Ceremony Day

All guests entering the arena will need a ticket. This applies to children of all ages, including infants in carriers.

Only mobile tickets are accepted. Forged, printed or photocopied tickets will not be honored. Support for accessing tickets is available inside the entrances at Gates 1 and 2. 

TU’s Arena Address is 7500 Osler Drive, Towson, MD.

To avoid traffic jams, we recommend that guests park at the Union Garage or the Glen Garage and then take a short shuttle ride directly to the entrance of TU Arena. This option requires the least amount of walking and standing. 

The printable campus map (PDF) and bus route planner are additional navigational resources. Information about Commencement day parking and transportation services may be found at Parking and Transportation Services Events.

Guests will enter through either Gate 2 (the main guest entrance) or Gate 1 (the mobility entrance).

Entrances open 90 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony.

Unless otherwise noted, volunteers should first check in at the Towson Center 234, then report to the location noted below.

Alternative Viewing Space Volunteer

• Location: Science Complex
• Contact: Robyn McCray 
• Report Directly to Science Complex 

Arena Assistant

• Location: Arena Floor, Section 111
• Contact: Matt Curio 

Concourse Assistant/Usher

• Location: Arena Concourse, Section 104 
• Contact: Liz Strauch 

Greeter Gate 1/2

• Location: Arena Concourse, Gate 2
• Contact: Allison Hunt

Outdoor Directional Assistant

• Location: Towson Center Lobby 
• Contact: Greg Primrose 

Mobility Transport

• Location: Towson Center Lobby 
• Contact: Greg Primrose 

Parking Assistant

• Location: Union Garage, 1^st Level  
• Contact: Jennifer Quinn 
• Report directly to Union Garage

Recessional Assistant

• Location: Towson Center Gym A 
• Contact: Jesse Herche 

Robing/Processional Assistant

• Location: Towson Center Gym A 
• Contact: Jesse Herche 

Shuttle Assistant

• Location: Union Garage, 1^st Level  
• Contact: Stephanie Ballam
• Report directly to Union Garage

Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. (for the 10 a.m. ceremony) and 1:30 p.m. (for the 3 p.m. ceremony) in the Towson Center and follow directional signage to the faculty robing area in the Athletic Lounge (on the first floor).

Please note: the faculty robing area is not secured during the ceremony to store belongings, so valuable items, as well as briefcases and handbags should be stored in your locked vehicle or left in another secure location. 

STAGE PARTY ARRIVAL

Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. (for the 10 a.m. ceremony) and 1:30 p.m. (for the 3 p.m. ceremony) in the TU Arena Multipurpose Room (on the third floor).

HOODING FACULTY ARRIVAL

The Office of Graduate Studies will provide information about a meeting location and a short rehearsal the prior to the ceremony.

SECURITY SCREENING

All ceremony participants are subject to security screening at the building entrance.

Electronic programs can be downloaded using the QR code on the jumbotron or in the printed sheet handed out upon entry. Graduates may request up to two keepsake printed programs for free that will be mailed two weeks following the ceremony.  

The graduates will be in alphabetical order when they process into the arena, alternating on each side. The jumbotron allows parents and guests to see all graduates well, despite not knowing which side they will enter the arena ahead of time. 

All seats in the upper deck are open and most seats below are open, except section 104, the top three rows of the black club seats and the concourse wheelchair accessible section. These are reserved for guests with disabilities and one companion.

Once the lower seating is full, guests will be directed to sit in the upper level. The elevators do not go to the upper level. 

There is no assigned seating in any section of the arena. Guests will be able to see everything well from any section.

Any seating that is being held or reserved by a guest must be released 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Seating in the accessible sections (section 104 and the black club level) can be held until the start of the ceremony.

• Shuttle buses will run continuously between the Union Garage and Towson Center an hour and a half before the ceremony, during the ceremony and an hour and a half after each ceremony. Regular shuttle routes will not be in operation.
• Wheelchair transport will be available to assist guests before, during and after each ceremony.
• Accessible seating will be located on the concourse level of TU Arena and is limited to individuals with disabilities and one additional guest. Wheelchair seating is available in the glass boxed area even with the concourse level. 
• Sign language interpreters will be available in section 104. These area are limited in seating. Please be courteous to other guests.
• A quiet and low-lighting alternate viewing space will be available for guests who may need a break during the ceremony. Event staff can provide access to guests as needed. Guests with sensory needs or health-associated challenges that may be impacted by a loud environment- with bright lights and big crowds- are encouraged to bring ear protection or items that may relieve stress or agitation.
• Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in accordance with university policy are allowed at the ceremony.  All other animals are prohibited. See the University Policy 06-18.00 for additional information.