Academic Affairs
Commencement
Graduate Commencement Checklist

Graduate Commencement Checklist

Spring 2026 Commencement

JANUARY: Get Started
- Confirm you have a graduation application on file in GullNet
- Register for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony
  The registration link was sent to your student email address. Check your junk folder if you do not see it.
Ticket requests (including accessibility needs and legacy family seating) are completed during the commencement registration process

Graduation and commencement are two separate processes. Graduation confirms degree completion through the Registrar, while commencement registration allows participation in the ceremony.
- Save important dates:
  - Graduate Ceremony: May 20, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Maggs Arena
  - Undergraduate Ceremony: May 21, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. | Sea Gull Stadium
- Begin thinking about guests and their arrival to campus
FEBRUARY: Cap & Gown
- Cap & Gown Ordering – February 16–19
  - Order your cap and gown through the University Bookstore
    
    This is an in-person event
    
    Online ordering will open following the in-person event VIA the Bookstore website.
- Advise guests that every guest (including children over two years of age) must have a ticket to enter the ceremony
  - Tickets will be available digitally through the Tassel platform and may also be printed at home for guest use
  - Live stream will be available for those who cannot attend in person
  - Undergraduate ceremony viewing locations at Salisbury University (tickets not required):
    
    Maggs Arena
    
    Assembly Hall (GAC)
  - For more ticketing information, see Ticketing
MARCH: Logistics & the Commencement Experience
- Review parking and shuttle information - Commencement Parking Info
  - Shuttle pick-up locations will be shown on the parking maps
  - Ride-sharing is encouraged when possible
- Save GPS addresses for parking and drop-off locations
- Review the ceremony seating layout
  - Undergraduate Seating Layout
  - Graduate Seating Layout
- Review the list of prohibited items
- Review footwear guidance
  - No spiked heels on the turf for the undergraduate ceremony
  - See shoe-appropriate poster
- Identify photo-op locations around campus
APRIL: Final Details
- Complete commencement registration by April 20
- Pick up cap, gown, cords, or sashes from the Bookstore
  - Cap & Gown Pick-Up – April 14–16
  - Cap & gown orders shipped to home addresses will be shipped during this week
- Review how to properly wear your cap and gown
- Once tickets are distributed after April 20, access them through your Tassel account (where you registered for commencement)
  - Tickets will be available digitally through the Tassel platform and may also be printed at home for guest use
- Review emergency procedures and weather contingency plans
- Select a post-ceremony meet-up location with family and guests
  - Graduate Ceremony: Outside Maggs Arena (designated exterior areas)
  - Undergraduate Ceremony: Outside Sea Gull Stadium (exterior concourse areas)
Day-of Commencement Checklist — Students
- Bring your cap, gown, hood, cords, stoles, and any approved academic regalia
- Arrive at your assigned check-in time
  - Graduate Ceremony: 5:00 p.m.
  - Undergraduate Ceremony: 7:00 a.m.
- Follow directions from faculty marshals and staff
- Review prohibited items in advance
- Check out designated photo-op areas
- Celebrate — this day is about you!

Helpful Tips

The Commencement website is the central source of truth for all updates, maps, timelines, and ceremony-day details. Information is subject to change, so we encourage you to check back often. Tickets may be presented digitally or printed for convenience on ceremony day.