Graduates should arrive at 8:30am for the morning ceremony and 1:30pm for the afternoon ceremony.
3. What time should guests arrive?
We recommend that you arrive early to allow time for traffic and parking. The arena will be open to guest at 8:30am for morning ceremonies and 1:30pm for afternoon ceremonies.
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 byApril 19 will be guaranteed FOUR tickets, additional information to follow. 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. In order to pick up the cap, gown, and tickets, graduates will need to present their Towson University One Card.
6. Can I get extra tickets?
See the Tickets, Name Cards, Programs & Diplomas page for further information.
7. What if I do not currently have a Towson University One Card?
Graduates will need a One Card in order to pick up their cap, gown, and tickets as well as pick up additional tickets for Commencement. Graduates can request a One Card at the Auxiliary Services Business Office. Additional information including hours of operation can be found at the following link:
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.
9. 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.
10. 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 permitted. 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 by April to wear them from appropriate
staff in the University Store. The University Store site provides more information.
11. 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.
12. Do I need a permit to park on the day of Commencement?
A Commencement permit or a state issued handicapped permit/license plate is required to have access to any of the parking lots located near the Towson Center. This includes lots 13, 14, 19, and 21. Individuals who do not have a commencement permit or a handicapped permit/plate must park in the Union Garage. No permits will be required for the Union garage. One "Commencement" permit will be issued to each graduate with their cap and gown.
13. 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. Individuals with handicapped permits/plates should follow the posted signs and use the 2nd entrance on Auburn Drive to access the area for handicapped parking. 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.
14. Will I be able to drop off passengers at or near the Towson Center?
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.
15. Will I have to walk far once I park?
Those with Graduation permits will park in lots 13 and 14 and will have a short walk on a flat path. Please follow the posted signs in the lots to the Towson Center. For those who park at the Union garage, shuttle buses will run continuously between the Union Garage and the Towson Center. Please follow the posted signs to the shuttle stop located on Cross Campus Drive. 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.
16. 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 balloons, no noisemakers, etc.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
