Below are some frequently asked questions about commencement at UB.
Is there a rehearsal?
We do not hold a rehearsal. But don’t worry! On the day of the ceremony we will have plenty of staff to assist you. A letter will be mailed to your home with complete instructions for the day of the ceremony. This letter will let you know where those in your degree program should go for line up instructions.
How long is the Ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.
Is there a dress code for the graduates or guests?
Most guests dress in business casual (women dresses, skirts or dress pants; men are in dress pants and ties). For graduates, please make sure you dress for the weather, but remember that you will be in your robes for several hours- dress for comfort.
Can I videotape or take pictures of the ceremony?
Guests can take pictures and/or take video of the ceremony, but they must do so from their seats and cannot block the view of those around them.
When can guests enter the Lyric?
Doors are to open for entry approximately an hour before the ceremony begins depending on the weather. Upon entering, seating for guests is on a first come first serve basis, once they have given their ticket to the usher. Please advise your guests to arrive to the ceremony ahead of time to ensure they will get their preferred seating location.
Where is parking available?
Parking will be available for graduates in their guests in the two garages below. Graduates’ student parking accounts will still be active on the day of the ceremony. We have arranged for guests to be able to park at discounted rate of $7.
Fitzgearld Garage
(Closest to the Lyric)
80 W Oliver St, Baltimore, MD 21217
Maryland Avenue Garage
1111 Maryland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201.
There is a limited number handicap parking available directly outside the Lyric and on Mount Royal Ave. If you choose to park on these streets, please be aware that all cars must be moved from these areas before 4:00 pm. Any car remaining after 4:00 pm 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.
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 ceremony. If you have items that need to be stored, you can leave them in the Student Center's second floor study lounge for the duration of the line-up and ceremony. There will be a Public Safety staff member there to watch the items.
I have a guest coming from another county. Can you provide a letter to the embassy to support their attendance?
Absolutely. In order to assist international guests with their travel arrangements for the spring 2013 Commencement Ceremony, the Office of Community Life provides commencement verification letters. If you have guests in need of a letter, please complete the Request Form. You must complete a separate form for each guest. Once your letter is complete, you will receive an email that it is ready for pick-up in the Academic Center room 112. These requests must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on April 15, 2013.
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. Your diploma will be mailed directly to your home address listed on your MyUB account. Or, you may leave your items with one of your guests.
Are Latin honors recognized during commencement?
Suma Cum Laude: 3.9 GPA and Above
Magna Cum Laude: 3.75
Cum Laude: 3.5
As final grades will not have not been submitted before the ceremony, current coursework cannot be considered when making the honors determination for ceremony and is 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 Records Office at 410.837.4825.