Nearly 2,900 graduates and more than 22,000 guests expected over four days

Adelphi, Md. — April 30, 2026 — University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) will honor the accomplishments of stateside graduates during its Spring 2026 Stateside Grad Walk, an in-person, walk-through graduation experience taking place Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Adelphi, Md.

The event will honor students who have earned or will earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees by May 30, 2026.

The Grad Walk experience

Designed to provide a more intimate, commencement-style celebration, each participating graduate will:

  • Cross the stage in university regalia as their name is read aloud—while their guests enjoy a front-row view
  • Have the moment captured by professional on-site photographers and videographers
  • Receive a complimentary video of their stage crossing following the event

In addition to the stage experience, graduates and guests are invited to enjoy UMGC’s Celebration Zone, a curated space to take photos with family and friends, connect with Alumni Association representatives, faculty and staff, and collect special UMGC mementos to mark the milestone. 

Spring 2026 Grad Walk by the Numbers

Over this four-day event, highlights include:

  • 2,850+ graduates
  • 22,000+ guests 
  • The largest graduating class of 3D Scholars to date
  • 200+ UMGC staff, faculty, alumni and volunteers in attendance

The Grad Walk stage crossing will also be livestreamed at umgc.edu/commencement, allowing friends and family unable to attend in person to share in the celebration.

More than 9,400 UMGC graduates around the world are being recognized during this spring 2026 Commencement season, which unfolds over several weeks through celebrations across Asia, Europe and the U.S. Ceremonies have already taken place in Tokyo (April 11), Okinawa (April 18) and Seoul, Korea (April 25), with events ahead in Ramstein, Germany (May 2) and Guam (May 9). The global ceremonies will be followed by the Stateside Virtual Commencement (launching May 9) and concluding with Stateside Spring Grad Walk. More information can be found here. 

About University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military service members. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland. It continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.

Media:  For inquiries, please email  media@umgc.edu.