Annapolis Commencement

Commencement 2023

Commencement in Annapolis will be held on Sunday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2023 will be held on the front campus at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 14. Graduates from the Class of 2020 have also been invited to participate in the commencement ceremony. The ceremony will be moved indoors to the Francis Scott Key Auditorium in Mellon Hall in the event of inclement weather.

If the ceremony is held outdoors, there are no restrictions on the number of guests graduates may invite to commencement. However, each graduate will be provided with six tickets for the seated commencement area. Additional guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs and may sit anywhere outside of the seated commencement area.

If the ceremony is held indoors, each graduate will be provided with two tickets for the FSK Auditorium.

Please note the event will also be streamed online. The link is posted below.

Watch the livestreamed 2023 Commencement in Annapolis on YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel Information

We recommend making reservations as early as possible. Please consider staying at one of the accommodations listed on Campus Travel or the visitor’s bureau of Annapolis.

Transportation from BWI Airport/Train Station

BWI Super Shuttle: 800-258-3826 or supershuttle.com
The Airport Shuttle: 800-776-0323 or theairportshuttle.com

Disability Access

If you have a family member with special needs, please contact Diane Ensor, campus reservations, at diane.ensor(at)sjc.edu to make any necessary arrangements.

Commencement Week Events

Monday, May 8
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.		 Associate Dean’s Reception for the In-Person Graduate Institute Graduates, Boathouse
Tuesday, May 9
3:45 - 5:30 p.m.		 Happy Hour for Juniors, Seniors & Faculty, Library Plaza. Juniors, seniors, and faculty are invited to join us on the Library Plaza for an opportunity to share summer plans and say farewells over a beer, wine, sangria, mocktails, and refreshments. Career Development will also provide an opportunity for juniors and seniors to have a professional headshot taken.
Wednesday, May 10
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.		 Associate Dean’s Reception for the Low-Residency Graduate Institute Graduates, Virtual Event
Friday, May 12
6:30 p.m.		 President’s Dinner for the Senior Class and Tutors, Mellon Lobby
Saturday, May 13
  • 11:30 a.m.: Graduate Institute Capstone Seminar, General Hartle Room
  • 1 p.m.: Graduate Institute Bocce and Lunch, BBC Lawn
  • 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Senior Class Recital, Boathouse. Family and friends are invited to attend this music and poetry recital featuring performances from the senior class.
  • 3 p.m.: Commencement Rehearsal for all Degree Candidates and Class of 2020, Front Lawn
  • 4:30 p.m.: Class of 2020 Senior Class Toast, Studio Theater
  • 8 - 11 p.m.: Waltz Party, Great Hall. Family and friends are invited to join the polity for an evening of celebration with swing, waltz, and other ballroom dances. Beginners are encouraged to attend, and an emergency dance lesson will start the festivities for first timers. Refreshments provided.
Sunday, May 14
10:30 a.m.		 Commencement Ceremony on the Front Lawn, Reception on the Back Lawn to follow