Commencement FAQs

Have a question that is not answered below? Email marketingoffice@hood.edu.

How do I pick up my tickets?
Tickets will be available starting April 16 at the Graduation Fair in the Gear Shop. Thereafter, they will be available 24 hours a day from the Whitaker Campus Center switchboard.
What address should I put into my GPS?
601 Blazer Trail, Frederick 21701
Do children under a certain age need a ticket if they're going to be sitting on a lap?
Yes. Everyone entering the building requires a ticket. The ticket count is not about chairs, but rather the capacity of the building per fire code regulations.
Will I be able to get more than six tickets?
Six tickets per graduate for the undergraduate ceremony puts us at the capacity limit of the building, so we are unable to distribute more. There are students who do not need all six; ask around. You may be able to find extras that way. Due to lower number of participants for the graduate ceremony, up to two additional tickets will be available in the Dean of the Graduate School's office.
Will there be assigned seats?
For graduates, yes. You will receive your line order in the days leading up to commencement. The chairs in the athletic center will be labeled by row and seat numbers.
For guests (other than the special cases in the next question), seating is first-come, first-served. Commencement ushers will be around to maximize seating in the bleacher benches and will ask people to move closer to be able to meet the needs of all ticket holders.
Should I tell my family to be in their seats by a certain time?
Guests with tickets to the Commencement ceremony must be in their seats 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony (9:30 a.m. for undergraduate, 2:30 p.m. for graduate). The entrance and sidewalk will be cleared at that time to make way for the processional. Latecomers can either watch the live stream in the Coffman Chapel or wait for the processional to finish before being allowed to enter the building.
Are there limits on things my family can bring into the ceremony?
Most of the seating is in the bleachers. The fewer items people have, the more room they will have for their own person. They should limit bags, purses, etc. or they will have to have them in their lap or at their feet for the entirety of the ceremony. Strollers will not be allowed in the arena. If a stroller is brought in, it will be checked at the reception desk to be picked up following the ceremony. Please leave balloons, signs, megaphones, cowbells, whistles and other celebratory items or noise makers in the car. These items will not be permitted within the arena.
I have family members who require reserved seating for accessibility issues (wheelchair/walker or ASL interpreter). Will there be reserved seating for them?
Yes. While most seating available is in the bleachers, we will reserve accessibility seating on the floor. For guests who need to be able to see the ASL interpreters on stage, we will have reserved seating. Please email Audrey Vargason for either request.
I use a wheelchair/walker 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.
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. For family members who use a wheelchair or walker, we have set up viewing for them in the Blazer Hall lobby. Please email Audrey Vargason.
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.

Commencement FAQs

Commencement

Are you ready to say Hello?

Choose a Pathway