Universitywide Ceremony and Arena Information

Students in graduation regalia walking down to their seats

All students participating in the Universitywide Commencement ceremony and individual school convocations are required to wear academic regalia including their hoods. For the Universitywide ceremony, please enter Royal Farms Arena through the 201 W. Baltimore St. entrance promptly at 8 a.m.


Use the anchor links below to get to the section needed:

General Information | ADA-Related Accommodations | Graduation Eligibility | Photography | Diploma Distribution | Commencement Flower Bouquets

Countdown to Commencement

General Information - Icon General Information
  • The date, time, and place of commencement are as follows: Thursday, May 16, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Royal Farms Arena.
  • Backpacks and large parcels are not permitted inside Royal Farms Arena. ALL guests will be screened by magnetometers and bags will be checked. We thank you for your patience and understanding. The safety of all guests and staff remains a top priority.
  • Do not leave personal items under your chair during the exercise, because you might not return to the same seat after crossing the stage.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited while participating in commencement exercises at Royal Farms Arena.
  • Lost-and-found information desks are located in the main lobby of the arena. A first-aid station is located on the lower concourse.
  • Don't know where to sit? Use our Commencement Seating file.
Special Accommodations - Icon ADA-Related Accommodations
  • The UMB Commencement ceremony will include a live-feed transcription to provide additional accessibility to the entire audience. 
  • If you or one of your guests requires a wheelchair, you must provide your own or contact the arena about rentals.
  • To inquire about assistance for persons with disabilities, please contact the Royal Farms Arena Box Office at 410-347-2020.
  • Graduates who plan to attend the commencement ceremony and require ADA accommodations should contact the Office of Protocol and University Events at 410-706-8035.
Graduation Eligibility Icon  Graduation Eligibility

  • Students with questions regarding their eligibility to graduate should contact their respective school/program for more information.   

Photography Ceremony - icon Photography
  • Candidates are encouraged to have photographs taken at individual school ceremonies.
  • Only authorized official photographers will be permitted on the arena floor during the ceremony.
  • Please check out the Flickr Gallery on this site immediately following commencement.
Diploma Distribution - Arena Info Icon Diploma Distribution

At the conclusion of the ceremony, all schools will be distributing original diplomas from the stage and back-of-the-arena areas. Please remain seated until all members of the platform party have processed out of the arena.

Flower Ceremony Information - Icon Commencement Flower Bouquets

Bouquets of roses are available for pre-order or same-day purchase on Commencement Day at Royal Farms Arena. Pre-orders will be available for pickup at the arena. To browse products or pre-order your bouquet, visit the website.

Please visit the commencement flowers kiosk at the Royal Farms Arena:

Date: May 16, 2019

Time: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: 201 W. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21201