Schedule

• 10:45 a.m. - Graduates arrive at Xfinity Center, enter through Gate D (Northeast corner on the ground level; Lot 4b side of Xfinity) and report to Pavilion Court 
• 11:00 a.m. - Guests begin to arrive at Xfinity Center and enter through Gate A, B or E
  • Gate A: Southeast corner atop the grand staircase (main public entrance)
  • Gate B: Northeast corner atop the staircase
  • Gate E: Southwest corner adjacent to the Terrapin Trail Parking Garage
• 11:40 a.m. - All graduates must be seated.
  • Please note: Students not in their seats by 11:40 a.m. will not be permitted to enter the Xfinity floor until after the ceremony begins.
• 11:50 a.m. - Procession begins
• 12:00 p.m. - Ceremony begins
• ~3:00 p.m. - Reception immediately follows the ceremony (Map)

The ceremony will last approximately 3 hours and graduates must remain seated on the floor for the entirety of the ceremony.

Parking is free on commencement days and you can park in most campus lots. Shuttle service around campus will also be available. [Parking and shuttle guide]

All guests should enter through Gates A, B and E. 

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 should plan to arrive early to park in the Terrapin Trail Garage and enter Xfinity Center through Gate E to ensure a short distance between parking and entering the facility.
• ADA seating for wheelchair users will be available in Section 120. We are unable to provide wheelchairs.
• If you need special arrangements for hearing impairment or other disabilities, please contact the CMNS undergraduate commencement team (CMNSUGCommencement@umd.edu).
• Captioning on personal devices 
  • English captioning is available here.
  • Spanish captioning is available here.

Items Allowed and Not Allowed

Take a few minutes to review the Xfinity Center guidelines for items allowed and security procedures for the facility during commencement ceremonies. Here are a few key guidelines to note:

• Guests will only be able to carry bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", all of which are subject to search. This size limit includes, but is not limited to, purses, backpacks, drawstring bags, briefcases, luggage, computer bags, camera bags, binocular cases and diaper bags.
• Prohibited Items (the full list of prohibited items is available on the Xfinity Center guidelines webpage)
  • Pets*
  • Outside Food or Drink of any kind*
  • Fireworks / Firearms / Weapons
  • Artificial Noisemakers
  • Strollers
  • Skateboards / Bicycles
  • Umbrellas
  • Backpacks / Bags that are over 12" x 6" x 12". Please refer to Bag Policy above for more information.

*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.

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 2023 bachelor's degree graduates
• December 2023 bachelor's degree graduates
• May 2024 bachelor's degree candidates

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

All August 2023 graduates, December 2023 graduates and May 2024 candidates must RSVP at go.umd.edu/CMNSUGradRSVP to attend a CMNS Commencement Ceremony. Although the April 8th deadline to RSVP has passed, you may still RSVP. 

Undergraduate students

Undergraduate students who have one course to take in the summer may complete the “Participate only” RSVP form at go.umd.edu/CMNSUGradParticipateRSVP by March 25, 2024. Remaining degree requirements and summer course registration will be verified before students are approved.

Please note: Names of August 2024 graduates who are approved to participate will not appear in the University or CMNS Commencement programs until the May 2025 ceremonies.

Full regalia is required to participate in a CMNS Commencement Ceremony.

Graduation regalia is required. All students can purchase regalia from the University Book Center or order online from Oak Hall. Bachelor's degree candidate regalia are available for purchase only.

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.

For further information, visit https://commencement.umd.edu/graduation-regalia-information.

The University or the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences does 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 a Enrollment Verification Certificate along with the copy of your passport. Enrollment Verification Certificate can be requested from the Office of the Registrar.

Please visit the CMNS Graduate Commencement webpage for more information.