UMA’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony: What You Need to Know
As we prepare for the 2026 Commencement ceremony, thank you for your participation in this important academic tradition.
Faculty/staff participating in the processional are asked to arrive early and check in at the designated assembly area. Please allow sufficient time for parking, robing, and line-up. Regalia is required to participate in the ceremony.
Event staff and marshals will be present to guide the processional and provide instructions throughout the ceremony. We ask that you follow their direction to help ensure a smooth and dignified experience for our graduates and guests.
We appreciate your time and contribution to making this a memorable occasion for our students.
Date and Time
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 am at the Augusta Civic Center.
Arrival and Robing
All faculty/staff must report to the Cumberland/Andros/Aroos Room in the Augusta Civic Center by 8:45 a.m. We recommend you plan to show up for 8:30 a.m.
All faculty and staff must enter through the main doors and will be required to pass through security, including a bag check. You may arrive wearing your regalia or bring it with you to robe once inside the designated room. We strongly recommend limiting personal items. Please note that this is a change from last year. Entry through any other doors will not be permitted.
Please plan ahead. Traffic delays are common near the Augusta Civic Center, especially on the morning of commencement. We strongly encourage you to arrive early to ensure you are on time for line-up and seating.
Line Up
Terry Lawson is in charge of ensuring everyone is robed and lined up on time. When it is time to line up we ask that you listen for your name to be called and line up in the order she is stating. After everyone’s names have been read, if you choose stand next to other faculty in your program, that is allowed.
Live Streaming of Commencement Ceremony
We are pleased to offer the 2026 Commencement Ceremony via live streaming. We will be posting the link on the Commencement webpage, so please refer to that on the day of our event – May 9, 2026.
After the Ceremony — On the Campus Green
Reception
Immediately following the ceremonies, we will have a reception outside on the Campus Green, just a short walk from the Civic Center. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to introduce your family and friends to our faculty and staff, take some photos, and also get a bite to eat! We hope you can join us.
Thesis Art Exhibition and Reception
The Thesis Art Exhibition Opening Reception in the Charles Danforth Gallery in Jewett Hall will immediately follow Commencement, and all are welcome to attend.
Military and Veteran Recognition
For graduating military personnel and veterans, a special Challenge Coin in recognition of your academic achievement at UMA will be available at a table on the Campus Green near the reception area.
Other…
The information in this announcement and more can be found on the UMA Commencement webpage, uma.edu/commencement.