Graduates on the football field during graduation ceremony

Spring Ceremony for Undergraduates

Candidates for all bachelor degrees will graduate on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Hughes Memorial Stadium. Candidates and guests are asked to arrive by 8:30 am.

Candidates graduating from the School of Graduate Studies are not required to attend the Undergraduate ceremony. There is a separate ceremony for Graduate School candidates.

The ceremony will be outdoors, except in the case of severe weather. You do not need tickets, and there are no reserved seats. You may invite as many guests as you wish.

Schedule

8:30 a.m. Students will assemble on the Academic Quad in front of Holmes Hall and the Welcome Bridge. They will, with the assistance of marshals, assemble by college/school. Please look for the signs for your college/school.  The Ceremony usually lasts about 2-3 hours.

Determining Eligibility

Candidates completing degree requirements between _______ and _______ are invited to participate in Spring Commencement. Candidates for all master’s, doctorate, should attend the graduate ceremony. Candidates for all associate and bachelor’s degrees should attend the undergraduate ceremony.

Candidates who have completed degree requirements between _______ and _______ are invited to participate in the Winter Commencement ceremony.

Seating

Guest Seating

Guest seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Ushers will be stationed throughout the building to direct all guests to the best possible seats.

Special seating is available for guests in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. Check ADA accommodations to learn more.

ORDER OF EXERCISES

The Processional
Will leave the assembly locations and process into Hughes Memorial Stadium.

Guests should be in their seats by 8:30 am as access to certain areas will be restricted after this time until the processional has concluded.

Graduates should remain standing upon reaching their seats.

Welcome from the President

Invocation

Hymn – “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing“

Welcome from the Board of Regents

Commencement Address

Conferring of Honors
Honorary Degree Recipients

Recognition of Senior Honor Graduates

Presentation of Special Awards

Recognition of Commissioned Officers

Conferring of the Undergraduate Degrees in Course
The Provost will ask the graduates to rise and will present them to the President. When all colleges have been presented and are standing, the President will confer the degrees.

Awarding of Diplomas
Graduates will rise by rows and move to the platform as directed by the marshals.

Salute of the Graduates

Induction into the Morgan State Alumni Association

Singing of the Alma Mater
Graduates and guests will be led in the singing of the alma mater.

Benediction

Recessional
Graduates should remain seated until the marshals signal their rows to rise and join the recessional line. The lines will move out after the faculty.

As a courtesy to all those attending commencement, graduates and guests are asked to refrain from using horns and other noise makers during the ceremony.

Commencement Day Reminders

For Graduation Candidates

  • Check the weather before you arrive. Bring an umbrella in case of rain.
  • Do not bring briefcases, or any other personal items, as they cannot be stored during Commencement.
  • Wear business or business-casual attire with comfortable—though formal—footwear.
  • Wait until you arrive at the lineup to put on your cap and gown.
  • All degree candidates in attendance are expected to stay for the entire ceremony.
  • No alcoholic beverages are permitted at Commencement.