SBS Senior Celebration Schedule

Saturday, May 17, 2025
5:30 to 7:00pm
Mullins Center, UMass Amherst

This ceremony, which individually recognizes all SBS graduates (primary and secondary majors), is in addition to the Undergraduate Commencement on Friday, May 16, 2025. During the ceremony, each graduate will receive a UMass medal, have their pictures taken by professional photographers, and will have their names read as they walk across the stage.

Graduates must be registered through Tassel to participate in the 2025 SBS Senior Celebration, but do not need tickets. However, tickets are required for guests. To obtain tickets for your guests, you will need to register for the 2025 SBS Senior Celebration through Tassel (formerly Marching Order) by April 22. If you register after this date, you will be able to attend the 2025 SBS Senior Celebration; however, guest tickets are not guaranteed after this deadline. 

Each graduate participating in the SBS Senior Celebration will be allocated five tickets for their guests which must be claimed through Tassel. A waitlist form for to request additional tickets is available here, but please do note that additional tickets are not guaranteed. Additional tickets will not be available until early May 2025. If additional tickets become available, they will be distributed in the order that they were requested, to as many graduates as possible.

Starting around 3:45pm: SBS graduates and guests begin to arrive

Please allow plenty of time to get to the Mullins Center. Graduates will proceed to the large tent behind the Mullins Center, while guests will enter the Mullins Center through the main north entrance. Guests will be required to walk through metal detectors when entering the Mullins Center. To expedite the process, we ask everyone to remove cell phones from their pockets. Small purses and diaper 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.

Don't forget your cap, gown, and tassel!

No later than 4:30pm: Graduates, faculty, and staff are convened under the large tent behind the Mullins Center

Once graduates get to the Mullins Center tent, they must go to the check-in table to pick up their name card. Graduates must hold onto their name cards until they get on stage!

4:40pm: Entrance line-up begins

Graduates, faculty, and staff begin to line up under the tent to enter the Mullins Center. Two lines must be formed for each major – graduates can be anywhere in line, so long as it is with their major (or one of their multiple majors, if applicable). Graduates who would like to sit next to a friend(s) must line up directly in front or behind them, and not in separate lines. Faculty and staff will lead their respective majors' lines as they enter the Mullins Center.

5:00pm: Graduates proceed through security and into the Mullins Center

Similar to guests, all graduates will be required to walk through metal detectors when entering the Mullins Center. Graduates should remain in two separate lines while they enter the Mullins Center, all the way until they are seated. Faculty and staff will provide seating instructions – graduates should plan to fill every seat in their row to ensure there is enough seating for everyone and that seats aren't mixed up throughout the event.

5:30pm: SBS Senior Celebration begins

The SBS Senior Celebration officially begins! The platform party, which includes faculty, staff, and guests, process down the center aisle and are seated on the stage. Dean R. Karl Rethemeyer will provide opening remarks and introduce select student speakers. When graduates proceed to the stage, they will receive a medal and get their picture taken. Graduates' names will be read as they cross the stage to shake hands with dignitaries, get another picture taken, receive a gift, and return to their seats. We ask that you please be courteous to fellow graduates and guests, and remain for the entire ceremony.

7:30pm: SBS Senior Celebration ends

The platform party will recess from the stage and down the center aisle first, followed by graduates. Congratulations!

Graduates and Guests

We ask that you please:

  • Be courteous to fellow graduates and guests and remain for the entire SBS Senior Celebration.
  • Silence all cell phones for the duration of the event.
  • Keep in mind that even though the SBS Senior Celebration takes place indoors, getting around on campus may require sunscreen, umbrellas, shoes appropriate for walking, etc.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast and come prepared.
  • Prior to the festivities, establish a group meeting place for after the ceremony to reduce future confusion.

Faculty and Staff

You will receive instructions via email well in advance of the SBS Senior Celebration – please review these carefully.

Additional Information    

Check the UMass Commencement website and the SBS FAQs page for additional information including directions, schedule, lodging, and parking.