Graduation Ceremony Information

Graduation

May 23, 2024 – 9:00 AM

The Knott Arena at the PNC Sport Complex

on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University

In order to participate in this ceremony, a student must:

1.    Have successfully completed all necessary academic requirements.

2.    Not have been involved in inappropriate or unlawful behavior which led to suspension from school during the practice period.

3.    Have attended all three graduation practices.

4.    Dress exactly as required by the dress regulations noted.

Guidelines

1.    Each senior will receive 5 (anticipated – subject to change) tickets to the Graduation ceremony.  Tickets will be given to students at the end of the last Graduation practice, May 22.

2.    If a student needs more than 5 tickets to the Graduation ceremony, he/she may stay after the last graduation practice on May 22.  Extra tickets will be given out then in a lottery format.

3.    Guests with accessibility needs may be admitted at 7:30 AM.  Doors open to the public at 7:45 AM. 

4.    Anyone who requires special consideration for seating (wheelchair bound individuals, medically or physically challenged individuals, those who need interpreter services, etc.) should submit an Accessibility Request Form (last page of this packet or online).  Special seating will be limited to the individual with the special need and up to 1 other accompanying guest.  All other guests in the party must sit in General Seating.  Please submit these written requests for special arrangements to Mrs. Holt no later than May 21, 2024.

5.    Graduates must report to The Knott Arena at the PNC Sport Complex on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University on May 23 no later than 8:00 AM.  They will report to the doors on the lower level in the rear of the fieldhouse and be checked to make sure that they don’t have any illegal or inappropriate items, which will be confiscated.

6.    At the appropriate time, the graduates will line up and prepare for the processional.  Once the class has begun the march into the arena, a senior arriving late will not be allowed to join the line and will not be allowed to participate on stage in the ceremony.

7.    All guests are asked to be seated before the procession begins.  Once the graduates begin to enter the arena, no guests will be allowed to enter the arena until the processional has ended.  Late arriving guests will then be allowed to seat themselves.  Please note that all guests must be seated.  Your full cooperation is respectfully requested.

8.    Persons wishing to take pictures or videos during the graduation ceremonies are requested to remain in their seats.

9.    There will be a professional photographer taking a picture of each senior receiving his/her diploma.  Graduates will be able to go to the Victor O’Neill Studios website to see proofs and order prints after graduation.  There is no obligation to purchase a photo.  Please keep in mind that there is no area for parents or family to get close to the stage to take their own pictures.

10. No guests will be allowed to leave the arena once the recessional of graduates begins until all graduates have left the arena.  Graduates will exit the arena and cross into the adjacent fieldhouse to obtain their diplomas.  Graduates will then exit the building through the rear doors of the fieldhouse.  Guests may leave the arena from any door EXCEPT the fieldhouse and meet their graduate in the parking lot.  Please review the map in this packet in order to plan meeting locations.

11. There is usually significant traffic congestion on Route 15 North as guests arrive for commencement exercises, especially during rush hours.  Many guests arriving at approximately the same time create this congestion.  To help alleviate this problem, the school system has hired additional personnel to assist with parking.  Also, we strongly recommend carpooling, and that you arrive at the arena 30 to 45 minutes before the commencement exercises to help reduce traffic congestion on Route 15 and the parking areas adjacent to The Knott Arena at the PNC Sport Complex on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University.

12. Accessibility Request Forms and parking information will be distributed at the first graduation practice on Monday, May 20.  Please be advised that handicap parking tags are available only through the State of Maryland MVA.  Accessibility Request graduation tickets do not include handicap parking tags.