Please review some frequently asked questions about Commencement. If you have questions, please contact commencement.info@umassd.edu.
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Bachelor and Master’s Ceremony I on Cressy Field at 10:30 a.m.
- School for Marine Science & Technology
- College of Engineering
- Charlton College of Business
Timing (Approximate)
- 9:30 a.m. - Graduate and guest arrival, check-in, and line up
- 10:30 a.m. - Ceremony begins
- 12:30 p.m. - Recession begins
Doctoral Ceremony in the Campus Center Auditorium at 3:30 p.m.
- All Doctoral students
Timing (Approximate)
- 2:30 p.m. - Graduate and guest arrival, check-in, and line up
- 3:30 p.m. - Ceremony begins
- 5:30 p.m. - Recession begins
Friday, May 12, 2023
Bachelor and Master’s Ceremony II on Cressy Field at 10:30 a.m.
- College of Visual & Performing Arts
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- College of Arts & Sciences
Timing (Approximate)
- 9:30 a.m. - Graduate and guest arrival, check-in, and line up
- 10:30 a.m. - Ceremony begins
- 12:30 p.m. - Recession begins
Commencement Ceremonies are rain or shine.
Yes, but Doctoral students have their own Ceremony this year.
Please show up 1 hour before the start of your ceremony for a fun check-in and line-up experience.
You will attend the May 2023 Ceremonies if your expected graduation term is:
- 2022 Fall
- 2023 Winter
- 2023 Spring
- 2023 Summer
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.
Visit the Graduation website to learn how!
Caps and gowns are free and are delivered to the Campus Bookstore for pickup in April.
The last day to order your cap and gown is March 1, 2023.
Your cumulative GPA determine your honors (Spring 2023 grades are not included). This information is sent to the vendor before cap and gowns are shipped.
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
Caps and gowns will be delivered to the bookstore for pickup in April. You will receive an email letting you know when they are ready.
No, we will ship cap and gowns to those who cannot come to campus for pick up. Only Domestic shipping is available, and students pays the shipping cost ($10). Please fill out this form to get your cap and gown shipped to you.
There is no limit on the number of guests.
Guests do not need tickets.
There will be ample parking available in the parking lots around Ring Road. Guests can walk from the parking area to the commencement ceremonies on Cressy Field or wait for shuttle buses that will pick up at each lot and drop off at Cressy Field. There will be a drop-off location for guests with mobility issues, and guests with a state-issued ADA placard should proceed to Lot 10 for parking.
Yes, all ceremonies will stream via our Commencement website.
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:
- Large purses
- Briefcases
- Wrapped presents
- Bags, including gift bags
- Backpacks
- Coolers
- Food
- Beverages
- Laser pointers or similar items
- Balloons/beach balls
- Fireworks
- Drones
- Pets
All items not in a clear plastic bag are subject to inspection
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.