Winter 2009 Commencement Ceremonies

From: Elliot Hirshman, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in UMBC’s Winter 2009 Commencement ceremonies. We will have two ceremonies this December because our combined graduate and undergraduate ceremony outgrew the space available in the Retriever Activities Center (RAC).

* The graduate commencement will be held Tuesday, December 22, at 10 a.m., in the RAC.
* The undergraduate commencement will be held Wednesday, December 23, at 10 a.m., in the RAC.

As you know, these events mean a great deal to our students and their parents and guests. I hope you will make a special effort to share in their celebration.

RSVP PROCESS: We have a streamlined process for faculty and staff to order regalia and to notify the staff that you intend to walk in the Commencement procession(whether you rent, purchase or already own your regalia). There is a single web-based response form for faculty and staff to respond, and, if desired, order regalia, all at one time.

ORDERING REGALIA: As in the past, UMBC will subsidize the rental of academic regalia for faculty and administrative and associate staff. Order your regalia by Monday, October 26. After that date, you will be asked to pay a late charge of $20. Note that it will not be possible to order regalia after December 14. Even if there is only a slight chance that you will attend commencement, you should order regalia. It is easier for the Bookstore to return unused gowns and hoods then it is to place a late order and not get delivery on time.

Regalia will be ready for pick-up in the Bookstore beginning December 14-21. Use the online commencement RSVP form to place your order. If you have any questions, call Gail Dupree at the Bookstore, ext. 5-3807.

RSVP FOR MARCHING IN THE PROCESSION: Even if you do not order regalia, we need to know whether you intend to march in the commencement procession so that appropriate seating arrangements can be made. Give your RSVP on the Web site response form for commencement by Monday, December 14.