Next week, nearly 2,000 Tigers will cross the Commencement stage cheered on by family, friends and volunteers who have all joined together for the culminating event of a lifetime learning. Whether you’re attending Commencement as a graduate or guest, here’s what to know to make this special day go as smoothly as possible.

Ceremony Details

Commencement ceremonies will be held Dec. 18 and 19 at TU Arena. All guests must have tickets to attend in-person. Ceremonies will also be live-streamed on the Commencement website. Times are as follows:

Wednesday, December 18 

  • 10 a.m. - College of Liberal Arts and College of Education
  • 3 p.m. - College of Business & Economics and College of Health Professions

Thursday, December 19 

  • 10 a.m. - Fisher College of Science & Mathematics and College of Fine Arts & Communication

 

What to Prepare

Graduates 

Congratulations! The graduate checklist offers a step-by-step guide for preparing for your special day, and you can download the for event notifications and the ability to ask questions leading up to ceremony day. Plan to bring your mailed parking permits with you to the ceremony as you’ll need them to park in lots 4, 5 and 6, which are reserved for graduates. Arrive at the robing room with your photo ID 90 minutes before your ceremony. You can bring small bags (10 x 10 x 2 or smaller) into the room; leave all other items (including coats, umbrellas and extra shoes) at home or with loved ones.

Once you're in the robing room, you’ll use your photo ID to check in, then follow instructions to check your name pronunciation. Let event staff know if you need accommodations to access the stage. Robing room staff will offer instructions on crossing the stage.

Guests

We’re so excited to welcome you to TU! Make sure to have your tickets ready and to give yourself plenty of time to get to TU Arena. You’ll park in the Union Parking Garage and take a shuttle to the arena. Shuttles will run continuously from two hours before each ceremony until one hour after each ceremony. Doors open 90 minutes before each ceremony. Accessible parking is available in lot 8 for individuals with handicap permits. Event staff will be on hand to offer wheelchair transport from the adjacent Towson Center to the arena.

All guests will go through handheld metal detection and bag checks before entering the arena. Unopened bottles of water are permitted, and flowers and gifts are encouraged! Leave noisemakers and balloons at home—they are among the items not allowed at Commencement.

During the Ceremony

Take a seat, sit back and enjoy! Graduates will proceed onto the arena floor in alphabetical order, alternating each side. While we can’t predict which side each graduate will be on, the jumbotron allows all guests to see their loved ones well. If needed, ask a member of the event staff to assist you in locating the accessible seating and sign language interpreting sections. Graduates and guests will be able to access the ceremony program through a QR code on the jumbotron screen. Concessions are available for purchase on the main concourse.

During the ceremony, we ask that you be respectful with your applause so all names can be heard.

Post-Event Celebrations & Keepsakes

After the ceremony, graduates can meet their loved ones in Tiger Courtyard between the arena and Towson Center. There will be numbered flags to make locating each other easier. In the days after the ceremony, graduates will be able to order a free , and you’ll be able to see and from the ceremonies, purchase and more. Graduates will receive an email when the ceremony images and videos are available. 

More Information

Visit the Commencement website for additional information, including ceremony day details for graduates and guests.