2026 Stockbridge School of Agriculture Commencement – AS Degree
2026 Stockbridge School of Agriculture Commencement – AS Degree
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Stockbridge AS Degree Commencement Ceremony will take place Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in Bowker Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall.
Schedule of Events
- 1:00 p.m. Candidates arrive with robes for mandatory rehearsal in Bowker Auditorium.
- 1:45 p.m. Candidates gather on front steps of Stockbridge Hall for class photo.
- 2:30 p.m. Candidates assemble in the basement of Stockbridge Hall.
- 2:55 p.m. Procession of candidates.
- 3:00 p.m. Ceremony begins.
- 4:00 p.m. Ceremony ends. Reception follows immediately on east lawn.
Caps, Gowns, Tassels
Caps, gowns, and tassels, free of charge, will be distributed as follows:
- At the Commencement Fair: May 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Campus Center
- The week of Commencement: May 11-14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Campus Center, Lower Concourse
Commencement Reception
Plan to attend the reception at 4:00 p.m., immediately following the commencement ceremony. Refreshments for all graduates and guests will be served on the east lawn of Stockbridge Hall.
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed after grades have been received and you are cleared for graduation. The anticipated mailing date will be no later than August 31, 2026.
To ensure delivery of your diploma, please check SPIRE to confirm your diploma mailing address.
Graduation Eligibility
- Students who completed their degree requirements in January 2026 and those who anticipate completing them by May 2026 are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony.
- If you graduated in January 2026 and wish to attend the May 2026 ceremony, please contact Elizabeth Wiernasz, 211 Paige Lab, by March 20.
- If you are scheduled to graduate after completing the Fall 2026 term, and wish to attend the May 2026 ceremony, please contact Elizabeth Wiernasz, 211 Paige Lab, by March 20.
Questions regarding degree requirements and/or graduation credits should be immediately directed to Dr. Baoshan Xing, 205 Paige Lab.
Graduation Keepsakes
Commemorate your graduation with products that include class rings, diploma frames, graduation announcements, and more! Order details will be available in the spring.
Hometown Press Releases
Each summer the Office of News and Media Relations send 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 and Media Office at https://www.umass.edu/news/news-events/hometown-news-requests or call (413) 545-0444.
Medallions
University medallions are presented to each graduate during the ceremony.
Parking
Vehicles may be parked in all Lots, including Lot 65 and the Campus Center Parking Garage, free of charge.
Photographs during Ceremony
Professional photographers will take pictures, available for purchase, as graduates receive their diplomas. Personal photography/videotaping is permitted provided it does not interfere with the ceremony.
Rehearsal
A MANDATORY rehearsal will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m. in Bowker Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall.
The seating plan for candidates in each major will be arranged during rehearsal.
Senior Portraits
Photographers from Geskus will be on campus to take senior portraits as well as professional photos. A cap, gown, and tassel will be provided, and sittings are free. To make an appointment: https://www.wearegeskus.com/umass-amherst-portrait