Frequently Asked Questions

At this time, there are no requirements to wear masks or provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. However, feel free to wear a mask if you’d like. UMB will alter plans according to state of Maryland guidelines if requirements change.

The Universitywide commencement ceremony is for students who have successfully completed all degree or certificate requirements by the end of the academic year. Degrees will officially be conferred by the president of UMB. Diplomas will be distributed at the conclusion of the Universitywide commencement ceremony. 

Individual hooding or convocation ceremonies are held within each school. These ceremonies celebrate the achievements mastered to complete the schools’ programs. Individual ceremonies are listed on the UMB commencement website.

Yes, the entire ceremony will be livestreamed and can be watched in real time on UMB’s homepage at www.umaryland.edu.

UMB’s commencement ceremony will be closed-captioned. 

Parking for individuals with disabilities is located close to the arena. A disability placard must be displayed, or cars will be towed.

Designated Americans with Disabilities Act seating areas in the arena are in the following locations*: Sections 100, 105, 106, 107, and 108. 

*Certain sections may not be available depending on stage location.

Please contact University Events if you need additional support or have any questions via email at Events@umaryland.edu or by phone at 410-706-8035.

Please visit the Academic Attire page for additional information. All orders should be placed before April 21.

NOTE: All students MUST be dressed in full regalia to participate in the commencement ceremony, and regalia will NOT be available for purchase on the day of the event. Students not wearing regalia will be turned away from participating in the ceremony.

The Office of the Registrar will be on hand after the ceremony to distribute your official diploma. Please have your student ID ready to show to staff members. After the event, you will be directed to the designated area of distribution.

All students will assemble according to the school/program awarding the degree. You will be directed to your school /program by arena staff. You are not required to line up in alphabetical order. Each school has a lead marshal who will assist.

The processional includes graduates, faculty, marshals, and the platform party.

NOTE: Late-arriving students will not be able to process in and will not be able to sit with their school.

Please tag #2023UMB and remember to use some of the ready-made templates.

Don’t forget to visit the social media booth outside the arena after the ceremony.

Free parking is available in the Commons Drive Garage and around the UMBC campus. Overflow parking is available as well. For complete information, please visit the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena’s parking information page.

Everyone will be subject to a scan for firearms, which are not allowed.

Bags no larger than 12x12x8 inches will be permitted into Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena. Guests who have bags larger than this size will be asked to return them to their vehicles or discard them. This is in addition to the existing policy that all bags, purses, or personal items of any size are subject to search. Diaper bags or medical bags are allowed to exceed that size limit but will be searched.

Banners and signs are permitted as long as they do not block the view of others, interfere with the event, contain advertising of any form, present a safety hazard, or contain political statements or obscene material. Banners may not be affixed with any type of material that is permanent in nature or that alters the facility in any manner. Poles and sticks are prohibited. Building management reserves the right to remove any banner or sign.

No food or drinks (including alcoholic beverages) are allowed during the UMB commencement ceremony. Please see the full list of prohibited items.

Children 2 and younger must sit on a guardian’s lap for the duration of the event. Strollers should be collapsible and will be stored outside of the seating area. Children over age 2 must be seated during the ceremony.

Seating is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is recommended.

During the ceremony, no one will be allowed on the arena floor. Pictures may be taken from your seat. After the ceremony has ended and students have processed out, feel free to take photographs outside the arena.

Please plan to meet your graduate outside of the arena at the main entrance.