Everything you need to know for Spring Commencement

By Rebecca Kirkman on May 23, 2023

This week, Towson University welcomes more than 3,100 new alumni over three days of 2023 Spring Commencement ceremonies recognizing more than 2,500 undergraduate, 600 graduate and 38 doctoral students. 

Among them are 133 Honors College students, 67 student-athletes and 30 military-affiliated students.

The final day of TU’s 2023 Spring Commencement celebrations begins on Fri., May 26, at 10 a.m. with the College of Fine Arts & Communication ceremony. TU will celebrate the conferral of 543 degrees—509 undergraduate and 34 graduate degrees. 

The celebration concludes at 3 p.m. with the ceremony for graduates in the Fisher College of Science & Mathematics (FCSM). It recognizes the conferral of 674 degrees—518 undergraduate, 152 master’s and post-baccalaureate certificates and four doctoral degrees.  

Below, find all the information you need for the ceremonies. 

TU Events App: Your One-Stop-Shop for Commencement Information 

Get immediate answers to your frequently asked questions and tips for graduates, families, faculty and staff in the new TU Commencement Guide. 

Full Ceremony Schedule 

Wednesday, May 24 

• 10 a.m.— College of Business & Economics (University Commencement) 
• 3 p.m. — College of Liberal Arts 

Thursday, May 25 

• 10 a.m. — College of Education 
• 3 p.m. — College of Health Professions 

Friday, May 26 

• 10 a.m. — College of Fine Arts & Communication 
• 3 p.m. — Fisher College of Science & Mathematics 

Ceremonies range from 90 minutes to two hours in duration depending on the number of graduates. The largest, and typically longest, ceremonies are the College of Liberal Arts, College of Health Professions and Fisher College of Science & Mathematics. 

Livestream 

A livestream will be available on the Commencement website beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony to accommodate family members/friends who are unable to attend. Additionally, all ceremonies will be posted on TU’s YouTube channel approximately one week after the last ceremony. Ceremony videos will also be posted on the Commencement website. 

Parking 

All Commencement ceremonies take place on the Towson University campus in SECU Arena.  

All degree candidates will receive one parking pass for Lot 4, 5 or 8, which are near the Towson Center gym. Degree candidates should arrive 90 minutes before their ceremony. Because parking will be limited, degree candidates and their guests are strongly encouraged to carpool in the vehicle with the Commencement permit. This option requires walking longer distances in some areas that are sloped or uphill. 

To avoid traffic jams, guests should park at the Union or Glen garages and take a short shuttle ride directly to the entrance of SECU Arena. This option requires the least amount of walking and standing. Shuttles typically run every 3–5 minutes before and after ceremonies and every 15–20 minutes between ceremonies. 

Uber, Lyft and taxis must drop off riders at Union Garage. Drop-offs are not permitted within the athletic complex.  

For more parking information, visit Parking and Transportation Services Events. 

Program 

TU is committed to addressing climate change and creating a more sustainable future. To reduce waste, the 2023 Spring Commencement program will be provided in a digital format at the ceremony and via the Commencement website. Graduating students may submit an online request (TUID log-in) for up to two complimentary printed programs for delivery after Commencement. 

For Graduates  

Print your guest tickets, which you received via email, and share parking and transportation information with your guests. Make sure they have their tickets before you head to the graduate robing area. 

Graduates should check into the robing area in the Towson Center gym at 8:30 a.m. for morning ceremonies and 1:30 p.m. for afternoon ceremonies. 

Be sure to: 

• Bring your ceremony attire: gown, hood if a master’s candidate, cap and tassel.
• Wear comfortable shoes (graduates must travel one mile from the robing area to SECU Arena during the processional).
• Bring your ID and phone.
• Leave large bags, coats, umbrellas, etc. at home. Only bags smaller than 10 inches by 10 inches are permitted. 

For Families and Guests 

Doors open for guests 1.5 hours prior to the start of each ceremony. Any guest entering the stadium needs a ticket, including infants and children. In honor of the graduates and to limit disruptions, guests must remain in their seats for the duration of the ceremony. 

For the safety of all, bags will be checked prior to admittance to SECU Arena, and metal detectors operated by security staff will check guests prior to event entrance. Please arrive leaving adequate time for safety procedures. Unopened bottles of water will be permitted. Large umbrellas, signs with sticks, fireworks, beach balls, balloons, air horns, bells or noisemakers must be left at claim check. 

Seating in SECU Arena is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

At Commencement, all names are meant to be heard. Please be kind and courteous with your applause when you hear your student’s name so that all names can be heard. 

Concessions are available for cashless purchases throughout the ceremony on both sides of the arena. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the graduate recessional returns to the student robing area in the Towson Center. Families and guests may meet graduates in the courtyard between the Towson Center and SECU Arena. 

For Faculty 

Faculty and the administration of each college play an important role in the planning and execution of Commencement. Information about the colleges' lead marshals and other key details related to faculty participants can be found in one central location. 

For Volunteers  

Staff volunteers, many of whom are TU alumni, play a central part in making Commencement ceremonies the happiest days of the year on campus. Learn more about volunteering. 

Ceremony Accessibility  

Towson University makes accommodations for persons with disabilities attending Commencement, including accessible parking and paratransit service, wheelchair transport, accessible seating, live captioning, interpreter services and allowance for service animals. Find more details about specific accommodations. 

Celebrate with #TUproud 

We couldn’t be more #TUproud of our graduates! Follow us as we highlight the ceremonies on social media. And when you share your photos and videos, be sure to tag Towson University and use #TUproud for the chance to be featured.