Undergraduate Commencement 2026

Content

Friday, May 15, 2026
5:00 pm, rain or shine
McGuirk Alumni Stadium

UMass Amherst is pleased to celebrate the Class of 2026 at the Undergraduate Commencement on Friday, May 16, 2025 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Graduates and guests will hear words of inspiration from the keynote speaker, welcome honored guests, applaud the student speaker, and cheer our graduates as degrees are conferred. 

Arrival

Seniors should arrive at the stadium no later than 3:30 pm.  

Education students have one of the best seats for the ceremony.  Education is seated on the left side of the field and is in the front row.  Your family will be able to see you at the event. 

Visit the Commencement website.

Tickets & Seating: 

There are no tickets required for attendance.  Seating is first come first serve.

Parking

Expect heavy traffic for the Undergraduate Commencement. Please allow plenty of time to arrive on campus, park and make your way to the Stadium. To facilitate moving around campus, shuttles will be available on Friday, May 15, 2026. 

Several roads will be partially closed or limited to one-directional traffic. Police will direct traffic and parking on campus.  Parking starts at lots closest to the ceremony and moves further away as they fill up. We recommend that you and your family park on the north side of campus, near either Furcolo Hall or the Campus Center. Parking is free for the weekend.  

Guests attending the undergraduate ceremony at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on May 15th, ADA/Accessible parking lot 11 lot (closest to the stadium) can register to receive a parking pass. Passes will be emailed on a rolling basis beginning April 6. Please register by 5 p.m. on May 13 to allow time for processing. 

Accessible parking passes are not required or issued for May 9, May 16, or May 17. All other venues have accessible parking near the building, and accessible parking is available throughout the campus.

Security

All guests will be required to walk through security when entering the stadium. To expedite the process, we ask guests and graduates to remove cell phones from their pockets. Small purses and diaper bags are allowed but will be inspected at all entrances. Outside food or beverages, weapons of any kind, and tobacco products are not permitted inside the stadium.