Applying for Graduation

The deadline to apply for graduation is the 10th day of class of the semester in which you intend to graduate.  The deadline to apply for the Spring 2024 semester was Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

If a student does not complete the online graduation application by the end of the schedule adjustment period of the semester in which they plan to graduate, please contact CCJS Advising (ccjsadvising [at] umd.edu) for instructions on how to complete a late application.

 

Spring 2024 Commencement

The BSOS Commencement Ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, May 22nd at 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM in the Xfinity Center

  • CCJS, HESP, JPSM, NEUR, NACS, PSYC, and SOCY will be at 3:30 PM
  • AASD, ANTH, ECON, ENSP, GEOG, GVPT, SDSC, and START will be at 7:00 PM

Please note - Tickets are not required for BSOS Commencement ceremonies. There is no limit to the number of invited guests.  Seating is first-come, first-serve.

 

Arrival Time and Checking-In

 

Graduates please arrive at The Xfinity Center's Pavilion (Auxiliary Gym) by 2:45 PM for the 3:30 PM ceremony. You can enter from Gate C or D. There is a ceremony before yours, so please do not arrive earlier. Any student arriving later than 3:00 PM may not be seated with their classmates. Please leave your bags or belongings with your family since there is not a secure place to leave them. Upon arrival you will be asked to fill out a name card and line up by major.

 

Regalia:
  • Regalia is required. All graduates must be in regalia to be included in the procession of graduates.
  • Active-duty military can wear their dress uniforms instead of regalia.
  • Honor cords and medals are placed on top of the stole.
  • The hood should be put on last (on top of the stole with honor cords). The button loop on your hood should be facing down.

 

Ceremony Information: 
  • An Order of Ceremony sheet will be placed on your seat.
  • You are not allowed to carry bottles, food, beverages, etc.
  • Please remember to silence your cell phones.
  • Graduates’ names will be read as they walk across the stage at the BSOS ceremony.
    • You will hand your name card to the name-reader as you walk onto the stage. As your name is read, you will cross the stage to receive an UMD poster and a photograph will be taken.  You will then return to your seat.
  • Students will not receive their diplomas at Commencement. Participation in this commencement does NOT mean you have final clearance for graduation.
    • Students who are cleared for graduation will receive diplomas in eight to ten weeks.
    • Students who do not clear for graduation will receive written notification from the Dean’s Office.

 

Photos:

Photos will be taken before and 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. For more information, contact GradImages at 800.628.4509, or visit www.gradimages.com.

 

Information for Guests

The doors will be open for guests one hour before the ceremony at 2:30 PM.

There will be a BAG CHECK upon entrance to the Xfinity Center.  Please encourage guests to leave bags at home or in the car when possible in order to expedite entry for everyone. Bags over 12"x12"x6" are not permitted. Please note that no strollers or backpacks will be allowed in the Xfinity Center. 

 

Live Stream: 

Guests who want to watch the ceremony on live streaming can get the link on the BSOS website before the ceremony. 

             

Disability Services:

Accessible parking is located in the Terrapin Trail Garage (Lot 6) next to the Xfinity Center. Level 2 has a ramp leading directly to Gate E.

Once inside the Xfinity Center, staff can help direct guests in wheelchairs and those with limited mobility to the designated seating area on the Concourse level (level 3) above sections 120 and 121. Due to limited space, we ask that only one family member sit with the guest in the accessible seating section and that additional family members sit in the nearby sections. Volunteers will be on hand to help guests find seating that best fits their needs.

Disabled guests may have ONE family member sit with them (seating is limited).  

ASL Interpreters will be staged in Section 114 for those needing the accommodation. 

 

Parking & Directions

Parking is open and free on Commencement days. Please do not feed meters or park in fire lanes. Please do not park in accessible spaces unless you have a handicapped-accessible placard or license plates.

 

To Xfinity Center from Beltway:
Take Exit 27 and then follow signs to Exit 25 (U.S. 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately one mile south on Route 1; take the exit for 193 West (University Boulevard). At the first light, turn left onto Paint Branch Drive. The Xfinity Center will be on your right.