Schedule

• 1:00 pm - Graduates and hooders arrive, enter Reckord Armory through the ground floor (see map below), and proceed to graduate check-in. 
• 1:15 pm - Guests begin arriving at Reckord Armory through the front door by the steps (see map below)
• 1:50 pm - Procession of Platform Party begins
• 2:00 pm - Ceremony begins
• ~3:45 pm - Reception immediately following the ceremony in front of the Reckord Armory near the guest entrance

The ceremony will last approximately an hour and 45 minutes. Graduates and guests are expected to remain and stay seated for the entirety of the ceremony.

Read the full Armory bag policy and prohibited items, parking and accessibility information. 

Parking

• The closest parking is Regents Drive Garage. The Reckord Armory is a ~10-minute walk from Regents Drive Garage or a short ride on the UM Shuttle’s Armory/Chapel Loop (see the shuttle map for route details; times are subject to change). 
• Parking permits are not required and meters will be turned off on campus. Be sure to obey all posted signage throughout campus as details may change. 

Accessibility

• Accessible parking spaces will be available in most lots on a first-come, first-served basis and still require a state-issued license plate or hang tag.
• Guests with limited mobility can be dropped off before parking.
• ADA access is located on the access lane (parking Lot QQ) between Miller Administration Building and Armory. Guests with limited mobility can be dropped off at this point before parking.
• Accessible parking is located at Regents Drive Garage.
• Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available between Regents Drive Garage and Reckord Armory.
• All seats in the Armory are ADA accessible from the rear entrance of the building. 
• More information and accessibility resources, such as wheelchair rentals, is available at https://commencement.umd.edu/accessibility. 
• If you need special arrangements for hearing impairment or other disabilities, please contact Amy Chester (alevine@umd.edu).

Ph.D. graduates and Faculty Hooders:

Please watch our video on how to properly perform a flawless doctoral hooding:

Freedom of thought and expression are the lifeblood of our academic community. Our values regarding free speech and an open marketplace of ideas can be found in our policy on expressive activities.

The University also recognizes that a healthy and thriving academic community depends on mutual respect and civility. Appropriate behavior, as described in our university policies, is an essential component of what we stand for as a university.

Commencement marks a celebratory occasion and the culmination of academic pursuits for thousands of Terrapins. We kindly ask that all in attendance stay focused and true to the purpose and spirit of today’s event.

Our policies do not allow for the obstruction, disruption, interruption, or attempt to force the cancellation of any university event, including commencement. If you wish to engage in protests, demonstrations or other such expressive activity, we ask that you abide by university policy and do so in the designated areas outside of the stadium. Failure to uphold a respectful atmosphere in accordance with our policies will result in being asked to leave, and potentially disciplinary or other such action.

Thank you for your shared commitment to observe and protect our principles of free expression.