MAIN CEREMONY
At a Glance
- Rain Date
- Location
- SECU Stadium
- Key times
-
Gates open:
Student processional:
- Weather update
Due to safety concerns related to the forecast for severe weather on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the main Commencement ceremony will move to its planned alternative date on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Rain is still in the forecast, please be prepared! Umbrellas are not permitted inside SECU Stadium. Please review our permitted and prohibited items list prior to your arrival. Don’t forget the SECU Stadium clear bag policy.
About the Ceremony
The main commencement ceremony is the highlight of each Terp’s academic journey! On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the University of Maryland will host the main commencement ceremony at SECU Stadium, where we will come together to honor the hard work, resilience, and achievements of Terp graduates. The main ceremony will feature our commencement speaker, president, and other notable speakers and honorees. Students will be recognized as a group with their school or college.
Graduate Arrival
Graduate Arrival Location
Graduates should arrive at Cole Field House historic entrance (at the intersection of Campus Drive and Union Lane) no later than the time listed below.
Graduate Arrival Times
|
Arrival Time
4:30 p.m.
|
Arrival Time
5 p.m.
|
|---|---|
|
ARCH
|
AGNR
|
|
ARHU
|
CMNS
|
|
BMGT
|
EDUC
|
|
BSOS
|
JOUR
|
|
ENGR
|
ROTC
|
|
INFO
|
SPHL
|
|
PLCY
|
UGST
|
Schedule
Thursday, May 21, 2026 (Rain Date)
- 5 p.m.Gates OpenSECU Stadium
- 6 p.m.Student Processional BeginsSECU Stadium
Speakers & Honorees
- PresidentDarryll J. PinesA special message from President Pines to the graduating class of 2026.
- Commencement SpeakerDr. Jeanette EppsNASA astronaut, Dr. Jeanette Epps, will speak at the 2026 main commencement ceremony.
- Honorary Degree RecipientCourtney Clark Pastrick
- Honorary Degree RecipientJohnny Holliday
- Student SpeakerJason Laucel ’26
- University MedalistNoora Ghahremani ’26
- Alumni Association PresidentBert Williams ’96The University of Maryland Alumni Association President Bert Williams ’96's message to the graduating class of 2026.
- Senior MarshalsEighty-six graduating University of Maryland students have been named 2026 senior marshals in recognition of their outstanding scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement and personal growth.
Tickets
Each graduate is eligible to claim six guest tickets and one personal ticket to the main ceremony.
Tickets will be available to claim at 10 a.m. on April 13, 2026 until 4 p.m. on May 11th. Claims are made via the Athletics student ticket site. Graduates should visit the "Sign In as Student" link to claim their tickets.
Guest tickets for SECU stadium are General Admission; guests will claim seats on a first-come first-serve basis upon arrival to the seats.
Learn more about the mobile ticketing system and how to transfer your tickets to guests on the Athletics Mobile Ticketing page.
Bag Policy
Be prepared for the main ceremony by reviewing the bag policy before arrival.
Graduates
- Clutch-sized bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted and do not have to be clear.
- Backpacks and bags larger than 4.5"x6.5" are prohibited.
- Graduates are encouraged to bring empty personal water bottles and snacks. Water filling stations will be available.
Guests
- Clear bags no larger than 12"x12"x6" are permitted. They will be searched, which can delay entry, so we recommend avoiding bags if possible.
- Backpacks are prohibited.
- Guests may bring empty personal water bottles.
- Outside food and drink is prohibited unless medically necessary. Concessions will be available at SECU Stadium.
Prohibited Items
-
Artificial Noisemakers
-
Balloons
-
Dangerous or Disruptive Behavior
-
Fireworks / Firearms
-
Flammables of any kind
-
Illegal Substances
-
Laser Pointers
-
Outside Food or Drink of any kind*
-
Pass-Outs / Re-Entry
-
Pets*
-
Resale of Ticket
-
Sign Poles or Sign Sticks
-
Signage, Apparel or other Items that display, depict or represent recognizable symbols and/or words, including nooses and swastikas, that incite, intimidate, or threaten members of the University of Maryland community.
-
Skateboards / Bicycles
-
Smoking
-
Soliciting / Loitering / Trespassing
-
Strollers
-
Umbrellas
-
Video Cameras
-
Weapons (both real and facsimiles)
-
Any other items or actions deemed dangerous or disruptive to the fan experience
*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.
Security & What to Bring
Graduates will be screened with metal detection upon arrival. Please be aware that there are no secure storage locations for any personal items during the ceremony. Graduates should carry all personal items, or leave them off-site.
As a general rule, graduates should bring only necessary items they can carry with them throughout the ceremony.
-
Your Digital Ticket
-
Regalia
-
Comfortable Shoes
-
Water Bottle - Water will be provided during the processional lineup.
-
Sunscreen