Graduation Information

Tentative Schedule

• TBA

Parking

• TBA

Accessibility

• TBA

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.

• August 2026 graduates (master’s, doctoral, graduate certificate)
• December 2026 graduates (master’s, doctoral, graduate certificate)
• May 2027 candidates (master’s, doctoral, graduate certificate)

Students can bring up to 6 guests to a CMNS Commencement Ceremony. The event is not ticketed.

All August 2026 graduates, December 2026 graduates and May 2027 candidates must RSVP to attend a CMNS Commencement Ceremony. Registration link to come in early 2027.

Graduate students who meet the following requirements may RSVP. See the Guidelines on participation in commencement activities for undergraduate and graduate students with pending degree requirements for more information. 

• Ph.D. candidate must successfully defend by TBA
• Master’s with thesis candidate must successfully defend by TBA
• Professional master’s and master’s without thesis candidate who have 1 or 2 credits to complete in the summer

Please note: Names of August 2027 graduates who are approved to participate will not appear a commencement program until May 2028.

Full regalia is required to participate in a CMNS Commencement Ceremony. For information in purchasing and renting regalia, visit visit https://commencement.umd.edu/gradinfo/graduation-regalia-information. 

Faculty and staff should contact their department's commencement coordinator for assistance with bulk regalia orders or order online. Faculty and staff regalia will be available for pick-up in early May.

The University and the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences do not issue invitation letters for guests to visit the U.S. to attend commencement ceremonies. These letters are not required by the embassy to issue a B2 visa, which is designated for tourist activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, and obtaining medical treatment.  

The graduating student should submit a copy of their I-20 or DS-2019 to the relative applying for the tourist visa. Students can also send an Enrollment Verification Certificate along with the copy of your passport. Enrollment Verification Certificates can be requested from the Office of the Registrar.

Visit the CMNS Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony page for more information on that ceremony.