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Did you know?
If you complete all graduation requirements during the fall semester, you are considered a January grad.
September grad? Your commencement is earlier in May of that same year.
Graduation
Congratulations! You did it! If you are a UWW Interdisciplinary Studies student, this page will provide you with information about your commencement ceremonies and instructions for making sure you are cleared for graduation.
Friday, May 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Bromery Center for the Arts (AKA Fine Arts Center), UMass Amherst
This is a heartfelt ceremony where UWW Interdisciplinary Studies graduates, their families, faculty, and staff celebrate and acknowledge your individual accomplishments. Our emcee will call each student up to the podium to receive their commencement medal, and a professional photographer will be on hand to take graduation photos. This event is not meant to replace the main ceremony, and all graduates are encouraged to attend both.
What time do graduates need to arrive?
It depends on whether you plan to attend both ceremonies, or only the senior recognition ceremony.
If you plan to also attend the main ceremony starting at 9 a.m., plan to arrive at that ceremony no later than 8 a.m., and preferably by 7:30 a.m. Expect heavy traffic, and plan for 60 minutes of travel time after arriving in Amherst (7 a.m. campus arrival). After you leave the main ceremony around 11:15 a.m., proceed to the senior recognition ceremony by shuttle bus or on foot.
Plan to arrive at the senior recognition ceremony by 12:30 p.m. If you plan to skip the main ceremony, expect heavy traffic, and plan for at least 60 minutes of travel time after arriving in Amherst (11:30 a.m. campus arrival).
Do I need to RSVP?
Yes. Email @email by the deadline of Thursday, May 11 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time with the total number of people, including yourself, who will be attending. Please also let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Who can attend?
This is a free event and is open to the public. There is no limit on the number of people you can invite.
Do I need to wear a cap and gown?
Yes.
How do I get my cap and gown?
You have four options to obtain your cap and gown, all at no additional charge.
- Option #1: Order your cap and gown online by the May 4 deadline. Select UWW Interdisciplinary Studies as your major to get the correct tassel color.
- Option #2: Commencement Fair, Wednesday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Campus Center Auditorium
- Option #3: Commencement week pickup, Monday, May 22 through Thursday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Campus Center 165–69
- Option #4: Day of commencement, Friday, May 26, prior to 9 a.m. ceremony in Lot 11 Graduate Assembly Area at McGuirk Alumni Stadium
How do I get there?
Our senior recognition ceremony will be held in the Bromery Center for the Arts, and the address is 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA 01003. 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.
Where do I park?
Parking will be directed by the University of Massachusetts Police Department based on the nearest available parking lots, and there are no assigned lots for the Bromery Center for the Arts. If you need disability accommodations for yourself or one of your guests, visit the main commencement page accessibility section for information and instructions. The deadline to reserve accessible parking is Friday, April 28.
I’m planning on going to the main ceremony before this one. How will I get there, and then get to the Bromery Center?
You can walk, or there are shuttle buses that will take you from your parking area to the stadium, as well as from the stadium to the Bromery Center for the Arts. Here is a shuttle map. The best bus stop for the Bromery Center for the Arts (shown on the map as FAC) is #2. Given the heavy traffic, driving is strongly discouraged. Regardless of whether you are mostly walking or mostly using the shuttle buses, wear good walking shoes.
What do I do when I get there?
When you arrive, staff will greet you warmly at the graduate registration area. You will receive a program, a nametag, a UWW Academic Achievement cord if applicable, and a name card. They will then direct you to the reserved graduate seating area in front of the stage where graduates and faculty will sit together. Your family and friends will sit in the audience.
Are there assigned seats?
No.
What's this name card and is it important?
As you check in, you will receive a very important card. Fill out this name card and keep it with you. You will give this card to the emcee as you cross the stage so they know who you are and can read your name. Also, this card allows the photographer to know who you are so you can receive a link to your personal graduation photo.
How will the medal ceremony work?
From the podium, the emcee will give you clear instructions about what to do and where to go. But here's a sneak preview: row by row, starting with the front, the graduates will stand and each graduate will climb the steps onto the stage (please let us know if you need accommodations for this part). You will hand your card to the emcee, who will read your name. The dean will hand you your commencement medal. A photographer will take a picture of you getting your medal. You will then stand on the stage for a photographer to take a formal commencement photo of just you. Then, you will return to your seat. Everyone will clap and cheer and be super happy.
