Graduates
Ensure that you’re eligible and prepare to participate in Commencement.
This page contains information about eligibility, applying, getting tickets and downloading the app. To learn how to prepare for the day once you have been approved, visit Graduate Checklist.
Eligibility to participate
Graduation is the conferral of a degree after you complete your academic program and all requirements are verified as having been met. You must submit an application to and be approved by the Graduation Office to participate in Commencement.
Commencement is the ceremony which celebrates the completion of your degree requirements. Participation in Commencement does not guarantee that your degree will be awarded. Commencement is overseen by the Office of the Provost.
When to participate
| complete degree requirements | ATTEND commencement |
|---|---|
| In the summer semester | Attend a winter ceremony |
| In the fall semester | Attend a winter ceremony |
| In the minimester | Attend a spring ceremony |
| In the spring semester | Attend a spring ceremony |
How to participate
Electronic correspondence regarding Commencement is sent only to TU email accounts. Degree candidates are responsible for information sent to them via their TU email.
Candidates who complete double majors will be assigned to one 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.
If you would prefer to attend the alternate major/college’s ceremony, please contact the Office of the Provost at commencement AT_TOWSON.
This page addresses the steps that graduates should take before Commencement Day. For day-of details, visit our graduate checklist.
1
Apply to graduate
Submit an official Graduation Application through the “Student Dashboard.” The deadline and instructions for applying can be found on Applying to Graduate.
2
Register for your college’s ceremony
Those who are approved to graduate will be sent registration instructions through Marching Order, the ceremony registration system. This information will be sent to your TU email address (check spam/junk) mid-semester. The deadline to register for Commencement is 11/15/24.
3
Purchase your regalia
After registering for your commencement ceremony, you will receive a confirmation email. In that confirmation email, there will be a link to order your regalia. The deadline to order your regalia is 11/15/24.
Questions about regalia? Contact commencement AT_TOWSON
4
Claim ceremony tickets
Tickets will be released to graduates in early December. All graduates will be offered ceremony tickets through the Commencement Account Manager.
Please note: tickets are not guaranteed unless claimed through this process.
Questions about tickets? Contact tuticketoffice AT_TOWSON.
5
Plan for accommodations
TU makes several accommodations for persons with disabilities attending Commencement. Graduates with disability related needs should submit a request when completing their ceremony registration form.
6
Download the app
Download the Commencement guide for important notifications and information about every aspect of the ceremonies including flower and gift vendors, programs, tassels, tickets, accessibility and more. You can even submit a question through the guide.
Cap Decoration Guidelines
- Decorations must be two-dimensional and located on the top of the cap within the parameters of the mortarboard.
- No modification of or decoration of the area under the mortarboard and/or skullcap is permitted.
- Decorations must lay flat on the surface of the cap.
- Decorations cannot extend beyond the border of the cap or fall below the perimeter.
- Decorations may extend no more than one inch upwards from the top of the mortar board.
- Decorations may not impede the operation of the tassel or skullcap.
These guidelines exist to:
- Ensure candidate safety when negotiating stairs and routes
- Provide unobstructed views for ceremony participants and guests
- Maintain a university climate that is grounded in respect, civility and inclusion
The university reserves the right to request that degree candidates change inappropriate attire, including but not limited to caps, before they participate in the Commencement ceremony.