Frequently Asked Questions

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

When is Commencement?

Friday, May 16, 2025

Ceremony in the Main Auditorium at 3:30 p.m.

Timing (Approximate)

2:30 p.m. -Student arrival, check-in, and line up in the Frederick Douglas Unity House, Ground Floor of the Marketplace (across from the Campus Center).
- Guest arrival and check-in in the Campus Center.
3:30 p.m. - Ceremony begins.
5:30 p.m. - Recession begins.

Where is our Ceremony?

The Ceremony is in the Main Auditorium. Students and guests should park in Lots 4, 5, or 6 and walk towards the center of Campus.

Student arrival, check-in, and line up in the Frederick Douglas Unity House, Ground Floor of the Marketplace (across from the Campus Center).
Guest arrival and check-in in the Campus Center.

There will be signs and greeters to tell you where to go. You can review our campus map too.

How do I check if my name is in the Commencement program?

Visit our Graduates 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.

How do I get my cap and gown?

Caps and gowns will be delivered to the Law School for pickup in early May. You will receive an email inviting you to pick them up at Dean Cahill's office when they become available. Please be certain you have met all graduation requirements, including all career services requirements, in advance of picking up your cap and gown. If you did not order your cap and gown, the University receives enough for all graduates, and they will be available for pickup at the Book Store and before your Ceremony.

Are there ADA accomodations for parking and seating?

Yes, please review our Accessibility & Accommodation Information website.

Do guests need tickets?

Yes. To ensure everyone can fit comfortably and safely in the Main Campus Auditorium, we must limit the number of tickets each student receives. For guests without tickets, we will have a viewing party for the ceremony right across the way at the Marketplace, and they are invited to join the reception following the ceremony.

How many tickets does each student get?

Each graduating student will receive six tickets. For guests without tickets, we will have a viewing party for the ceremony right across the way at the Marketplace, and they are invited to join the reception following the ceremony.

Do I have to disburse tickets to my guests?

Yes. Students are responsible for disbursing their six allotted tickets as they see fit. The name of the individual who holds the ticket does not matter. Only the unique check-in code for each ticket matters. Each ticket's unique code can only be scanned once.

How does seating work for those with mobility concerns?

All ADA seating must be requested in advance. To request an ADA seat, please email Dean Cahill with the names of the individual(s) who need an ADA ticket and the name of the individual who needs an ADA companion ticket. All ADA-designated tickets, including the ADA companion ticket, count toward your six-ticket limit. One companion seat (a non-ADA ticketed individual can sit with an ADA ticketed member of your group) per student. Please note that we cannot guarantee that everyone will sit together.

Do graduating students need a ticket for themselves?

No, only guests need tickets.

Do children need a ticket?

Children under two may sit on someone's lap, while children two and older need their own seat and ticket. Please note that strollers cannot be brought into the auditorium, but they can be used up to the auditorium entrance, then parked nearby.

I won't be using all of my tickets. Can I give the remaining tickets to a fellow graduate?

Absolutely. Graduating students can forward tickets they don't intend to use to their classmates for their guests, or turn the tickets in to Dean Cahill's office for distribution to those seeking extra tickets. The name of the individual who holds the ticket does not matter. Only the unique check-in code for each ticket matters.

Can I reserve seats?

No. Seating is first-come, first-served. We cannot guarantee that everyone in a party will be able to sit together.

Can I get more tickets?

We understand that some students may want to secure additional tickets for their guests. If you want to request additional tickets, please email Dean Cahill with the number of tickets you are requesting. We will do everything we can to accommodate your request while focusing on safety and security.

Where should students and guests park?

Students and guests should park in Lots 4, 5, or 6. There will be greeters to help direct you where to go.

My guests cannot attend. Can they watch it online?

Yes, your ceremony will stream via the Law Commencement website.