Will food be served?
Refreshments will be available at a reception after the event, including snacks, coffee, tea, water, fruit, and cupcakes.
Are children welcome?
Always!
What COVID-19 precautions will be in place?
This event is indoors. Attendees should stay home if they:
- Are feeling ill, particularly if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- Have been placed in quarantine for possible contact with COVID-19
- Have been directed to self-isolate or quarantine by a health care provider or public health official
- Are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test
Will the event be livestreamed for those who can’t attend?
Yes, UWW Interdisciplinary Studies will stream the event. No account is required to watch the livestream.
How can I become the student speaker?
Email your 4–5 minute written speech to @email by deadline Thursday, April 13 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be asked to submit a video of yourself delivering your speech. For more information, contact Jonah Carlson, chair of the speaker selection committee, at @email.
I fulfilled the requirements for graduation at the end of December 2022. When is my commencement?
Because you will be on the January 2023 graduate list, your commencement ceremonies are in May 2023.
I’m not graduating until September 2023. When is my commencement?
The May commencement ceremonies are for all students who have graduated in 2023 or anticipate graduating at any time in 2023. So, if you think you’re graduating in 2023, your commencement ceremonies are this May.
I graduated in September 2022. Can I still come to the commencement ceremonies in May 2023?
Yes, but because your commencement ceremony was officially in May 2022, please let us know that you’re coming by emailing @email by April 6 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time, so that we can make sure you are recognized in the commencement book.
How do I know if I’m graduating in 2023?
SPIRE contains your expected date of graduation. However, it is your responsibility to keep this up to date. If you have any questions about whether and when you are graduating, contact your academic advisor.
Is there anything I need to do to be able to receive my diploma?
Yes. Review the Graduation Checklist carefully. If you do not follow these instructions, you may not be able to officially graduate. Each year, there are students who do not receive diplomas because they did not follow instructions.
How can I make sure I'm in the commemorative commencement book?
If you want to be recognized in the UMass Amherst commencement book and you have not received an email from UWW Interdis. Commencement about commencement by March 28, please email us at @email by April 6 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time to ensure that your name is in the book.
How can I make sure I'm not in the commemorative commencement book?
If you have received an email from UWW Interdis. Commencement confirming your name for the UMass Amherst commencement book, and do not wish to be listed, please email us at @email by April 6 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time to ensure that your name is not in the book.
If I’m listed in the commemorative commencement book, does this mean I’ve graduated?
No. Fulfilling the requirements for receiving a diploma from UMass Amherst is different from attending the commencement ceremonies and being listed in the commencement book. Review the Graduation Checklist carefully.
If I attend the commencement ceremonies, does this mean I’ve graduated?
Your official date of graduation is not determined by the date of commencement, but by when you have been determined by the UMass Amherst Registrar to have satisfied all of the requirements for graduation and have submitted any necessary paperwork, cleared all outstanding balances, etc.
I need to stay overnight. What do you suggest?
Visit the UMass Amherst commencement website for information about lodging.
How do I get disability accommodations for myself or one of my guests?
Visit the main commencement page accessibility section for information and instructions. The deadline to request a sign language interpreter is Saturday, April 15, and the deadline to reserve accessible parking is Friday, April 28. Our senior recognition ceremony will have live projected supertitles. If you have additional accessibility needs that are not addressed on the accessibility page, please email us at @email.
I'm a veteran. How do I get my stole?
Contact the Veteran Resource Center at 413-545-0939 or @email.
Which ceremony should I attend?
We support you in attending whichever ceremony or ceremonies you would like to attend. You have worked hard to get where you are. Savor this moment with your family, friends and community.
Will my faculty advisor be there?
Every year, our faculty do their best to attend, and they sit with the graduates!
- March 8: Deadline to apply to be the student speaker at the main commencement ceremony (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)
- April 6: Deadline to get your name into or out of the UMass Amherst commencement book (9 a.m. Eastern Time)
- April 13: Deadline to apply to be the student speaker at the UWW Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Recognition Ceremony (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)
- April 15: Deadline to request a sign language interpreter
- April 28: Deadline to reserve accessible parking
- May 4: Deadline to order your cap and gown online
- May 11: Deadline to RSVP to the UWW Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Recognition Ceremony (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)
- May 26: Graduation!
