Preparing for Convocation 2024

Graduation week at UD consists of a number of ceremonies. Graduates are welcome (and encouraged) to participate in their individual ceremonies as well as UD Commencement.

Separate tickets are required for each event for both degree candidates and guests.

• Convocation is a personalized ceremony for our College. Unlike UD’s Commencement ceremony the following day, all degree candidates and CLSC certificate recipients’ names will be called, and participants will walk across the stage while being recognized.
• Associate in Arts students will be recognized in a personalized ceremony for students graduating from the AA program.
• Doctoral Hooding is a university-wide ceremony recognizing all UD students receiving their Ph.D. or Ed.D. degrees. Degree candidates will be hooded by their advisor.
• Honors Degree Medal Ceremony is a university-wide ceremony recognizing UD students who are candidates for an Honors Degree.
• Commencement is the University-wide ceremony where degrees are conferred on all UD undergraduate and graduate students.

Click here for information about schedules.

Digital programs of all UD graduations information forthcoming. 

Convocation Details

Tickets are required for both degree candidates and guests. Parking information and directions will be available on the UD Commencement website.

Photography and videography from this event may be used by UD for promotional purposes.

Convocation will be webcast live on May 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at www.udel.edu/udlive.

Prepare for Graduation

• Students invited to participate include those who have completed their degree in Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, or who expect to complete in Spring 2024 or Summer 2024.
• If you have questions about your undergraduate graduation status, please contact CEHD-advise@udel.edu.
• If you have questions about your graduate graduation status, please contact cmj@udel.edu.
• Convocation is a dignified occasion and academic regalia (cap and gown) is required. Regalia must be purchased through the UD Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Contact the UD Bookstore with questions: (302) 831-2424.
• Additional recommendations to get ready for commencement and convocation can be found here.

Convocation  Day

• By 4:30 pm, please report to the Whitney Athletic Center. Everyone entering the Whitney Center must go through a security check. After entering, please proceed to the check-in tables at the entrance of the Whitney Athletic Center to pick up your name card.
• Graduate student (doctoral, specialist and master’s degrees) check-in tables will be to the left and undergraduate student (ECE, ETE, HRA and HS) check-in tables will be to the right in the Whitney Center Lobby.
• Every degree candidate must have a name card in order to have your name read. Please do not get in line without your card, Keep your name card with you and take it up to the stage.
• No food or drink is allowed.
• There are no facilities to store your belongings so please plan accordingly. If you must carry keys or other essentials, think about pockets, a fanny bag or a small crossbody purse to be worn under your regalia.
• Signs will be posted in the Whitney Athletic Center designating an area for graduate students and undergraduates from each department to line up. 
• Form a single file line within your major or program, keeping in mind that you will be seated with those in front of and behind you. Students will enter the Field House in the following order. The LEFT LINE will consist of doctoral students, master’s and specialist students, and Elementary Teacher Education undergraduate students and faculty. The RIGHT LINE will consist of CLSC certificate recipients, and Early Childhood Education, Human Relations Administration, and Human Services undergraduate students.
• Your name will be read by the Marching Order system using the QR code on the card that you must pick up when you check in. Keep your card with you and take it to the stage. 
• At the conclusion of the ceremony, please wait for the platform party to exit and then degree candidates and guests may exit. Please arrange a meeting spot outside the Field House so you can find each other. 

4:30 p.m. – Students, please report to the check-in tables at the entrance of the Whitney Athletic Center to pick up your name card.

5:30 p.m. – Degree candidates and certificate recipients must be assembled in Whitney Athletic Center by this time.

6:00 p.m. – Ceremony begins at Delaware Field House

• Every degree candidate must have a name card in order to have your name read. Please do not get in line without your card, Keep your name card with you and take it up to the stage.
• Tickets are required for degree candidates.
• No food or drink is allowed.
• There are no facilities to store your belongings so please plan accordingly. If you must carry keys or other essentials, consider pockets or a small cross-body bag or similar to wear under your regalia.

Family members and guests are encouraged to arrive no later than 5:15 pm. The ceremony will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Please be aware there will be traffic and plan your arrival accordingly.

• Tickets are required. 
• The Field House doors will open at 5:00 p.m.
• The ceremony will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• No noisemakers like air horns or cowbells, and no food or beverages will be allowed. 
• A security check will happen at the front door. 
• Water stations will be provided.
• A limited number of restrooms are available in the Field House. Please consider using the restroom before arriving, if possible.   
• The ceremony will be best viewed on the video screens throughout the Field House. If you wish to sit on the same side as your student, see the seating chart below.
• Parents and guests should only sit in the designated guest seating areas as the reserved sections of seating are for the graduates.
• Special seating: If you need assistance with ADA seating, please see one of the ushers or event staff. ADA parking will be available near the Field House. Please notify a parking attendant if you need further assistance.
• Please keep the aisles clear during the processional and recessional.
• Official photographers from Grad Images will photograph each degree candidate or certificate recipient as they are recognized on stage.
• At the conclusion of the ceremony, please wait until after the Platform Party recessional to exit the field house. Families will meet their degree candidates outside the Field House. Please designate a meeting spot before the ceremony begins.
• Thank you and enjoy this special day!

This information was last updated on 4/22/2024. Check back in case of updates. Contact the CEHD Dean’s Office at 302-831-2394 if you have any questions. 

Additional information is also available on the UD Commencement website.