BSOS Commencement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to apply for graduation?
Yes. Students who will be finishing degree requirements this Spring 2024 and intend to graduate must apply for graduation. The application for graduation is due Friday, February 6, 2024, electronically via Testudo.
What if I will finish my requirements in August 2024? Can I participate in the Spring 2024 BSOS College Ceremonies?
Please review these guidelines and contact your department's academic advisor to discuss your graduation status.
What if I finished my requirements in August 2023 or December 2023? Can I participate in the Spring 2024 BSOS College Ceremonies?
Yes you can! No additional action is required for August 2023 and December 2023 graduates to attend.
Do I have to attend either of the commencement ceremonies?
Participation in the campus-wide and college ceremonies are encouraged, but not mandatory. If a student chooses not to participate in the commencement ceremonies, they will still receive their diploma.
What is the difference between the Campus-Wide ceremony and the BSOS Commencement?
The campus wide ceremony is a program that acknowledges all graduates of the university. It does not include calling of graduate names and degrees, and students do not walk across the stage. In the BSOS Commencement, graduates walk across the stage.
I am a double major. Which ceremony do I attend?
Students can choose to attend both college ceremonies, only one ceremony, or neither. Attendance is at the discretion of the student.
Do I need to RSVP or reserve tickets for the BSOS College Ceremonies? How many guests can I invite?
Students do not need to RSVP or reserve guest tickets for either of the BSOS ceremonies. There is no limit on the number of guests you can invite to attend. However, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
When/where should I arrive at the Xfinity Center on the day of the BSOS College Ceremonies?
Graduates: Please plan to arrive at Gate C/D for check-in and line-up at 2:45pm (ceremony #1) / 6:15pm (ceremony #2). Specific instructions will be emailed closer to the date of the event.
Guests: Gates A/B/E/F will open to guests approximately 1 hour before the ceremony's scheduled start-time.
Where are guests supposed to park?
There will be no cost to park in any metered or permitted space around the Xfinity Center. ADA spaces still require an ADA permit or plate. Fire lanes, roadways, and landscapes are not valid parking spaces.
Will accessible seating and/or parking be available at the Xfinity Center?
Yes, parking for guests with disabilities is available in Lot 4B, Lot 9B, and Terrapin Trail Garage. For convenient access to wheelchair-accessible seating, guests are encouraged to park on Level 2 of the Terrapin Trail Garage and enter the venue through Gate E/F. For more specific accommodation requests, please contact the BSOS Events team at bsosdeanevents@umd.edu.
Will the BSOS College Ceremonies be recorded and/or live-streamed?
Both BSOS ceremonies will be recorded and live-streamed. Access to closed captioned live-streams and recordings will be added to this webpage as soon as it becomes available.
Can I decorate my graduation cap?
Yes, cap decorating is permitted.
Will I receive my diploma at graduation?
No, you will not receive your diploma at graduation. Your diploma will be sent to the diploma mailing address specified at the time the student’s application for graduation was submitted. If a diploma mailing address was not specified, the diploma will be mailed to your permanent address.
Regalia
Regalia is required. The University Book Center is the official supplier of commencement regalia for the university. Along with full regalia packages, the UBC will stock individual pieces, including the tassel, stole, and hood. The UBC will continue to provide regalia services up until commencement.
The University Book Center is hosting a Graduation Fair on March 5 & 6, 2024, from 10:30 AM –5:30 PM. This event will include regalia fittings and purchasing, as well as special pricing on diploma frames. Candidates will have an opportunity to order announcements and class rings, and there will be a professional photographer available.
Photos
Each graduate participating in the campus-wide commencement ceremony will receive color proofs by email approximately two weeks after commencement. There is no obligation to purchase prints. For more information, contact GradImages at 800.628.4509 or visit www.gradimages.com.