Commencement
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Commencement?
See the Commencement main page for
the date and time of each college ceremony.
2. What time should graduates arrive?
Graduates should arrive no later than one hour before the start of the ceremony in order to robe and line up before the processional.
3. What time should guests arrive?
We recommend that you arrive early to allow time for traffic and parking. The lots will open 1 hour and a half prior to the start of the ceremony and doors to the arena will open 1 hour prior to the start of the ceremony at which time you may find a seat.
4. How do I order my cap and gown?
See the University Store's Web site for details about ordering caps and gowns.
5. How many tickets do I get for my ceremony and where do I get them?
Each graduate who orders a cap
and gown by November 13, 2009 gets six tickets. They'll be in your Commencement Instruction packet when you
pick up your cap and gown at the University Store, or when you receive your cap and gown in the mail.
6. Can I get extra tickets?
Attendance at each ceremony
is expected to be high and parking is limited. Requests for up to three additional Commencement tickets will be processed in the University Store during cap and gown pick-up. Additional ticket requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
7. Who needs a ticket to get in?
All guests entering the arena will need a ticket. This applies to children of all ages, including infants in carriers. Graduates themselves will not need a ticket.
8. Can my family reserve seats?
Any seating that is being held/reserved in the arena must be released 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to seat other guests.
9. What should I wear under my cap and gown?
Appropriate business attire should be worn beneath the regalia and you should wear shoes that you feel comfortable walking across stage in. Shorts and tennis shoes are not recommended. Those who are not dressed properly will be asked to leave the assembly area and will not be allowed to participate.
Note: If you do not have proper academic regalia, you
cannot participate in Commencement ceremonies. If you already have
a cap and gown, you must obtain approval to wear them from appropriate
staff in the University Store. The University Store site provides more information.
10. Can I wear cords and medallions with my cap and gown?
Graduation cords can be worn at Commencement if they represent high academic achievement and not simply membership in a student organization, athletic team, or fraternity/sorority.
11. Do I need a permit to park on the day of Commencement?
One "Commencement" permit will be issued to each graduate with their cap and gown. Commencement permits are required to park in lots 19, 20 and 21. Towson Center parking lots 13 and 14 will be available for guest parking. No permits will be required for these lots.
12. Will there be handicap parking?
Handicapped parking for individuals with valid state issued handicapped permits/plates will be available in lot 21 next to the Towson Center and lot 13 once the lot is full. There will also be a Para transit vehicle equipped to transport special needs individuals from their car to the arena if they must park farther away. Please let the lot attendant know if you wish to use this vehicle.
13. Will I be able to drop off passengers at the curb?
Vehicles will NOT be permitted near the Towson Center to drop off passengers. Individuals must park in their designated areas and ride the shuttle or walk to the Towson Center.
14. Will I have to walk far once I park?
Shuttle buses will run continuously between lots 13 and 14 and the Towson Center to transport guests from the parking areas. The shuttle buses will run 1.5 hours before and after each ceremony.
For more information, see the Parking and Transportation Services Commencement Web page or call 410-704-PARK.
15. Can my family bring signs or noisemakers to cheer for me?
NO. The Commencement ceremony is a traditional academic ritual. This means: no signs, no fireworks, no bottles, no beach balls, no cans, no noisemakers, etc.
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