SPP Commencement

All graduates must arrive by 1:30pm in regalia. Students will be directed to the robing room of the The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Students will check in, receive their name cards and staff assistance with robes, and line up alphabetically by program of study. 

Graduates may not bring personal belongings to the robing room; we cannot guarantee the security of such items. We encourage you to leave all personal bags and items with your family or guests. 

Guests will be directed to Dekelboum Concert Hall in The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. All guests, including infants and those requiring accessible seating, must have a ticket. The venue will begin seating no earlier than 2:15pm. 

Parking is free during commencement days. The closest garage to Dekelboum Concert Hall at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is Stadium Drive Garage. The address for Stadium Drive Garage is 8270 Alumni Dr, College Park, MD 20742. Please note that the Stadium Drive Garage has elevators and accessible parking on a first-come first-served basis. If you find that Stadium Drive Garage is filled we suggest alternative parking at Lot 1 and Mowatt Lane Garage. View more information on how to locate The Clarice and information about transportation.

Guests unable to attend the School commencement ceremony in person, are able to enjoy it virtually through a livestream. Guests can join during the time of the event using this link.

Grad Images is our official photographer for the commencement ceremony. During the ceremony, portraits will be taken of graduates. After the ceremony, Grad Images will email students their photos for purchase.

The School of Public Policy has a Flickr account where unofficial photos taken by staff are uploaded after the ceremony.

Following the commencement ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to attend a reception in honor of the Class of 2025. This will take place in the lobby of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Light refreshments will be served. 

Large signs, balloons, banners, flag poles/sticks, megaphones/noise makers and other objects that impede visibility or sound will not be permitted. 

Guests and graduates will be subject to a bag/security check. 

It is a general university policy of, “See Something, Say Something” if you see anything out of place or have questions about any safety concerns there will be police available during our ceremony. In the event of an immediate threat please contact 911 or 301-405-3555. View more information about the Maryland University Policy Department.

Freedom of thought and expression are the lifeblood of our academic community. Our values regarding free speech and an open marketplace of ideas can be found in our policy on expressive activities.

The University also recognizes that a healthy and thriving academic community depends on mutual respect and civility. Appropriate behavior, as described in our university policies, is an essential component of what we stand for as a university.

Commencement marks a celebratory occasion and the culmination of academic pursuits for thousands of Terrapins. We kindly ask that all in attendance stay focused and true to the purpose and spirit of today’s event.

Our policies do not allow for the obstruction, disruption, interruption or attempt to force the cancellation of any university event, including commencement. If you wish to engage in protests, demonstrations or other such expressive activity, we ask that you abide by university policy and do so in the designated areas outside of The Clarice. Failure to uphold a respectful atmosphere in accordance with our policies will result in being asked to leave, and potentially disciplinary or other such action.

Thank you for your shared commitment to observe and protect our principles of free expression.