The 2021 Virtual Commencement
will go live here
on May 8.
Each Grad Walk ( 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.)
will also be livestreamed here on May 8.
Grad Walks
COVID-19 Protocols
St. Mary’s College of Maryland would like to remind guests that we are a 100% masked campus and as such we expect participants and their guests to wear a mask at Grad Walk.
Wellness Center staff will be on site checking for the results of the Daily Symptom Check before admitting graduates into the stadium.
Guests will also be required to produce a completed health screening survey. That health screening survey should be taken on May 8 prior to your arrival and shown to Wellness Center staff before entering the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium.
All COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place including social distancing. Anyone who is sick or has symptoms of respiratory illness should not visit campus.
Date & Location
Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Jamie. L Roberts Stadium.
Traffic directions and parking instructions listed below.
Rain or Shine
The Grad Walks will take place rain or shine.
However, they will not be held with the threat of severe weather such as lightning.
Grad Walk Schedule by Major
The same for both class years unless otherwise noted.
9:00 a.m.
English, Environmental Studies, History, International Languages & Cultures, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Physics, and Student-Designed
Will be livestreamed here on May 8 at 9:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
Anthropology, Art, Art History, Asian Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Economics
Will be livestreamed here on May 8 at 12:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy Studies, Sociology; and Theater, Film and Media Studies, and Master of Arts in Teaching
Will be livestreamed here on May 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Grad Walk Day of Information for all Graduates
Schedule for the Day
First Ceremony
Guest arrival, 8:15 a.m.
Graduate arrival, 8:15 a.m.
Grad Walk, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Second Ceremony
Guest arrival, 11:15 a.m.
Graduate arrival, 11:15 a.m.
Grad Walk, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Third Ceremony
Guest arrival, 2:15 p.m.
Graduate arrival, 2:15 p.m.
Grad Walk, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Students
Students should arrive fully robed for the Grad Walk at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium. Robes are available at the College’s bookstore and the bookstore will be open at 8:00 a.m. on May 8 for any last minute pick ups. There will be no processional or recessional. Following the health screening using the Daily Symptom Check, students will be directed to their seat number on the Jamie L. Roberts turf field upon check in. Students are advised to wear flat soled shoes as high heels are not allowed. Students are not allowed gum or candy on the turf.
Guests
Before check in at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, guests will need to present the results of the Daily Symptom Check taken on May 8. Guests will then present their two tickets received from their students in either printed form or on a mobile device and be seated in the stands of the stadium. Guests are not permitted on the turf field of the stadium. Guests will be asked to leave promptly following the completion of the Grad Walk in order for staff to sterilize seating.
Ticketing
Each student will receive two tickets for guests. Tickets will come via email from noreply@eventmapsolutions.com. You will be able to print the tickets beforehand or show them on your mobile device when checking in at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland Commencement Photos
Classic Photography will capture graduation photos during the Grad Walks. Proofs and ordering information will be sent directly to each graduate. Photos will be available at www.Classic-Photo.com.
Campus Map & Local Directions
Event Location
The Jamie L. Roberts Stadium
Campus Map
Directions to Campus Webpage
College Drive One Way Traffic Flow
Starting at 7:00 a.m., College Drive will be one way traffic from Mattapany Road to Route 5.
All traffic must enter campus from Mattapany Road.
Commencement Parking
Graduates or Guests arriving from off campus: When you arrive on campus, signage will be posted to guide you to the appropriate parking area. Please follow the posted signage to the parking entrance. Once you reach the parking entrance Public Safety Officers will be on site to guide you.
Handicap parking will be available near the commencement site.
Golf carts will be available to provide transportation to and from the stadium. Golf carts will be available at both general and handicap parking.
Current Residential Students: Please leave your vehicle parked in Lot R or Lot S.
Following each grad walk session, all traffic on College Drive will be directed towards Route 5. Visitors will be able to assist residential students with move out or exit campus.
Residential Move Out
Residential students will be provided a move out time slot by the Office of Residence Life.
