View from commencement ceremony stage

Get ready to celebrate the Class of 2023!

Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremony

Friday, May 26, 2023 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium

UMass Amherst is pleased to announce that the university has re-envisioned this year’s observance so the campus can celebrate the entire Class of 2023—both undergraduate and graduate students—at one ceremony on Friday, May 26, 2023 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium

In addition, graduates will also be honored at a variety of special events. Immediately following Commencement on May 26, a Hooding Ceremony will be held at the stadium for doctoral candidates. Later in the day on Friday and throughout Saturday, Senior Recognition Ceremonies will be held across campus by schools, colleges and other university programs, where undergraduates can have their names called and walk across a stage to be individually recognized. 

On Saturday, May 27, the Stockbridge School of Agriculture will conduct its Associate Degrees Commencement at 11 a.m. in Bowker Auditorium. 

A special Master's Celebration will be held on Friday, May 12 at the Mullins Center. Graduate students who have earned a master’s or an education specialist degree will have their names called and walk across a stage to be individually recognized. 

Schedule

Grads

Undergraduate

Undergraduates seated at commencement ceremony at the stadium

Masters & Doctoral

Graduate students processing into commencement ceremony at the stadium

Guests

Family posing for a photo with their graduate in cap and gown

FAQ

students

Faculty

Faculty processing into the commencement ceremony

Is Commencement the Graduation Ceremony at UMass Amherst?

Yes! Degrees are conferred at the Friday, May 26, 2023, 9:00 a.m. University of Massachusetts Commencement Ceremony.  

Which ceremony do I attend?

We encourage graduates and families to attend both, the main ceremony on Friday May 26th at 9:00 a.m. and their individual school or college recognition ceremony. The 9:00 a.m. commencement ceremony at McGuirk Stadium is a fun and celebratory event held outdoors, where degrees are conferred; the Commencement Wind Ensemble plays; and Chancellor, student, and keynote speakers present.  Senior Recognition Ceremonies are smaller, more intimate events where graduates’ names are called and each are recognized individually.   

Stockbridge School of Agriculture Commencement - AS Degree - Visit this page for more information.

Recent News

Photo of undergraduate student speaker at Commencement

All undergraduate seniors are invited to submit a speech proposal for consideration as the UMass Amherst Undergraduate Student Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2023. 

Photo of graduate student speaker at podium at Commencement

All master's and doctoral students are invited to submit a speech proposal for consideration as the UMass Amherst Graduate Student Speaker for the Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony. 

21st Century Leader Award Recipients on Stage at Commencement Ceremony

The 21st Century Leaders Award recognizes the strong academic record and exemplary achievement of undergraduate students who further distinguished their intellectual accomplishments, and enhanced the reputation of the University by contributing to the campus community through their leadership skills, academic achievements, community service, and artistic or athletic accomplishments.

Four graduate students sitting around at table

All master's and doctoral students are invited to submit photos for the Graduate Student Photo Tribute to be featured at the Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

flex-grid-4

UMass Graduate smiling at commencement

What is the UMass Commencement Schedule?

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023

Master's Celebration
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mullin Center

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2023

Commonwealth Honors College Celebration of Excellence
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mullins Center

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023

Class of 2023 Commencement (Main Graduation Ceremony)

Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
9:00 a.m.
McGuirk Alumni Stadium 

Doctoral hooding to immediately follow. 

Undergraduate Senior Recognition Ceremonies 

College of Engineering
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Mullins Center

University Without Walls, Interdisciplinary Studies
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Bromery Center for the Arts

Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Recreation Center

Bachelor's Degree with Individual Concentration
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Campus Center Auditorium

College of Natural Sciences
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
McGuirk Alumni Stadium

Isenberg School of Management
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Mullins Center

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023

Undergraduate Senior Recognition Ceremonies 

College of Education
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Campus Center Auditorium

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing
9:00 -10:30 a.m.
Bromery Center for the Arts

School of Public Health and Health Sciences
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Mullins Center

Stockbridge School of Agriculture Associates Degree Commencement
11:00 a.m.
Bowker Auditorium

College of Humanities and Fine Arts
11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Recreation Center

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Mullins Center

Undergraduate students seated at commencement

What do Undergraduate Students Need to Know About UMass Commencement?

