Graduation FAQs
What day is graduation?
Graduation for summer and fall 2009 graduates will be held on Sunday, January 10th, 2010, 1:00 pm at the Lyric Theater.
I’m not sure I want to participate in the ceremony. What do I do?
Participation in the commencement ceremony is not mandatory, but we encourage you to join your fellow graduates in a great event! You have until November 24th to make your decision. You must register to graduate (on line at MyUB or at the Records Office) by this date if you wish to participate in the ceremony. You may still register to graduate as a fall 2009 graduate after that date, but you will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
I am not an on-campus student (web-only program, Shady Grove, etc.). How can I take care of what needs to be done for commencement?
Cap and gowns can be ordered on-line at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation. The package will be send directly to your home. Please give us a call (410.837.5429) or email (studentaffairs@ubalt.edu) to request that your tickets and announcements be mailed. These options are availabe to any student -- on campus or off.
How many tickets may I receive?
All guests entering the theater will need to have a ticket, including children. Tickets will be distributed from October 12th through November 20th. You may pick your tickets up at the Grad Fair, at the Information Desk at the entrance of the Student Center, or request to have your tickets mailed to you. Each graduate will receive five (5) tickets. You are not guaranteed tickets if you do not make arrangements to receive them by November 20th.
What about extra tickets?
After November 20th, we will calculate the number of students marching versus the number of seats available in the Lyric and make a decision as to whether we can release extras. IF we have extras, everyone will be eligible to pick them up (or request they be mailed) between Monday, November 30th and Friday, December 11th. This is NOT a first-come, first served situation. There is no need to get to campus early, camp out, etc.
Do children need a ticket?
Everyone coming into the Lyric needs a ticket. This includes babies or young children who may be ‘lap-sitters.’ As you might expect, commencement day is extremely busy and crowded. Because of this, you might think twice before bringing especially young children.
I am a guest of a graduate. May I obtain a ticket directly?
Tickets must be obtained through the graduate.
I have guests that can't make it that day. Are there options for them?
The UB commencement ceremony is webcast so that graduates' family and friends may be a part of the celebration even through they cannot attend the actual ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, you'll find a link on the university's main webpage (www.ubalt.edu) that will activate just before the ceremony begins. You will be able to view the ceremony in total from at this link.
Approximately, 2-3 days after the ceremony, you will be able to find the streamlined video available on the university website as well.
How much are caps and gowns?
The complete Master's set (cap, gown, hood) is $76.98. The complete Bachelor's set (cap and gown) is $40.98.
How do I get my cap and gown?
You need to order your cap and gown through the UB Bookstore. At Grad Fair 2009, you will be able to purchase your cap and gown and get it that day. You may also order these, as well as other graduation related items, at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation through November 25th. If you have not ordered your garb by November 25th you'll need to wait until the week before Commencement. At that time, you'll need to go into to Bookstore to purchase your items directly. No online orders will be taken between November 25th and January 3rd. If you wait to purchase your cap and gown until the week before the ceremony there will be a $10 late fee.
Is there a dress code for the graduates? For guests?
Dress for the day is considered 'dressy.' Most women wear dresses, skirts or dress pants; men are in dress pants and ties. Please make sure you dress for the weather, but remember, you will be in your robes for several hours, so be comfortable.
What time do I need to be on campus the day of the ceremony?
You will need to be on campus no later than 11:30am the day of the ceremony in order to organize, receive directions, etc. You’ll receive specific directions about the day during the first week of December. This information will tell you where you need to be at 11:30. Students will organize in four groups: undergraduate liberal arts, graduate liberal arts, undergraduate business, graduate business. Each group will meet at a different location on campus.
Where can I leave my jacket and other personal items during the ceremony?
We encourage you to bring as little with you as possible the day of the ceremony. If you have items that need to be stored, you can leave them in the Student Center, 2nd 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.
When is rehearsal?
We do not hold a rehearsal. But don’t worry! We’ll have plenty of faculty marshals as well as assistants to help everyone get organized. Specific directions about the day will be sent to your home during the first week of December letting you know where those in your degree program should go to organize, parking information, etc.
How long is the ceremony?
Generally, the ceremony lasts no longer than about two hours.
Where is the Lyric Theater?
The Lyric is located at 110 W. Mount Royal Ave., just across the street from campus.
Is there a professional photographer? Can I order pictures and/or a DVD?
NorthEast Photo Network serves as the official photographer for our ceremony. Information about their services will be available at the Grad Fair. The company will also be sending a mailing directly to you. NorthEast will take formal portraits on:
October 13th: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm - Student Center 402A
December 9th: 3:00 -7:00 pm - Academic Center Student Lounge
December 10th: 3:00 - 7:00 pm - Academic Center Student Lounge
Day of the ceremony: 9:30 - 11:30 am - Student Center, Room 301
Photos are also taken of graduates as they accept their scroll and exit the stage. You’ll receive information after the ceremony about how to review your photos on-line. NorthEast serves as the official videographer and will record the ceremony.
Call Northeast at 410.789.6001 for additional information.
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.
How can I check to see how my name will appear on my diploma?
Diplomas are ordered with the name as it appears on your student records. You can check this by accessing your MyUB account. If there are questions or concerns, contact the Records Office at 410.837.4825.
When do I get 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. Youi will be notified by the Records Office about four weeks after the ceremony that your diploma is ready for pick up. If you cannot pick it up, contact the Records Office at 410.837.4825 to confirm your address for mailing.
What happens if I’m graduating with honors?
Honors designations (cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude) are awarded to undergraduate students. The designations appearing in the Commencement program and those read as students are presented on-stage, are based on grades earned through spring 2009. Final Honors earned will appeal on the official transcript and on the diploma. For more information about honors, contact the Records Office, 410.837.4825.
Please remember that honors are calculated by more than just GPA. You must have earned at least 48 credits at the University of Baltimore and not repeated any classes.
I have a family member who is disabled? What can be done?
Anyone needing special accommodations, either for themselves or for a family member or guest, should contact the Dean of Students Office at 410.837.5429 or at studentaffairs@ubalt.edu.
How is the date for commencement selected?
A numer of things are considered when selecting the date for the commencement ceremony -- the last day of finals, holidays and/or any days during which the university is closed, as well as dates available at the Lyric.
How are the student speakers selected?
The School of Business and the College of Liberal Arts each choose a student speaker, alternating between a graduate student and undergraduate student. Each school has a different process, but each look for students who have exceptional grade point averages, have shown strong interest, and are able to articulate about which they would like to speak.
I don't see my question here.
Contact the Student Affairs Office at 410.837.5429 or email us at studentaffairs@ubalt.edu.