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 04/12/24.
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 4/12/24.
Questions about regalia? Contact commencement AT_TOWSON
4
Claim ceremony tickets
There will be multiple releases to accommodate requests for tickets. In the initial release in May, you will be offered up to 5 (five) ceremony tickets
through the Commencement Account Manager.
The initial release will take place from May 1 until May 14. Any unclaimed tickets will be made available for a second ticket release.
In the second and final release on May 15, candidates may be able to access up to 5 (five) additional tickets. The quantity
of tickets available in the second release is contingent upon the remaining unclaimed
ticket availability and arena capacity.
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.