Stockbridge School of Agriculture Associates Degree Students find detailed information here

CAP & GOWNS

Caps, gowns, and tassels may be picked up on the days and times listed below:

  • At the Commencement Fair: Wednesday, May 17,10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Campus Center Auditorium
  • The week of Commencement: Monday, May 22 – Thursday, May 25,10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Campus Center 165
  • On Commencement Day: Friday, May 26, Prior to 9 a.m. Ceremony, Lot 11 Graduate Assembly Area at McGuirk Alumni Stadium

UWW students/distance learners unable to pick up their cap and gown on campus, please email commencement@umass.edu for instructions.  

MEDALLIONS

University medallions are presented to each graduate at their school/college ceremony.

DIPLOMAS

Diplomas are not distributed during the Friday & Saturday ceremonies. They are mailed post-Commencement to the student's permanent address after the grades have been received, recorded, and processed by the Registrar's Office. To ensure the delivery of diplomas, all graduates should check SPIRE to make certain that their diploma mailing address is accurately recorded. Questions regarding diplomas? Please contact the Registrar’s Office, located at 213 Whitmore Administration Building, by phone at 413-545-0555, or via email at reggrad@registrar.umass.edu.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER CONTEST

All 2023 undergraduate seniors are invited to submit a speech proposal for consideration as the Undergraduate Student Speaker. Do you have words of inspiration, encouragement, or reflection that you would like to share? Have you ever envisioned yourself speaking in front of your fellow graduates, families and friends at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony? If so, then this opportunity might be right for you! Submit your proposal to be the Undergraduate Student Speaker. Submission Deadline EXTENDED: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at midnight. Contest details.

21st CENTURY LEADERS

The 21st Century Leaders Award recognizes the strong academic record and exemplary achievement of undergraduate students who further distinguished their intellectual accomplishments, and enhanced the reputation of the University by contributing to the campus community through their leadership skills, academic achievements, community service, and artistic or athletic accomplishments. Nominees, who must be graduating seniors in 2023, will be characterized by their determination to fulfill their academic potential and achieve personal goals. They will be recognized for high academic performance and for the prestige and honor they bring to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Nomination Deadline EXTENDED: Friday, March 3, 2023 at midnight. Contest details. 

SENIOR & PROFESSIONAL PORTRAITS

Ultimate Exposures® will be on campus to take cap and gown photos as well as professional photos on several occasions in early May.  Walk-ins are welcome or make an appointment online by visiting, ultimateexposures.com.

CEREMONY PHOTOGRAPHY

Commencement photos of graduates walking across the stage will be taken during the individual school or college ceremonies. Proof of these photographs will be emailed within 48 hours of the ceremony to graduates along with order forms and information for those wishing to purchase prints.

GRADUATION KEEPSAKES

Jostens® can help commemorate your graduation with products that include class rings, diploma frames, graduation announcements, and more! Visit jostens.com to see their list of products or to place an order!

GRADUATION ELIGIBILITY (Undergraduates)

An undergraduate student’s year of graduation is established by the Registrar’s Office. To be eligible to participate in the 2023 commencement ceremony, students must have fulfilled all requirements by the date of the ceremony or be scheduled to do so by September of 2023.

Students who are expected to graduate in winter of 2023 or spring of 2024 but want to walk in May of 2023, need to contact the Registrar's Office, Diploma and Graduation Services at reggrad@registrar.umass.edu no later than March 31, 2023.  

COMMONWEALTH HONORS COLLEGE

Seniors are urged to meet with a Commonwealth Honors College advisor well before University Commencement, to confirm that they are fulfilling all requirements for graduating from Commonwealth Honors College. At the Commonwealth Honors College Celebration of Excellence, the Dean of each college will present each graduating Commonwealth Honors College senior with a gold stole to be worn at the University Commencement.

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM LISTINGS

Due to publication deadlines, the names of students added to the graduation list and the names of those who petition to participate in an earlier Commencement received after March 31, 2023, will not appear in the Commencement Program. A program addendum will be printed after Commencement to include names of 2023 graduates not included in the program that were received after the deadline. The form to have the addendum mailed post-Commencement is available at the Registrar’s Office, 213 Whitmore. Students who have a full-privacy request on file but wish to have their names printed in the Commencement program must also notify the Dean of Students Office no later than the close of business on March 1, 2023. Those who fail to do so will not be listed.

