Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Student Ceremony 

Cressy Field at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Add to Calendar.

• All undergraduate students from all colleges.

Tentative Schedule:

• 9 a.m. – Student arrival the Tennis Courts for check-in
• 10 a.m. – Ceremony begins
• 1 p.m. – Ceremony ends

Doctoral Ceremony

Campus Center Auditorium at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Add to Calendar.

• All doctoral students from all schools and colleges (excluding Law students)

Tentative Schedule:

• 3 p.m. – Student arrival at the Campus Center Bookstore for check-in
• 4 p.m. – Procession begins
• 6 p.m. – Ceremony ends

Graduate Student Ceremony

Cressy Field at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 - Add to Calendar.

• All graduate students from all schools and colleges (excluding Law and Doctoral students)

Tentative Schedule:

• 9:30 a.m. – Student arrival the Tennis Courts for check-in
• 10:30 a.m. – Procession begins
• 12:30 p.m. – Ceremony ends

Visit our Graduating Student List website to verify your name is in the Commencement program. Resources are available in the event your name is not on the list, or your degree name is not listed correctly.

We estimate:

• Undergraduate Student Ceremony – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Doctoral Ceremony – 4 to 6 p.m.
• Graduate Student Ceremony – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• UMass Law Ceremony – 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The pickup dates at the Campus Store in the Campus Center are:

• Wednesday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• You can pick up your cap and gown after these dates, but ensure the Campus Store is open.

Importantly:

• Don't forget to bring your cap and gown to your Ceremony.
• If you have a hold, you may be unable to pick up your cap and gown.

For more info on caps and gowns, visit our Caps & Gowns website.

Yes. At Commencement, your cumulative GPA determines your honor, and which honors cord you receive (Spring 2024 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

No. Shipping of caps and gowns is only available for those who cannot come to campus for pick up. If you need your cap and gown shipped to you, please visit our Shipping form.

The Campus Store will contact eligible individuals who submitted the shipping form regarding payment and confirm their address after April 26.

If you have a hold, you cannot ship your cap and gown until the hold is resolved. Please submit an inquiry with the Student Service Center as soon as possible to learn how to resolve your holds.

Commencement Ceremonies are rain or shine.

You will attend the May 2024 Ceremonies if your expected graduation term is:

• 2023 Fall
• 2024 Winter
• 2024 Spring
• 2024 Summer

If you have not done so already, be sure to apply to graduate in COIN. Please note that Summer 2024 expected graduates will be eligible to apply for graduation once our Summer 2024 application opens in February. 

Visit the Graduation website to learn more about the application to graduate.

There is no limit on the number of guests.

Guests do not need tickets.

Yes, all ceremonies will stream via our Commencement website.

Vehicles with state-issued ADA placards will be permitted to park in Lot 10. Vehicles transporting persons with mobility issues will be directed to a drop-off area close to the venue and will proceed to park as directed. There will be seating available in aisles to allow ease of access for wheelchairs and individuals that need accommodation.