volpe Center.

I am a graduate and use a wheelchair/walker orhave mobility issues, or need to see the ASL interpreter. Do I need to notify anyone?

• Yes. It will be helpful to know so that you can be seated on an aisle and/or near the stage, within the processional order. Please email Julie Chalk.

Miscellaneous

Is there a dress code for graduates?

• At Commencement, graduates and faculty wear academic regalia. All candidates wear a cap, tassel, robe and hood. Under the robe, graduates should wear clothing appropriate for this special occasion. Jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops, etc. are not appropriate attire for the Commencement Ceremony. You will be walking from Alumnae Hall to the Volpe Athletic Center; keep that in mind when choosing footwear.

What address should guests use for GPS?

• 601 Blazer Trail, Frederick, MD 21701

Some of my family members won't have tickets to the ceremony but will on campus to celebrate after. Do they need tickets to watch in Coffman Chapel?

• No. Coffman Chapel seats more than 700 people and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 

I'm not attending commencement. How will I get my diploma?

• Diplomas are not given out at commencement. They will be mailed in June. Please ensure the the registrar's office has your correct addresss.