VISA REQUEST LETTERS

The Office of External Relations and University Events will provide letter(s) for undergraduate students who wish to invite family member(s) living abroad to attend commencement ceremonies. The letter states the name of the graduate, major, commencement dates, and relationship to the guest seeking the invitation and it's not an official government document. To receive a visa request letter, fill out this Visa Request Form. Our office will complete it within one week of receipt and notify you when it's available for pickup.  Please note, it is the responsibility of the graduate to mail the letters to the appropriate Embassy.

HOMETOWN PRESS RELEASES

Each summer the Office of News and Media Relations sends press releases about in-state graduates to daily and weekly hometown newspapers in Massachusetts. Because of the large number of graduates involved, names are usually published in lists. Out-of-state graduates wishing to have press releases sent to their hometown newspapers must complete a form available from the News & Media Office or call (413) 545-0444.

Graduate Students at Commencement Ceremony

What Do Masters and Doctoral Students Need to Know About UMass Commencement?

REGALIA

Graduate Students can pick up their regalia at the UMass Store in the Campus Center beginning May 1. There is no charge for caps/tams, gowns, or tassels. Discipline specific Doctoral hoods can be purchased at the UMass Store at that time. 

PROCEDURE TO GRADUATE, ELIGIBILITY, & DIPLOMAS

Master's and Doctoral degree eligibility is determined by the Graduate School. Your degree eligibility form must be completed by April 18, 2023. In order to be considered eligible, you must fulfill various requirements. The list of requirements can be found here. Once those requirements are complete and you are approved for graduation, the eligibility, form can be found here.

Information regarding diplomas for master's and doctoral students can be found here

PORTRAIT OPPORTUNITIES

Ultimate Exposures® will be on campus in May to take cap and gown and professional photos. Regalia will be provided at your appointment. Schedule your appointment today!

PHOTO TRIBUTE INFORMATION

To honor the Graduate Class of 2023, Commencement will include a photo tribute for degree recipients. The tribute will feature photos submitted by YOU to the Graduate School. Learn more and submit your photos. 

GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER CONTEST

All 2023 master's and doctoral candidates are invited to submit a speech proposal for consideration as the Graduate Student Speaker! One graduate student will be awarded the honor of addressing the audience at Commencement. Celebrating the many academic achievements of the university's newest advanced degree recipients, Commencement will draw more than 16,000 graduates, faculty, university administrators and spectators. The winner of the Graduate Student Speaker Contest will be a focal point of this major celebration and claim a special place in UMass history. Do you want to be recognized as the voice of the 2023 UMass graduate class? Then don't miss the opportunity to compete for this unique honor! Submission Deadline EXTENDED: March 8, 2023 at midnight. View contest details

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM LISTINGS

Students who have a full-privacy request on file but wish to have their names printed in the Commencement program must also notify the Dean of Students Office no later than the close of business on March 1, 2023. Those who fail to do so will not be listed.

VISA REQUEST LETTERS

The Office of External Relations and University Events will provide letter(s) for undergraduate students who wish to invite family member(s) living abroad to attend commencement ceremonies. The letter states the name of the graduate, major, commencement dates, and relationship to the guest seeking the invitation and it's not an official government document. To receive a visa request letter, fill out this Visa Request Form. Our office will complete it within one week of receipt and notify you when it's available for pickup.  Please note, it is the responsibility of the graduate to mail the letters to the appropriate Embassy.

HOMETOWN PRESS RELEASES

Each summer the Office of News and Media Relations sends press releases about in-state graduates to daily and weekly hometown newspapers in Massachusetts. Because of the large number of graduates involved, names are usually published in lists. Out-of-state graduates wishing to have press releases sent to their hometown newspapers must complete a form available from the News & Media Office, here, or call (413) 545-0444.

ADVISORS

Advisors - please visit the faculty section of the Commencement website to register for hooding and request regalia.

A photo of a family at the dining commons with their graduate

What do Guests Need to Know About UMass Commencement?

The main Commencement Ceremony for the University of Massachusetts Amherst Class of 2023 will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the UMass Amherst campus, rain or shine. The ceremony is scheduled to conclude at approximately 12:00 p.m. Shuttle buses will take guests from parking lots to the stadium. Guests should plan to arrive on campus by 7:00 a.m. to ensure ample time to reach campus, park, and arrive at the stadium via a shuttle bus or by walking. 

