Seating (Tickets Not Required)
The front doors of the RAC Arena will open at 9 a.m. Seating is unassigned and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Commencement procession begins at 9:50 a.m., at which time the doors to the RAC Arena will temporarily close. In observance of the National Anthem, guests will not be seated while the anthem is performed. When the doors reopen following the anthem, guests will again be seated.
Special Accommodations
Graduates who require special arrangements for themselves or guests should contact Lisa Portis Morgan in the Graduate School at 410-455-8142 or limorgan@umbc.edu to obtain a Graduate School Special Accommodations Form. Please complete the form and fax or mail it to Lisa Portis Morgan in the Graduate School by Friday, May 17. The fax number and mailing address are listed on the form.
A drop-off point for physically challenged persons has been designated on Administration Drive, near the Administration Drive Garage. Contact Lisa Portis Morgan at 410-455-8142 or limorgan@umbc.edu if you require further information.
Parking
Please allow sufficient time to drive to campus, park and walk to the RAC Arena. Remember that rush hour traffic in the Baltimore area may be heavy, as the ceremony is being held on a weekday morning. Participants and guests are strongly encouraged to share rides to alleviate parking difficulties. Signs posted on campus will assist you in locating appropriate parking lots.
General parking for graduates and their guests will be available along Hilltop Circle and in any non-gated parking lots including The Commons Garage. You will not need to pay any metered parking on campus if you elect to park at a metered parking space during the Commencement ceremony. Parking is not permitted at fire hydrants or in fire lanes.
The top deck of the Administration Drive Garage will be reserved for handicapped parking. Cars must display handicapped hang tags or license plates. Permits are required for other handicapped parking spaces on campus as well. There will be a designated drop-off area in front of the RAC on Administration Drive for those family members and guests who may not be able to walk long distances.