Information for Families & Guests

Commencement affords an opportunity for family members and friends to celebrate the special accomplishments of a graduate's TU journey and the role that loved ones play in those successes.

Download the Commencement guide for details about when to make restaurant reservations after the ceremony, flower and gift vendors, programs, accessibility, and more.

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Prepare for Ceremony Day

Transportation and Parking

All Commencement ceremonies take place on the Towson University campus in the SECU Arena. Information about Commencement day parking and transportation services may be found at Parking and Transportation Services Events.

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 SECU Arena. This option requires the least amount of walking and standing.
All degree candidates will receive one parking pass for Lot 4, 5, or 8, which are in close proximity to the Towson Center Gym (where degree candidates must report 90 minutes before the ceremony.) This option requires walking long distances in some areas that are sloped or uphill.
Guests requiring handicap parking or mobility assistance must submit a guest accomodation request at least two weeks prior to the ceremonies.
Uber, Lyft, and taxis must drop off riders at the Union Garage. Ride services are not permitted to enter the stadium complex and lots near Towson Center or SECU Arena.

Tickets and Arrival

The SECU Arena will open 1.5 hours before the ceremony. Please be advised that any guest who enters the stadium will need a ticket, including infants and children (as required by the Fire Marshall). Anyone who attempts to enter the SECU Arena without a ticket will be denied entrance. Forged, reprinted, digital or photocopied tickets will not be honored. Please refer to the Tickets page for more information on this policy.

All bags will be checked prior to admittance to the Arena. We recommend carrying small bags to save time during bag check. While unopened bottles of water, small snack bags and fruit is permitted, please visit Safety & Security for information about prohibited items.
There will be seating available for families that need seating for mobility impaired and interpreter services.

tips for enjoying the ceremony

Doors open for guests 1.5 hours prior to the start of the ceremony.
In honor of the graduates and to limit disruptions before the ceremony ends, we ask that guests remain in their seats for the duration of the ceremony (approximately three hours).
Our wheelchairs cannot leave the Arena. We recommend that guests who have mobility challenges bring their own walkers and wheelchairs.
Mobility seating in the stadium is available to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Due to the number of guests requiring this seating, companion seating is limited to 1 per party in this area.
For safety reasons, guests should not block the aisles or passageways by attempting to greet or take photos with graduates.
At Commencement, all names are meant to be heard.
Guests who bring or use large umbrellas and large signs with sticks, fireworks, beach balls, balloons, air horns, bells or noisemakers will be asked to leave items at claim check.
All bags will be checked prior to admittance to the Arena. We recommend carrying small bags to save time during bag check. Unopened bottles of water will be permitted. Concessions are be available for cashless purchases throughout the Ceremony and located on both sides of the stadium. Please visit Safety & Security for information about inadmissible items.

International Guests

Towson University encourages the families of our international students to visit their student and the U.S. for vacation, graduation or any other reason. Visitors will likely need a B-2 visitor visa which is obtained through application at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Please note: All applications should check their specific U.S. Embassy website for a complete listing of visa application requirements.

Towson University students may send their relatives an invitation letter (see template letter provided by the International Students and Scholars Office).