Commencement Ceremony
Undergraduate students may only apply for graduation, via their Graduation Card, in their final semester once all general education, major/minor/certificate requirements, as applicable, have been accounted for (i.e., currently enrolled in all remaining courses and/or pending transfer credit to be sent to UMBC). Students may only participate in one commencement ceremony based upon the semester in which all degree requirements will be complete.
Commencement is held twice per academic year.
| Intended Graduation Term | Graduation Application Available | Commencement Ceremony |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Graduation | December 1 – February 15 | May Ceremony |
| Summer Graduation | May 1 – June 15 | December Ceremony |
| Fall Graduation | August 1 – September 15 | December Ceremony |
Students who apply online for graduation between the posted dates will have their legal name listed in the commencement ceremony program. Students who wish to have their chosen name listed in the commencement program should contact the Graduation Team after applying for graduation.
Diplomas are not distributed at commencement ceremonies. Diplomas are mailed to undergraduate students after final graduation reviews have finished and degrees have been posted to student records. Additional information regarding diplomas can be found on the Registrar’s Office website.
Please visit the Commencement website for additional information:
- Information on ordering caps and gowns
- Information on Commencement tickets
- Information on campus parking
Questions regarding the commencement ceremonies, caps and gowns, and other commencement-related activities can be directed to Commencement.
Eligibility for Undergraduate Commencement Participation
Undergraduate students who are enrolled to complete all degree requirements by the end of the spring semester may elect to participate in the May commencement ceremony. Undergraduate students who are enrolled to complete all degree requirements by the end of the fall semester may elect to participate in the December commencement ceremony. Students who complete their degree requirements in one of the summer sessions may elect to participate in the following December commencement ceremony and those completing their requirements during the winter session may elect to participate in the following May commencement ceremony. Students may only participate in one commencement ceremony based upon the semester in which all degree requirements will be met.
In-progress coursework, including incomplete grades, will be included in the calculations when determining student’s eligibility for undergraduate commencement participation (120 credit requirement, 45 upper level requirement and 2.0 GPA requirement).
Questions regarding this policy can be directed to the Academic Success Center at academicsuccess@umbc.edu.