Congratulations, Class of 2027!
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is pleased to honor the class of 2027 over two celebration-filled weekends this coming spring:
- May 14–15: Doctoral Hooding Ceremony and Commonwealth Honors College Celebration of Excellence
- May 21–23: Undergraduate Ceremony, Master’s and Education Specialist Ceremony, Senior Recognition Ceremonies
2027 Commencement Dates
During the degree conferral ceremonies, we will hear words of inspiration from university leaders, welcome honored guests, applaud the student speakers, and cheer for our graduates as degrees are conferred. Be sure to review the complete schedule of ceremonies, including the senior recognition ceremonies for undergraduates.
Doctoral Hooding
All doctoral candidates
10 a.m.
Mullins Center
This is a ticketed event. This event will be livestreamed; a link will appear at the top of the Commencement homepage on May 15.
Master's and Education Specialist Commencement Ceremony
All master's and education specialist degree candidates
9 a.m.
Mullins Center
This is a ticketed event. This event will be livestreamed; a link will appear at the top of the Commencement homepage on May 21.
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
All bachelor's degree candidates
5 p.m.
McGuirk Alumni Stadium
Tickets are not required for this ceremony. This event will be livestreamed; a link will appear at the top of this website on May 21.
Stockbridge School of Agriculture Ceremony
Associate degree candidates
3 p.m.
Bowker Auditorium
Tickets are not required for this ceremony.
Visa Request Letters
The Office of Community Relations and University Events will provide letter(s) of support for students who wish to have family member(s) living abroad attend Commencement ceremonies. If you would like a letter of support to supplement your guests’ visa applications to a U.S. embassy, please click and review the instructions below carefully before submitting your request.
Questions? Contact Us
Is Commencement the same as graduation?
They are closely related, but not quite the same. Graduation is the fulfillment of your degree requirements, while Commencement is the ceremony that honors that achievement.
Which office can best assist me with questions about graduation or Commencement?
For questions regarding the Undergraduate Ceremony, Master’s and Education Specialist Ceremony, Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, academic regalia (caps, gowns, hoods, and tams), guest experience, and traveling to campus, contact Community Relations and University Events at @email or 413-577-1101.
For questions regarding the undergraduate senior recognition ceremonies, where bachelor’s degree candidates’ names are read as they cross the stage, contact your school or college directly.
For questions related to graduation, degree completion, eligibility, etc., undergraduate students should contact their academic advisors and/or the University Registrar’s Office, and graduate students should contact the Graduate School as outlined on the contact us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
On our frequently asked questions page, we answer the most common inquiries we've received about commencement. If you don't see your question or find your answer there, please check the contact us page.
If you aren't sure or you need more information, please contact the Office of Community Relations and University Events at 413-577-1101 or @email and we will refer you to the best campus partner for your question.