Once at the stadium, you will proceed through security. This stadium map shows where each school or college will be seated so you can plan your seating in the stands accordingly. 

If you are proceeding to a senior recognition ceremony on Friday, May 26 or Saturday, May 27, please park once and use the shuttle or walk to each ceremony you are attending. 

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Campus residence hall accommodations are available, in single or double occupancy, providing casual comfort at affordable rates. Registration is now open at umasshospitality.com/registration. Find a complete list of lodging options below. 

While on campus, enjoy a meal with our award-winning UMass Dining at the Berkshire, Hampshire, or Worcester Commons and The Blue Wall Café. Find a complete list of dining options below. 

For a unique blend of restaurants, hotels, shops, and cultural destinations, please visit our friends at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce at amherstarea.com and the Amherst Business Improvement District at amherstdowntown.com or visithampshirecounty.com.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

Dining

COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND ON-CAMPUS DINING

At Berkshire Dining Commons, Hampshire Dining Commons, and Worcester Dining Commons, families and guests of graduates who are on a UMass meal plan may join their graduates for complimentary meals. Other students, families, faculty, and staff may dine at the Commons at the rate of $10.50 for breakfast, $14.00 for lunch, and $17.00 for dinner. Meals feature healthy and sustainable global cuisine and showcase local and regional ingredients. On Saturday, the commons will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Hampshire and Worcester DC will serve Sunday breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The Blue Wall Cafe at the Campus Center is open on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Come see what all the campus buzz is about and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from one of our many stations. Choose from fresh sushi, made to order salads, house roasted lunch meats, hand tossed fresh pizza, or a grass fed beef burger with local cheddar. Enjoy our gelato bar, delicious house made pastries, and cakes! The People’s Organic Coffee Shop on the concourse and Harvest Fresh Market both open at 8 a.m. and serve coffee, breakfast, and fresh baked organic and all natural treats.

The Commonwealth Restaurant, located on the top floor of the newly constructed Worcester Commons, offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of campus. The award-winning UMass Dining program offers a special commencement dinner on Friday, seating at 7:00 p.m., as well as brunch on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m.  Dinner is a prix-fixe menu and is $50.00 per person. It includes a champagne or non-alcoholic toast. For reservations, please call 413-545-0255.

Stadium Food Court
A food court will be open before and after Commencement, at the Stadium. Snacks and light meals, including a fresh grill selection, salads, fruit, desserts, and beverages, will be sold at the Stadium Food Court, at the north end of the stadium. Some snacks and beverages will also be sold in the stands before the ceremony begins. 

Lodging

OFF CAMPUS

Visit Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce website and the Amherst Business Improvement District website for an eclectic mix of locally owned Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, motels, and a variety of national chains. For more off campus lodging options, please visit:

ON CAMPUS

Residential Hall Lodging 
Staying on campus is the best way to be close to all of the commencement activities. Our campus residence hall accommodations, in single or double occupancy, provide casual comfort at affordable rates. Each floor offers a lounge that encourages interaction with other guests while offering you the option of retreating to your own room to prepare for the next day’s activities. Parking is free and close by, and linens and towels are provided. There are a few rooms available for guests with disabilities, so please be sure to indicate any special accommodation needs when registering. All rooms are located in a low-rise residence hall in the Southwest Residential Area, a convenient location to the various commencement activities held throughout the weekend, and the closest lodging option to the main commencement ceremony held at McGuirk Stadium on Friday.

Resident hall lodging is available for Friday (5/26) and Saturday (5/27). However, due to the finals exams occurring on Thursday (5/25), undergraduate students are not required to move out of their residence halls until 8:00PM and residence hall lodging is therefore not available that day to off-campus visitors. 

Learn more about staying in one of our on-campus residence halls. For questions and/or registration assistance, call 413-577-8102 or email registration@umass.edu. Reservations will be accepted until 4 p.m. EST on Friday, April 28, or until space fills. 

Hotel UMass at the Campus Center
The 
Hotel UMass at the Campus Center may have vacancies for commencement weekend, but like other local hotels, it fills up early. To make reservations call 877-822-2110.

