Academic Affairs
Commencement
Families & Guests Commencement Checklist

Families & Guests Commencement Checklist

Spring 2026 Commencement

JANUARY: Save the Date
- Save ceremony details:
  - Graduate Ceremony: May 20, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Maggs Arena
  - Undergraduate Ceremony: May 21, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. | Sea Gull Stadium
- Begin travel and lodging planning
- Review the Commencement website for updates
FEBRUARY: What to Expect
- Understand ticketing basics
  - Ticket requests are submitted by students during commencement registration
  - Tickets will be distributed after registration closes on April 20
  - Tickets will be available digitally through the Tassel platform and may also be printed at home for guest use
  - Each guest (including children over two years of age) will need a ticket to attend the ceremony
- Learn about live stream and viewing options
  - 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)
- Cap & Gown information (for families assisting students):
  - Ordering: February 16–19
    In-person event. Online ordering will open following the in-person event.
- On-site ceremony amenities will include:
  - Flowers and coffee vendors
  - University Bookstore open in the stadium concourse
  - Concessions available
MARCH: Arrival & Campus Logistics
- Review parking and shuttle information - Commencement Parking Info
  - Shuttle pick-up locations will be shown on the parking maps
  - Ride-sharing is encouraged
- 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
- Identify photo-op locations around campus
APRIL: Be Ceremony-Ready
- Confirm ticket access with your student after April 20 (once registration closes)
  Accessibility needs and legacy family seating are requested during student commencement registration
- Cap & Gown information (for families assisting students):
  - Pick-Up: April 14–16
    Cap & gown orders shipped to home addresses will be shipped during this week
- Review emergency procedures and weather contingency plan
- 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 — Families & Guests
- Bring your ticket(s) (digital or printed)
  - If you arrive at Sea Gull Stadium separately (including by shuttle), ensure each guest has their own ticket
- Arrive early to allow time for parking and security screening
  - Graduate Ceremony: Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
  - Undergraduate Ceremony: Gates open at 7:00 a.m.
- Follow signage and staff directions upon arrival
- Review prohibited items in advance
- Check out designated photo-op areas
- Celebrate your graduate!

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.