Friday, May 26, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., rain or shine, McGuirk Alumni Stadium, UMass Amherst
This beautiful event is the university’s official graduation ceremony, attended by thousands each year. During the procession, UWW Interdisciplinary Studies graduates sit together with the department’s faculty. The president of UMass and members of the Massachusetts legislature will attend; honorary degrees will be awarded; there will be a keynote speaker and student speakers. The UMass Amherst Chancellor will formally confer degrees by asking students to stand as a group by school/college or program.
Where do I find all information and instructions relevant to this event for graduates and their guests?
Visit the UMass Commencement website.
What time do graduates need to arrive at the stadium?
No later than 8 a.m., preferably by 7:30 a.m. You should plan to arrive on campus by 7 a.m. to ensure time to park and arrive at the stadium via shuttle bus or by walking.
Do I need to RSVP?
No tickets are required, but you may be asked to RSVP by the Office of External Relations & University Events.
Who can attend?
This is a free event and open to the public. There is no limit on the number of people you can invite. Stadium gates open at 7:30 a.m., and seating for guests is on a first come, first served basis.
Do I need to wear a cap and gown?
Yes.
How do I get my cap and gown?
You have four options to obtain your cap and gown, all at no additional charge.
- Option #1: Order your cap and gown online by the May 4 deadline. Select UWW Interdisciplinary Studies as your major to get the correct tassel color.
- Option #2: Commencement Fair, Wednesday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Campus Center Auditorium
- Option #3: Commencement week pickup, Monday, May 22 through Thursday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Campus Center 165–69
- Option #4: Day of commencement, Friday, May 26, prior to 9 a.m. ceremony in Lot 11 Graduate Assembly Area at McGuirk Alumni Stadium
What COVID-19 precautions will be in place?
This event is outdoors. Attendees should stay home if they:
- Are feeling ill, particularly if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- Have been placed in quarantine for possible contact with COVID-19
- Have been directed to self-isolate or quarantine by a health care provider or public health official
- Are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test
Will the event be livestreamed for those who can’t attend?
Yes, UMass Amherst will livestream the event on umass.edu/commencement.
How can I apply to be the student speaker?
Submit your proposal by March 8, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Are you a 2023 graduate (January, February, May, or September)? Be sure to review the below checklist to make sure you are on track.
If you notice any problems or discrepancies on your transcript, contact your academic advisor right away. It sometimes takes longer than you expect to resolve a problem, so it should not be left unattended until right before graduation.
Your academic advisor will send an UWW Intent to Graduate Form to your student email address near the end of your last semester for you to review and sign.
Having an incorrect EGT could cause problems with your record if it is not changed before the last day of classes. Your name will not be added to the graduation list to be reviewed by your academic advisor unless this is accurate. To update your EGT, go to SPIRE > Academics > Graduation > Expected Graduation Term.
- Review your unofficial transcript in SPIRE and your degree plan to make sure all program requirements have been completed and all your credits are represented.
- Review your Academic Records Report (ARR), located in SPIRE, to ensure all general education requirements are completed. Please note, the ARR will not accurately reflect the completion of area of concentration credits. Your academic advisor will confirm that requirement has been fulfilled.
Make sure you have submitted transcripts for any courses completed outside of UMass Amherst while you were a UWW student, CLEP scores, etc. Remember, these items need time to process, so this should be completed as soon as possible.
Make sure prior learning portfolio and special transcript credits have been added to your transcript (portfolio credits will appear as credit earned for UWW 296Y).
Check SPIRE regularly to ensure you do not have a balance or a hold on your account. You will not be graduated until balances and holds are resolved.
Verify your name as you would like it to appear on your diploma, using SPIRE: Academics > Graduation > Diploma Preferences > Change Diploma Name.
Your diploma and certificate will be mailed to your addresses in SPIRE, so make sure they're accurate. For your diploma: Academics > Graduation > Diploma Preferences > Change Diploma Address. For your certificate: Profile > Personal Information > Addresses.
You can expect to receive your diploma within 6–8 weeks of when you are cleared for graduation. Your diploma will be mailed to your diploma address in SPIRE. You can expect to receive your certificate, which recognizes your area of concentration, within three months of your official graduation date. Your certificate will be mailed to your mailing address in SPIRE. In the meantime, if you need to demonstrate your area of concentration to employers or graduate schools, it is listed on your transcript.