Accessibility

DISABILITY SERVICES FOR UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT 

PARKING 
At the Stadium, May 26, 2022

Guests with accessible parking plates/placards and drivers escorting guests with limited mobility may complete the Reserved Accessible Parking Form by April 15, 2023 to request parking closest to the stadium (guests will receive an email confirmation of their parking request and a parking pass with information will be mailed to their address). Spaces are limited and preference will be given to those with state issued accessible parking plate or placard who register first. Guests with limited mobility can also be dropped off at one of the designated bus stops, regularly serviced by shuttle buses.
Golf carts will be available near the reserved accessible parking area at McGuirk Stadium before and after the ceremony to assist guests with limited mobility get to and from the stadium and the parking area.

PARKING
Senior Recognition Ceremonies, May 26 - 27, 2023

When arriving on campus on May 26, guests with HP plates/placards or reserved parking passes will be directed to a parking lot closest to the venue of their graduate's ceremony. At the conclusion of the each ceremony, guests with limited mobility have the choice to take public transportation to the stadium, or take their own vehicles and be directed to accessible parking (designated for HP plates/placards or vehicles with Reserved Parking passes). Due to increased traffic, travel between venues will take extra time.

When arriving on campus on May 27, guests with HP plates/placards or guests who have requested a reserved parking pass will be directed to a parking lot closest to the venue of their graduate's ceremony.

SEATING
Reserved wheelchair seating on the field is available. Wheelchairs can be rented from a local medical supply store in your community, but are not available at the University. Folding chairs will be available at the rear of the field for ambulatory guests who cannot climb stairs. 

SIGN LANGUAGE/INTERPRETERS
If you or any of your guests require the services of a sign language interpreter, please contact Disability Services at jamiep@umass.edu with "Commencement Interpreter Request" in the subject line. The deadline for requesting interpreter services is April 15, 2023.

Security

SECURITY AT McGUIRK ALUMNI STADIUM

Our security protocols ensure the safety of our visitors and our campus community. Metal detectors will be in place at the entrance to Mullins Center and McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Guests are advised to pack lightly for the day as all items taken into either venue are subject to search—the less you are carrying, the more quickly your party will be able to proceed through security. Please discuss security measures with the members of your party ahead of time so everyone is aware of our protocols. Although you can expect security measures to take a little time at your point of entry, our staff will be there to welcome you!

Please remember:

  • Stadium gates open at 7:30 a.m. 
  • All bags and containers are subject to search. 
  • On Commencement day, on-campus parking is free, please follow parking directions provided by campus police. 
  • Tickets are not required and graduates may invite as many guests as they wish. Seating at McGuirk Stadium is on first come, first serve basis.
  • Graduates will enter and sit in the stadium with their school or college. The stadium map shows where each school or college will be seated so you can plan your seating in the stands accordingly.

SECURITY AT MULLINS CENTER

All guests and graduates will be required to walk through metal detectors when entering the venue. To expedite the process, we ask guests and graduates to remove cell phones from their pockets. Purses, diaper bags, and other small personal bags are allowed but will be inspected at all entrances. Bags larger than a clutch are not allowed. Outside food or beverages, weapons of any kind, and tobacco products are not permitted inside the arena. For details on security procedures and a full list of prohibited items, please visit the Mullins Center website.

Directions to Campus

DRIVING TO CAMPUS

From the South, via I-91 North
Travelers have a choice of two routes:

  • Off Exit 19 in Northampton: From the exit ramp, turn right onto Route 9 and go approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass Exit
  • Off Exit 24 in Deerfield: At the stop sign at the top of the ramp, turn right (north) onto Routes U.S. 5/10/116, and immediately turn right again at the traffic lights onto Route 116 South and follow it for eight miles where officers will direct you to graduation.

From the North, via I-91 South
Follow I-91 to Exit 25 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp turn left and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Go one mile, turn left onto Route 116 South and follow it for eight miles where officers will direct you to graduation.

From the North, via I-93 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass. Because of bridge construction on Pelham Road in Amherst, drivers will experience delays along this route. Please plan your trip accordingly.

