Have questions? We're here to help.
Here are the most frequently asked questions before, during and after the commencement ceremony.
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Do I have to apply to graduate?
Yes. Students must apply to graduate by the dates noted in the academic calendar for each semester. -
What name is announced at commencement and printed on my diploma?
The name used when you applied to the University is the name that will appear on your diploma and at commencement on your name card for announcement as you process across the stage. If you have had a legal name change and have not officially gone through the process with the Office of Records and Registration, please submit this form, as well as any supporting documentation. -
How do I obtain tickets and extra tickets?
The Law School utilizes electronic tickets through University Ticketing. When claiming tickets online through University Tickets, graduates can claim their allotted number of tickets and may also join a wait list for additional ceremony tickets. Once all tickets have been distributed, additional tickets (if available) will be awarded by random drawing to individuals on the wait list. IN addition, students may share their tickets with other members of the community. Please note that this is an unofficial process and the administration is not involved. Students who have earned extra tickets by volunteering for commencement in prior years will be able to claim those tickets through University Tickets. -
How do I obtain seating for an elderly or disabled guest?
An electronic format will be distributed to all graduates for accommodated seating request for elderly or disabled guests. The link is forthcoming.
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What should I do with my cap and gown after the ceremony?
Graduates should return the commencement gowns and hoods after the ceremony to the bookstore at the Fitzgerald garage. Graduates may keep the cap (tam) and tassle. -
What should I do with my personal belongings during the ceremony?
We encourage you to bring as little with you as possible on the day of the commencement as there will be no location to store these items during the ceremony. Graduates should not bring large purses to the robing area. -
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately three hours. A reception at the Law School will follow the ceremony. -
Where is parking available?
Parking will be available for graduates and their guests in the two garages below. Graduates’ student parking accounts will still be active on the day of the ceremony, and we have arranged for guests to be able to park at a discounted rate of $7.
Fitzgerald Garage
(closest to the Lyric)
80 W. Oliver St.Maryland Avenue Garage
1111 Maryland Ave.There are a limited number of disability parking spaces available directly outside of the Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric and on Mount Royal Avenue. If you choose to park on these streets, please be aware that all cars must be moved from these areas before 4 p.m. Any car remaining after that time may be towed. In order to avoid timing issues and to reduce stress before and after the ceremony, it is recommended for guests with difficulty walking to be dropped off outside of the Lyric and the driver to continue over to the Fitzgerald Garage to park
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When can guests enter the venue?
Doors at the Patricia and Arthur Model Performing Arts Center at The Lyric will open approximately one hour before the ceremony begins, depending on the weather. Upon entering, seating for guests is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please advise your guests to arrive to the ceremony ahead of time to ensure they will get their preferred seating location. -
Can guests take pictures or video of the ceremony?
Guests can take pictures and video of the ceremony, but they must do so from their seats and cannot block the view of those around them. -
Are Latin honors recognized during commencement?
Since final grades will not yet be submitted, current coursework cannot be considered when making the honors determination for the program and ceremony. Therefore, Latin honors are assigned using the student’s record from the previous semester. The final designation earned will be awarded based on the student’s entire record and will appear the official transcript and diploma. For more information about honors, contact the Office of the University Registrar at 410.837.4825.
Latin Honors
Suma Cum Laude: 3.750 GPA and above
Magna Cum Laude: 3.500
Cum Laude: 3.250 -
I have a guest coming from another country. Can you provide a supporting letter?
Absolutely. In order to assist international guests with their B-2 Visitor visa applications and travel arrangements to attend the commencement ceremony, the university provides courtesy letters for them to present at a US embassy or consulate overseas.
Please email the following information for each guest to Kara Kauffman, Director, Office of International Services, at kkauffman2@ubalt.edu.
1. First/given name.
2. Last/family name.
3. Relationship to you.
4. Date of birth, if known.
5. Country of birth.
6. Country of citizenship.
7. City in which they will apply for a B-2 visa.After your letter is prepared, it will scanned and emailed to you.
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When will I receive my diploma?
Students do not receive their diploma at the commencement ceremony. It takes several weeks for final grades to be posted, accounts to be checked, etc. Diplomas will be mailed to students at the address listed on MyUB approximately 6-8 weeks after the ceremony.
Questions? Contact:
Office of Records and Registration
records@ubalt.edu
410.837.4825 -
How do I get photos from commencement?
Within a few weeks of graduation, you will receive information directly from the photography company that includes photo proofs and order information. There are no photographers on campus at any time before graduation day.
Questions? Contact:
Andrew Foster Photography
www.afimages.com
443.519.3253 -
How do I get DVDs from commencement?
The Office of Technology Services can provide a copy of a webcast in DVD format for a fee of $5 so long as you provide a DVD disc.
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How do I apply for an Alumni Bee Card?
Don't forget to apply for the Alumni Bee Card, your official alumni identification that gives you:
- access to use the library and recreation center(additional fees and rates may apply)
- a discount at Barnes & Noble at the University of Baltimore
- a discount at participating local restaurants.
Questions? Contact:
Office of Alumni Relations
alumni@ubalt.edu
410.837.6131