There are many things degree candidates need to know to prepare for the ceremonies. Review below for the six steps degree candidates must follow and frequently asked questions.
Commencement events are the congratulatory ceremonies hosted by university officials in which degree candidates (students who have applied to graduate at the end of their final semester) are publicly and formally recognized for their accomplishments as members of an academic community.
Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree after successfully completing credit hours and other degree requirements. Actual diplomas are not awarded at Commencement ceremonies and participation in the ceremonies is not a guarantee of degree completion.
Winter Ceremony Registration will be open until November 18, 2019. Students who have applied for Graduation will receive a registration link via email.
Electronic correspondence regarding graduation and Commencement is sent only to degree candidate TU email accounts. Degree candidates are responsible for information sent to them via their TU email.
You must complete all of your degree requirements in order to apply for graduation and participate in Commencement. You must submit an official Graduation Application through the “Student Center.” The deadline and instructions for applying can be found on Applying to Graduate. If you have questions about your graduation status please contact the Graduation Office at 410-704-2095 or graduation AT_TOWSON.
Note: If you apply for graduation after the stated deadline, your name may not appear in the Commencement program.
Attending your academic college's Commencement ceremony is an optional activity. If you choose to participate in your ceremony, you must register your attendance online to ensure your seat and the availability of guest tickets. The registration site will open approximately 10 weeks before the ceremonies and eligible candidates will receive an email with registration instructions. As a reminder, only degree candidates who have been approved for graduation by the Graduation Office are permitted to register for Commencement. If you have questions about registration to participate in a Commencement Ceremony contact the Office of the Provost at 410-704-4498 or commencement AT_TOWSON.
Note: The Commencement registration site for Winter 2019 ceremonies will open soon. Students will be sent an email with instructions.
After you have successfully registered for Commencement, you may purchase a cap and gown. After submitting your registration form, you will be sent a unique link to order your regalia online. You can elect to pick up your regalia at TU Grad Fair or have your order shipped to your home address. Failure to purchase regalia (or to seek approval from the University Store to use regalia borrowed from a prior semester's graduate) will lead to cancellation of your commencement registration and you will be ineligible to participate in a ceremony and receive ceremony tickets. See Ceremony Attire for additional information.
Only degree candidates who have registered for Commencement are permitted to obtain a cap and gown. The deadline for the early bird pricing is November 18th. The final deadline for regular pricing is December 5th. Orders made online may be picked up at the TU Grad Fair on December 4 - 5, 11am - 5pm or shipped to your desired address. See University Store flier.
Special Note: The deadline for doctoral students to rent regalia will be announced. If you plan to purchase a custom doctoral gown and tam, the deadline to place your order will be announced. Your hood will provided to you by the Office of Graduate Studies.
TU Grad Fair is a fun and celebratory event that provides graduating students and/or their family members the opportunity to order graduation merchandise like announcements, class rings, and diploma frames; connect with campus resources for graduating students, socialize with Doc and fellow degree candidates, win prizes and grab a snack.
Grad Fair will be held on December 4th and December 5th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the University Union, Second Floor.
Only degree candidates who have registered for Commencement and purchased a cap and gown by the deadline will be able to access and print ceremony tickets. Every student who registers for Commencement and purchases a cap and gown is guaranteed a predetermined amount of tickets for guests. Dates and instructions for accessing tickets can be found on Tickets.
Complete the First Destination Survey here for your chance to win four (4) extra commencement tickets. Deadline to complete the survey and be entered into the drawing is December 12th at midnight. Multiple winners will be selected! One entry per student. Winners will be notified via email. Results remain confidential
Note: Please remember to print and give your guests their tickets in advance of the ceremonies. As a reminder, all guests (including infants and children as required by the Fire Marshal) will need a ticket to attend, so please plan accordingly.
Read the Commencement Day Guide to learn what you should expect before, during and after the ceremony.
If you are a candidate with a disability who will require accommodation at the ceremony, please specify this when completing your commencement registration form. A university representative will follow-up to your request via email.
No. Candidates who complete double majors may select one preferred ceremony to participate in Commencement. To provide space for all degree candidates who are eligible to attend a Commencement ceremony, undergraduate candidates completing double majors are not permitted to participate in two ceremonies.
The deadlines to apply for graduation are well-publicized by the Graduation Office. While graduation applications are processed after the deadline, only those degree candidates who apply prior to the stated deadline(s) are guaranteed to have their names published in the Commencement program due to the lengthy proofing and printing processes.
The university will mail a parking permit for Lots 13/14 (located outside Johnny Unitas Stadium) to each degree candidate approximately 3 weeks before the ceremony. It is the degree candidate's responsibility to ensure that the mailing address provided when registering for Commencement is accurate as this address will be used to mail the parking pass.
Review your Commencement Day Guide for ceremony day instructions and FAQ's.
Diplomas will be mailed to your permanent address on file. Please be sure to go to your Student Center to ensure that the permanent address on file is accurate. You may check with the Graduation Office for information about the diploma mailing schedules.
Please be advised that fraudulent activity or misrepresentation of information or
eligibility to participate in commencement may result in disciplinary action through
the TU Office of Student Conduct and Civility Education.