From the East or West, via I-90
Travelers have a choice of four routes:

  • Off Exit 8 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.
  • Off Exit 7 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.
  • Off Exit 5 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass.
  • Off Exit 4 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 19 to Route 9 East to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

LEAVING CAMPUS 

Following the Commencement ceremony, all shuttle buses will continue operating until 8:00 p.m. Those wishing to return to residence halls after Commencement may do so only under the direction of police officers. University Police will direct exiting vehicles along designated routes:

  • From Blue Lot 44:  East Pleasant Street to Amherst center, North Amherst, Route 116, and Interstates 90 and 91.
  • From Blue Lots 26, 31, and 45: North Pleasant Street to North Amherst and routes 116 and Interstate 91.
  • From Red Lots 32, 34, and 71: North Pleasant Street to Amherst Center and routes 9 and 116.
  • From Green or Purple Lots 11, 22, 33, 21, 25, and 12: Massachusetts Avenue to routes 116, 9, and Interstate 91.
Parking

Please be advised that on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27, there will be heavy traffic.

Parking will be directed by the University of Massachusetts Police Department based nearest available parking lots. Shuttle buses will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. We strongly recommend that you allow at least 45 minutes to park on campus and travel or walk to the stadium.

Several roads will have one-way traffic and the following roads will be closed: 1) University Drive between Amity Street and Massachusetts Avenue; 2) North Pleasant Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Governor’s Drive. It is highly recommended that all participants walk or use shuttle buses, as traffic will be heavy and parking lots will fill early.

If you are arriving on campus to attend a senior recognition ceremony, please park once, enjoy the ceremony, and then take the shuttle or walk to each ceremony you are attending. 

After the ceremony, campus police will guide you from your parking lot to the designated exit route from campus.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Parking

Recreational vehicle (RV) parking is available upon request at no charge. However, there are no hookups for electricity, water, or waste disposal. Call the Office of External Relations and University Events at 413-577-1101 or email commencement@umass.edu for more information or to make a reservation. 

Shuttle

Please be advised that on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27, there will be heavy traffic. It is highly recommended that all participants walk or use shuttle buses. View a map of the commencement shuttle route through campus.

Three students posing at UMass Commencement

What are the Frequently Asked Questions about UMass Commencement?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Is Commencement UMass Amherst’s Graduation?

  • Yes. Commencement is the Class of 2023 degree conferral ceremony. There are also many senior recognition ceremonies.
  • See also, which ceremony should I go to?

When is Commencement?

  • Degree conferral ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27. See full schedule of events.
  • Events are rain or shine (yes, you can bring umbrellas).
  • Approx. running time of the main combined ceremony is 3 hours.

Do I need tickets?

  • Tickets are not required for any Commencement ceremony or celebration.
  • Your RSVP may be requested for ceremonies or celebrations for planning purposes.

Schedule / When/where will the ceremonies be?

Which ceremony should I go to?

  • The main Commencement ceremony at 9AM on Friday is fun and celebratory. Degrees are officially conferred; the student commencement band performs; and remarks are given by the Chancellor, keynote, and student speakers. All members of the Class of 2023 (Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral) will be recognized en masse.
    • Undergraduates: We encourage graduates and families to go to both ceremonies. School & College / Senior Recognition Ceremonies are smaller more intimate events. Names are read, students walk across the stage, shake hands, have individual portraits taken.  
    • Masters: A special Masters Celebration to individually recognize graduate students will be held the week before on Friday, May 12 at the Mullins Center.
    • Doctoral: Immediately following Commencement on Friday, May 26, a Hooding Ceremony will be held at the stadium for doctoral candidates. 
  • See full schedule of events.

What is traffic usually like? How will I know where to go?

  • Plan at least an hour of travel time once you arrive in the Amherst area.
  • Parking starts at lots closest to ceremony and moves farther as they fill up. UMass Police officers will direct traffic and parking.
  • Park once and take the bus or walk to your destination.
  • Shuttle services will be available to take people from farther lots to the ceremony for the undergraduate ceremony.

What about accessible parking?

  • Disability Services will arrange for anyone with mobility issues to receive a parking pass for Lot 11, the accessible lot closest to the stadium.
  • There will be golf carts available in Lot 11 to bring guests from their cars to the gates of McGuirk Stadium.
  • Complete this online form umass.edu/commencement/form/accessible-parking or contact Disability Services via phone at 413-545-0892.

Where can I stay?

  • Campus residence hall accommodations are available, in single or double occupancy, providing casual comfort at affordable rates. Registration is now open at umasshospitality.com/registration. Reservations will be accepted until 4 p.m. EST on Friday, April 28, or until space fills.  
  • For a unique blend of restaurants, hotels, shops, and cultural destinations, please visit our friends at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce at amherstarea.com and the Amherst Business Improvement District at amherstdowntown.com or visithampshirecounty.com.

