Preparing for Commencement Day 2024

Information for Graduates
The BSOS Commencement Ceremonies will take place on 

Wednesday, May 22nd at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Xfinity Center.
 

Graduates please arrive at The Xfinity Center's Pavilion (Auxiliary Gym) by 2:45 p.m. for the 3:30 p.m. ceremony and by 6:15 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. 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 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. may not be seated with their classmates. Please leave your bags or belongings with your families since there is no secure place to leave them during the ceremony. 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:  

• A QR code to access the Order of Ceremony sheet will be available at graduate check-in. 
• 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 ceremonies. 
  • 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 a 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 cleared for graduation will receive diplomas in eight to ten weeks.
  • Students who do not clear for graduation will receive written notification from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

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. In order to receive the proofs, please make sure the email on your name card is correct. For more information, contact GradImages at 800.628.4509, or visit www.gradimages.com.

The doors will be open for guests one hour before the ceremony. (2:30 p.m. for 3:30 p.m. ceremony and 6:00 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. ceremony) . 

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"x 12"x 6" are not permitted. Please note that no strollers or backpacks will be allowed in the Xfinity Center.