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Frequently Asked Questions

Please review some frequently asked questions about Commencement. If you have questions, please contact commencement.info@umassd.edu.

Please review the 2026 Commencement schedule for more information.

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To cross the stage, you'll need to look the part. Click here to order your cap and gown!

Undergraduate & Graduate Students

Caps and gowns are free and are delivered to the Campus Bookstore for pickup at Countdown to Commencement on April 21 & 22. You will be notified of their arrival. The last day to order your cap and gown is March 5.

Law Students

Caps and gowns will be delivered to the Law School for pickup in Early May. You will be notified of their arrival. The last day to order your cap and gown is March 5.

Doctoral Students

Caps and gowns are delivered to campus for pickup. You will be notified of their arrival. The last day to order your cap and gown is March 5.

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Please show up 1 hour before the start of your ceremony for a fun check-in and line-up experience. Review the 2026 Commencement schedule for more information.

  • For Undergrad and Graduate students from SMAST, Engineering, or CCB - please arrive at the Tennis Courts no later than 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 21.
  • For all Doctoral students - please arrive at the Frederick Douglas Unity House, Ground Floor of the Marketplace (across from the Campus Center) no later than 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 21.
  • For Undergrad and Graduate students from CVPA, Nursing, or Arts & Sciences- please arrive at the Tennis Courts no later than 9 a.m. on Friday, May 22.
  • For Law students - please arrive at the Frederick Douglas Unity House, Ground Floor of the Marketplace (across from the Campus Center) no later than 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
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Commencement Ceremonies are rain or shine. Umbrellas are allowed and ponchos will be made available to guests. Please note that the ceremony cannot be moved indoors due to size constraints.

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Each ceremony will take roughly two hours.

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There is no limit to the number of guests or tickets required for the Undergraduate/Graduate and Doctoral ceremonies. There are tickets required for the School of Law ceremony. Law student can learn more on the Law Commencement website.

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There is no limit to the number of guests or tickets required for the Undergraduate/Graduate and Doctoral ceremonies. There are tickets required for the School of Law ceremony. Law student can learn more on the Law Commencement website.

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Caps and gowns are free for undergraduate and graduate students.

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Yes. At Commencement, your cumulative GPA determines your honor, and which honors cord you receive (Spring 2026 grades are not included). This information is sent to the vendor before caps and gowns are shipped, so the University does not make any exceptions or accommodations regarding the cord a student receives. However, when your degree is awarded, your transcript and diploma will include all UMass Dartmouth coursework, including the final semester. Honor cords are only for undergraduate students.

Honor cords signify:

  • 3.200 to 3.499 - Cum Laude - White
  • 3.500 to 3.799 Magna Cum Laude – Navy Blue
  • 3.800 to 4.000 Summa Cum Laude - Gold
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Yes, but Doctoral students and Law students have their own Ceremonies.

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You will attend the May 2026 Ceremonies if your expected graduation term is:

  • 2025 Fall
  • 2026 Winter
  • 2026 Spring
  • 2026 Summer
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If you’re a double major in the same ceremony, you can only walk for one College. If you’re a double major in two ceremonies, you can attend both and walk in both.

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Yes. Please review the information on our Accessibility & Accommodation Information website.

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The TownePlace Suites Westport has group rates available for UMass Dartmouth Commencement Ceremony.

Everyone entering campus will be directed where to park by staff members. Shuttles will be running from all lots to the Commencement venue.

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Only items placed in clear plastic bags will be permitted into the graduation ceremonies for security purposes. Additional bags will be available in parking lots and checkpoints during the ceremonies. No large purses, food, beverages, or wrapped packages are allowed. 

Prohibited items include:

  • Backpacks
  • Balloons/beach balls
  • Beverages
  • Coolers
  • Drones
  • Signs
  • Fireworks
  • Food
  • Laser pointers or similar items
  • Wrapped presents
  • Pets

All items not in a clear plastic bag are subject to inspection.

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Yes, all ceremonies will stream via our Commencement website.

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