Guide to Grad Walk
What is UMGC Spring Grad Walk 2022?
Grad Walk is an intimate, in-person, walk-through graduation experience, where your name will be called as you walk across a formal commencement stage in regalia and meet university leaders while your family members and friends cheer you on from a viewing area directly in front of the stage.
Professional photographers will be on-site to take photos as you cross the stage, along with individual and group photos before and after your recognition. You and your guests can take photos and selfies on UMGC’s beautiful grounds and at photo stations decorated with the colors of the university and the state of Maryland, located around UMGC headquarters.
You can also commemorate your achievements in a special Celebration Zone, meet UMGC Alumni Association representatives, and purchase UMGC apparel, gear, and other mementos. Our enthusiastic faculty and staff will be on hand to guide you and your guests through the UMGC Grad Walk experience.
What to Know About Grad Walk
- As our nation emerges from the global pandemic, University of Maryland Global Campus is pleased and proud to host our first in-person graduation celebration in more than two years. Grad Walk will be a unique experience structured to accommodate a larger-than-usual population of graduates—including those who were unable to participate in previous years because of the pandemic—while helping protect the health and safety of our community.
- Grad Walk will be held at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center Ballrooms, 3501 University Boulevard E., Adelphi, MD 20783.
- Nearly 30,000 UMGC graduates are invited to participate in Grad Walk. Those invited include UMGC undergraduates and graduates from
- Winter 2020
- Spring 2020
- Summer 2020
- Fall 2020
- Winter 2021
- Spring 2021
- Summer 2021
- Fall 2021
- Winter 2022
- Spring 2022
- Each graduate is welcome to bring up to four family members and friends to celebrate their achievement.
- UMGC will comply with local COVID-19 regulations and guidance from the CDC in effect at the time of the Grad Walk; additional information will be provided and updated, as necessary.
- COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged but not required.
- Social distancing and the use of masks are encouraged. We ask those who are unvaccinated to wear masks.
- Carpooling is highly recommended! Complimentary parking will be available; staff and signage will guide you when you arrive.
- We recommend registering well in advance to reserve your preferred date and time.
- A cap and gown are required for participation. Visit cbgrad.com to order your gown no later than May 1, 2022.
- Your Grad Walk experience is expected to run approximately one hour from check-in to exit.
- Floral arrangements, UMGC apparel, and other commemorative gifts will be available for purchase.
- Need help? Just call UMGC Commencement Services at 240-684-2225, M–F (9 a.m.–5 p.m. eastern time), or email us anytime at commencement@umgc.edu.
Grad Walk Check-In Process and Individual Recognition
Step One: Arrive!
- Wear your regalia and plan to arrive with your guests.
- Please arrive at your confirmed appointment time.
- Look for UMGC Grad Walk signs and our staff guides who will direct you to designated parking and the Grad Walk entrance.
Step Two: Register and Join Fellow Graduates in Line
- You will receive a name card when you arrive at check-in.
- You and your group will be directed to the waiting area for the commencement stage.
Step Three: Pose for Professional Photos of You and Your Guests
- Before you cross the stage, you will proceed to a photography station, where our photographer will take individual and group photos of you and your guests.
Step Four: Enjoy Your Big Moment
- You will hand your name card to the on-stage guide and once cued, walk to the center of the stage as your name is announced.
- You will receive a UMGC diploma folder as you cross the stage and are congratulated by UMGC leadership.
- Our professional photographer will capture the moment. Your guests will be positioned in front of the stage and may take personal photos and videos.
- After you cross the stage, you will proceed to the final professional photography station for one more photo of you holding your diploma folder.
Step Five: Visit the Alumni Celebration Zone
- You and your group will continue your Grad Walk experience in the outdoor Celebration Zone, sponsored by the UMGC Alumni Association.
- Take photos and selfies on UMGC’s beautiful grounds or at designated photo stations and share them on social media with #UMGCgrad!