To assist residential students with move out, parking will be permitted on one side of College Drive. Please follow all posted parking signage.
Virtual Ceremony & Livestream
On May 8 at 9:00 a.m. our Virtual Ceremony Celebration will go live at https://dev.smcm.edu/virtual-commencement-2021/. This page will also be where we are live streaming each Grad Walk.
You have probably already submitted information for your Virtual Ceremony slide, but if you get an email from noreply@namecoach.com, please reply as quickly as possible as this is from our name reader asking for correct pronunciation of your name.
Graduation Resources
Visit the Graduation Resources page – our one-stop shop to help you prepare for graduation and life after St. Mary’s College.
Class of 2021
Activities
Wednesday, May 5
- Beach Day
- Soak up the sun at the College’s Waterfront. Remember to bring your college ID to check out kayaks, sail boats, and paddle boards.
- 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- River Center
- Soak up the sun at the College’s Waterfront. Remember to bring your college ID to check out kayaks, sail boats, and paddle boards.
- Food Trucks and Movie Night
- Sit back, relax and enjoy “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” on the big screen. Complementary Cinco De Mayo tacos from a local food truck will be available.
- 8:00 p.m.
- Townhouse Green
- Salty Heifer
- Sit back, relax and enjoy “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” on the big screen. Complementary Cinco De Mayo tacos from a local food truck will be available.
Thursday, May 6
- Faculty Farewell
- Say farewell to your favorite faculty member. Faculty will greet you at the main entrance of each academic building. Light refreshments will be served.
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Academic Buildings
- Say farewell to your favorite faculty member. Faculty will greet you at the main entrance of each academic building. Light refreshments will be served.
- Grad Walk Practice at the Jamie. L Roberts Stadium
- All Seniors that plan to participate in the Grad Walk on May 8 must attend their Grad Walk Practice.
- 1:00 p.m.
- English, Environmental Studies, History, International Languages & Cultures, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Physics, and Student-Designed
- 2:30 p.m.
- Anthropology, Art, Art History, Asian Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Economics
- 4:00 p.m.
- Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy Studies, Sociology; and Theater, Film and Media Studies, and Master of Arts in Teaching
- 1:00 p.m.
- All Seniors that plan to participate in the Grad Walk on May 8 must attend their Grad Walk Practice.
- Cap Decorating
- Available at the LQ Greens starting at 1:00 p.m.
- Packing Party
- Available at the LQ Greens patio starting at 1:00 p.m.
- Gala
- Visit and reminisce about all your favorite places at St. Mary’s College. Senior gifts and a gourmet dinner will be provided.
- 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Starting at DPC
- Visit and reminisce about all your favorite places at St. Mary’s College. Senior gifts and a gourmet dinner will be provided.
Friday, May 7
- Almost Alumni Gathering
- Meet the staff and learn all about the exciting benefits of being an active member of the SMCM Alumni Association. Enjoy FREE treats from the Kona Ice Truck and enjoy our gift to you – an Alumni Association logo innertube so you can squeeze in one more float on the river as a student.
- 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Alumni Center at Cobb House (grey house between Queen Anne Hall and the Office of Admission)
- Meet the staff and learn all about the exciting benefits of being an active member of the SMCM Alumni Association. Enjoy FREE treats from the Kona Ice Truck and enjoy our gift to you – an Alumni Association logo innertube so you can squeeze in one more float on the river as a student.
Updates
Dear Class of 2021,
With only a few weeks left in the semester I know that you are busy putting the final touches on your St. Mary's Project, enjoying the warm weather at the waterfront, and making memories as you wrap up your career at St. Mary's College. The Senior Class Executive Board and I are busy building a fun and engaging senior week which will wrap up with the Grad Walks on May 8. More information about Senior Week will be sent out to you shortly.
In order to help us plan for the Grad Walks we must know who plans to attend. Please complete the Grad Walk Registration & Survey no later than April 23, 2021. Those who do not complete the registration will not be able to participate in the Grad Walks, but will be highlighted in the virtual Commencement also live on our website May 8. As a reminder, three Grad Walks are planned for the day broken out by major.
