2025 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Ceremony Information
2025 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
1 p.m. in Gill Gymnasium | Doors open at noon (1 hour prior to the start of the ceremony)
Tickets are required for the undergraduate ceremony. All undergraduates are guaranteed up to six (6) tickets when they complete their graduation application with the Registrar’s Office. Tickets are distributed directly to students during Senior Week by the Office of Academic Life. If additional tickets become available, an email will be sent out in early May to all seniors’ McDaniel email accounts with directions on how to request additional tickets.
Guest Information
We look forward to welcoming you to campus to help us celebrate the academic accomplishments of your students. As parents, families, and friends, you have supported your student and share in the joy and honors Commencement recognizes. Please review the following guideline to make this day a success.
Ceremony Etiquette
Remember that everyone at the ceremony is there to celebrate their student. Everyone wants to hear the names of their degree candidates as they are presented on stage; therefore, please refrain from disruptive cheering and try not to obstruct the view of the surrounding guests.
Dress
Business casual is suitable attire for Commencement. Shoes should be comfortable for walking between parking areas and Gill Center (up to 1/4 mile.)
Meeting up after the ceremony
Please plan ahead by designating a specific location to meet up with your graduate after the Commencement ceremony. Otherwise, it may be difficult to find each other among the sea of caps and gowns and guests leaving the ceremony.
Accessibility
Traffic and Parking
Campus Safety personnel will be on hand to direct you to parking areas and to provide courtesy shuttle services for those needing assistance. A specific parking area for persons with disabilities will be reserved. We ask that guests display their handicap placard prior to entering campus.
Handicap parking will still require a 300-yard walk to the Commencement ceremony. For guests with mobility issues, please contact Student Accessibility & Support Services by email sass@mcdaniel.edu or phone 410-857-2504.
Accessible Seating
The Commencement ceremony will be interpreted in American Sign Language and seating areas will be reserved for those with physical disabilities. If seating is required for family or friends with special needs, submit a Commencement Accommodations Request as soon as possible. Questions? Contact Student Accessibility and Support Services at sass@mcdaniel.edu or phone (410) 857-2504.
Please note: Persons requesting accommodations will still need a ticket for the ceremony.
Additional Information
Photographs of Graduates
The college contracts with a photographer to take photos of each graduate as they receive their degree.
Photos will be available for purchase in early June on the Classic Photography website. Photos will be posted in the same order as graduates received their diplomas. For questions, contact Classic at 800-869-9515.
Residence Halls:
Please remember that the halls will close at 7 p.m. after Commencement. Staff will be at multiple locations to collect keys.
A final note: “Commencement” vs. “Graduation”
Although the words “commencement” and “graduation” are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. Graduation occurs when the Registrar’s Office certifies that a degree candidate has satisfied all the requirements of their program.
Commencement is a ceremony that celebrates the past, present, and future graduation of our students, depending on whether they completed their degree requirements in December or May or will do so by August. When the actual graduation occurs for each candidate will be noted in the Commencement program.