Why are residence hall accommodations not available on Thursday night?

  • Due to the final scheduled on Thursday, May 25 2023, undergraduate students are not required to move out of their residence halls until Thursday night at 8:00 p.m.

When/where do I get my cap and gown?

  • Undergraduates: No pre-order or online ordering is necessary. Caps, gowns, and tassels may be picked up on the days and times listed below:
    • At the Commencement Fair: Wednesday, May 17,10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Campus Center Auditorium
    • The week of Commencement: Monday, May 22 – Thursday, May 25,10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Campus Center 165-69
    • On Commencement Day: Friday, May 26, Prior to 9 a.m. Ceremony, Lot 11 Graduate Assembly Area at McGuirk Alumni Stadium
  • Undergraduate UWW/Distance Learners and Fall or Winter Grads ONLY can request alternative options by emailing commencement@umass.edu.  
  • Masters and Doctoral regalia will also be available to order through the UMass Store online and in person during normal hours of operation beginning May 1. There is no charge for caps and gowns, they are covered by student fees. However, custom doctoral hoods must be purchased.

I want to invite my relative from another country, how can I do that?

  • Graduates must complete a Visa Letter Request Form for each relative they wish to attend. Staff will follow-up with instructions. 

What other ceremony am I supposed to go?

I am a graduate student; how do I know if I am eligible to attend Commencement? 

Will my doctoral advisor still be able to hood me?/Will I still be able to hood my doctoral advisees?

  • Yes!  There will be a special hooding ceremony at the conclusion of the main Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 26. Your advisor will be able to participate and hood you.

Where can I get senior portraits?

  • Ultimate Exposures® will be on campus to take cap and gown photos as well as professional photos May 22-25 in Campus Center, Rooms 162-75 & 163C. Walk-ins are welcome or make an appointment online by visiting, ultimateexposures.com.  

 

Please contact the Office of External Relations and University Events at 413-577-1101 or commencement@umass.edu with additional questions.

Faculty processing into Commencement ceremony.

What do Faculty Members Need to Know About UMass Commencement?

Faculty participation is encouraged in all Commencement Ceremonies. Academic regalia is required for all University of Massachusetts Amherst Commencement ceremonies. Rental of academic regalia is pre-paid by the Provost’s Office and is provided to faculty free of charge. The deadline for ordering custom regalia is Friday, April 14, 2023. Extra regalia will be available for faculty members who confirm their participation after the deadline, however, it is a limited supply and will not be customized.

To register for the Commencement ceremonies and to request the use of rental regalia, please fill out the online  Commencement Faculty Registration and Regalia Request form.

PICKING UP REGALIA

Faculty regalia can be picked up in the Campus Center, Room 178 on the following dates and times:

Monday, May 22 - Thursday, May 25, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

If you are unable to pick up your regalia during these times, please contact the Office of External Relations and University Events at commencement@umass.edu or call (413) 577-1101.  

 

CEREMONIES

  • Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
    Faculty, please assemble in the first-floor locker room of the Football Performance Center, at the north end of McGuirk Alumni Stadium by 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023 (please use Stadium Drive entrance). The program begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided to faculty in the Faculty Robing Room).
  • Stockbridge School of Agriculture Associates Degree Commencement
    Faculty, please assemble in the foyer of Stockbridge Hall at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023, for the processional line-up prior to the ceremony. The ceremony begins promptly at 11 a.m. 
  • School & College Senior Recognition Ceremonies
    Individual schools and colleges will provide instruction for their Faculty's participation. 

PARKING

Parking will be directed by the University of Massachusetts Police Department based nearest available parking lots. Several roads will have one-way traffic and the following roads will be closed: 1) University Drive between Amity Street and Massachusetts Avenue; 2) North Pleasant Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Governor’s Drive. It is highly recommended that all participants walk or use shuttle buses, as traffic will be heavy and parking lots will fill early.

RETURNING REGALIA

Regalia should be returned to the Office of External Relations & University Events (Munson Hall Lower Level), during the week of May 29 - June 2, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Campus Mail is an option for those unable to drop off in person. 

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Office of External Relations and University Events at 413-577-1101 or commencement@umass.edu.