Graduates participating in the Grad Walks will be able to invite two guests to attend. Reservations for guests will take place when seniors submit their information for the virtual Commencement (coming soon). The Grad Walks will also be live streamed on the College’s Facebook account. Because Grad Walks will take place at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium rather than the Townhouse Green, we require flat-soled shoes to be worn as high heels damage the playing fields.
All participants and guests will need to complete the COVID-19 symptom tracker and show the green checkmark on their mobile device for entry into the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium. Students will complete the same daily symptom tracker they’ve been completing all semester. Guests will receive a different link that must be completed on May 8. Those without access to a mobile device may complete the symptom checker via alternate means on site. More information about how to complete the symptom tracker survey will be available shortly.
We encourage you to look through graduate resources on the Commencement website, which provides information on cap & gown, Lavender Graduation, the Alumni Association, and more. Updates will be posted as received.
Thank you,
Derek Young
Executive Director of Student Life
Dean of Students
Dear Class of 2021,
Since last week’s announcement about Governor Larry Hogan adjusting several COVID-19 restrictions, President Tuajuanda Jordan, with the Commencement Committee and SMCM executive leadership, have revisited graduation plans. To honor our graduates, the College will offer two occasions. First, on May 8, an online virtual commencement celebration will be held to recognize you and share special messages. But we realize that a virtual experience can never replace hearing your name called as you walk across the stage to receive your diploma. Therefore, on Saturday, May 8, we will also offer three in-person Grad Walks at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium to provide you that experience.
The Grad Walks will be held throughout the day (9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.) with students assigned times based on their major. The class of 2020 will also be invited to participate in the Grad Walks on May 8.
Each Grad Walk will consist of students being called up to the stage to receive their diplomas. A photo will be taken. Each Walk will culminate with President Jordan presenting a charge to the graduates followed by the moving of the tassel. Events for the day will take place rain or shine.
To protect everyone in attendance, we will be implementing required health and safety measures including electronic symptom checkers, social distancing and wearing masks. All Grad Walks will be livestreamed for those unable to or wishing not to attend, as well as to enable family and friends to watch.
Due to changing CDC regulations, no decision has been made regarding guests at the ceremony. If guests are permitted to attend, there will be a restricted ticketing system that would include one or two guests per graduate attending a Grad Walk to ensure we are meeting capacity restrictions. We will inform you of that decision as soon as possible.
The Commencement website will also be updated shortly with more details about the Grad Walks, ordering caps and gowns, the virtual ceremony, and moving out of the residence halls, among other items. Thank you for your patience as the Commencement Committee works to give you a meaningful experience while adhering to necessary and evolving health and safety requirements.
Students with multiple majors will select their preferred Grad Walk in which to participate. Note that due to space limitations and social distancing requirements, graduates will not be permitted to attend the Grad Walks of groups other than the one to which they are assigned. Majors will be broken out for the Grad Walks as follows:
9:00 a.m.:
English, Environmental Studies, History, International Languages & Cultures, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, and Student-Designed Major
12:00 p.m.:
Anthropology, Art, Art History, Asian Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Economics
3:00 p.m.:
Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy Studies, Religious Studies, Sociology; Theater, Film and Media Studies; and Masters of Arts in Teaching
So we can continue to plan for Grad Walks, we ask that each of you take this short survey to indicate your interest in participating.
Sincerely,
Derek Young
Executive Director of Student Life
Dean of Students
Shana Meyer
Vice President for Student Affairs
Grad Walk Schedule by Major
9:00 a.m.
English, Environmental Studies, History, International Languages & Cultures, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, and Student-Designed
12:00 p.m.
Anthropology, Art, Art History, Asian Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Economics
3:00 p.m.
Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy Studies, Religious Studies, Sociology; and Theater, Film and Media Studies, and Masters of Arts in Teaching
Class of 2020
Updates
Dear Class of 2020,
I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to follow up with you about the in-person Grad Walks planned for Saturday, May 8. In order to help us plan for the Grad Walks we need to know who among you plans to attend. Please complete the Grad Walk Registration & Survey no later than April 23, 2021. Those who do not complete the registration will not be able to participate in the in-person Grad Walks. As a reminder, three Grad Walks are planned for the day broken out by major.
Graduates participating in the Grad Walks will be able to invite two guests to attend (registration coming soon). The Grad Walks will also be live streamed on the College’s Facebook account. Because Grad Walks will take place at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium rather than the Townhouse Green, we require that flat-soled shoes be worn as high heels damage the playing fields.
All participants and guests will need to complete the COVID-19 symptom tracker and show the green checkmark on their mobile device for entry into the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium. Those without access to a mobile device may complete the symptom checker via alternate means on site. Please make sure to arrive early to allow time for completion. More information about how to complete the symptom tracker survey will be available shortly.
More information on the Grad Walks can be found here. Updates will be posted as received.
Thank you,
Derek Young
Executive Director of Student Life
Dean of Students
Dear Class of 2020,
President Tuajuanda Jordan recently informed you that the College would be unable to hold an in-person commencement for you due to COVID-19 guidelines we must follow. Since then, Governor Larry Hogan adjusted several COVID-19 restrictions, allowing the College to revisit its graduation plans for your class and the class of 2021. As we did for your class, we will be holding a virtual ceremony on May 8 for the Class of 2021. But knowing you wanted a chance to hear your name called as you walk across the stage, President Jordan, along with the Commencement Committee and executive leadership, are now enabling three in-person Grad Walks at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium on Saturday, May 8, for the Classes of 2021 and 2020.
The combined Grad Walks for the Class of 2020 and 2021 will be held throughout the day (9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.) with students assigned times based on their major.
Each Grad Walk will consist of students being called up to the stage for a photo op. Each Walk will culminate with President Jordan presenting a charge to the graduates followed by the moving of the tassel. While you have officially graduated, you are invited to participate in this experience you missed last year. Events for the day will take place rain or shine.
To protect everyone in attendance, we will be implementing required health and safety measures including electronic symptom checkers, social distancing and wearing masks. All Grad Walks will be livestreamed for those unable to or wishing not to attend, as well as to enable family and friends to watch.
Due to changing CDC regulations, no decision has been made regarding guests at the ceremony. If guests are permitted to attend, there will be a restricted ticketing system that would include one or two guests per graduate attending a Grad Walk to ensure we are meeting capacity restrictions. We will inform you of that decision as soon as possible.
The Commencement website will also be updated shortly with more details about the Grad Walks, ordering caps and gowns, and the virtual ceremony, among other items. Thank you for your patience as the Commencement Committee works to give you a meaningful experience while adhering to necessary health and safety requirements.
Students with multiple majors will select their preferred Grad Walk in which to participate. Note that due to space limitations and social distancing requirements, graduates will not be permitted to attend the Grad Walks of groups other than the one to which they are assigned. Majors will be broken out for the Grad Walks as follows:
9:00 a.m.:
English, Environmental Studies, History, International Languages & Cultures, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, and Student-Designed Major
12:00 p.m.:
Anthropology, Art, Art History, Asian Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Economics
3:00 p.m.:
Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy Studies, Religious Studies, Sociology; Theater, Film and Media Studies; and Masters of Arts in Teaching
So we can continue to plan for Grad Walks, we ask you to take this short survey to indicate your interest in participating.
Sincerely,
Derek Young
Executive Director of Student Life
Dean of Students
Shana Meyer
Vice President for Student Affairs
Grad Walk Schedule by Major
9:00 a.m.
English, Environmental Studies, History, International Languages & Cultures, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, and Student-Designed
12:00 p.m.
Anthropology, Art, Art History, Asian Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Economics
3:00 p.m.
Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy Studies, Religious Studies, Sociology; and Theater, Film and Media Studies, and Masters of Arts in Teaching
Refresh your memories