The 66th Commencement Ceremony will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. in the Knott Arena at Mount St. Mary's University.
Mount St. Mary’s University
The Knott Arena at the PNC Sports Complex
16251 Jim Phelan Way
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR GRADUATES
Commencement Fair (Cap, Gown, and Tickets)
Your regalia (cap and gown) order may be picked up in the Bookstore during the Commencement Fair on Monday, May 6, 2024, from 9 am - 5 pm or any day after through May 15 during Bookstore store hours.
Have your student ID available. If you are unable to pick up your order in person, you may send someone else to pick it up on your behalf. Anyone picking up for another person will be asked to sign for the order.
Each graduate may request up to eight tickets when they pick up their cap and gown in the Bookstore. If you need more than eight tickets, we recommend checking with other graduates who may be willing to share extra tickets. As we get closer to the event and we know the true number of participating graduates, we may find that there are extra tickets. If so, each participant will receive an email with the chance to request one or more additional tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more about Guests and Tickets.
Prior to the Ceremony
To remove wrinkles from your gown, hang and/or steam it before the ceremony. Do not iron your gown. Wear dress or business-casual attire under your gown and comfortable shoes.
Graduates may wear stoles and cords over their regalia. Graduates may decorate their caps (with non-offensive content). Tassels initially go on the right side of your cap.
Gold Tassels will be distributed with your cap and gown for High Honors, Honors, and Distinction. Contact [email protected] with any questions regarding your honors status.
• High Honors (associate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 to 4.00
• Honors (associate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.500 to 3.7490
• Distinction (certificate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 to 4.00
• Questions regarding PTK & stoles and cords, please contact the Student Leadership & Engagement Office at [email protected].
Arriving at the Ceremony
Mount St. Mary’s University Campus Map
Graduates and guests may park in any open lot. Doors of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC open to graduates and guests at 3:00 p.m.
Graduates need to check-in at the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC- East Field House Entrance of the Dillon Field House, collect their name card, and be in line by 4:00 p.m.
Dillion Field House/Knott Arena
Please leave valuables (e.g., purses, cell phones) behind; they may not be carried during the ceremony and there is no storage available.
The following items are NOT permitted inside the arena:
• posters
• banners
• signs
• balloons
• noise makers
• outside drinks/food
• strollers
• large bags
• weapons of any kind
All bags should be secured in a locked vehicle.
Guests may check in at the Upper West Entrance or the Lower East Entrance of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC. The most accessible entrance for graduates and guests with limited mobility is the Lower East Entrance of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
Line-up and Stage Crossing
At check-in, you will be given a name card. Carry your name card with you. You will hand it to a designated staff member as you approach the stage. Your name will be read from the name card.
If you wish to discuss the pronunciation of your name with the speaker, please ask a volunteer to direct you after you check in and receive your name card.
Graduates are grouped by academic departments (Liberal Arts, HBTS, CATI & HCTI, MACEM & PS). If graduating with more than one credential, you will be assigned to the major you selected on the participation form.
You will be led by FCC Faculty Marshal from the Dillon Field House to the Knott Arena. Please pay careful attention to the Marshals throughout the entire ceremony and look for cues to stand and process to the stage.
There will be two English-to-ASL interpreters present on the graduation stage. There will be a small reserved-seating area near the interpreters for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing guests.
Graduates and guests need to remain for the entire ceremony.
Instructions for Approaching the Stage
• Follow the Marshal’s instruction to stand and process to the stage. • Hand the name card to the reader.
• Wait for your name to be spoken.
• Walk across the stage to be greeted by the President.
• Receive your diploma cover from the President while having your picture taken. • As you descend the ramp, your picture will be taken a second time.
• Return to your seat.
Distribution of Diplomas
Diplomas will not be distributed during the ceremony. You will receive a diploma cover during the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed to the address provided in PeopleSoft after final confirmation of degree. Diplomas will be mailed in July for May 2024 graduates. August 2023 and December 2023 graduates should have received their diplomas.
Photographs
As you receive your diploma cover from the President, your picture will be taken by a professional photographer. As you descend the ramp, your picture will be taken a second time.
Graduation photos will be posted at charlesstudio.com the morning after graduation.
Conclusion and Recession
At the conclusion of the ceremony, students will rise and after degrees and certificates have been conferred, students will be instructed by the President to move the tassel from the right side to the left side of the mortarboard.
Remain standing through the recessional. The stage party and faculty lead the processional – graduates are led out last.
After departing the gym, you will be directed to the grassy area outside where you checked in. Plan to meet your guests at the top-level entrance, Ceremonial Drive, on the map.
Guests and Tickets
Every guest (including children and infants) needs a ticket. This is by code of the Fire Marshall. Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Allow adequate time to arrive on campus and park. Parking attendants will be available to direct you. Guests may park in any open lot.
Doors of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC open to graduates and guests at 3:00 p.m.
All guests will be subject to a security inspection prior to admission. Bags may not exceed 8.5” x 11”. Guests should consider leaving bags or other unnecessary personal belongings at home. Please arrive early to allow adequate time for check-in. The following items are NOT permitted inside the arena:
• posters
• banners
• signs
• balloons
• noise makers
• outside drinks/food
• strollers
• large bags
• weapons of any kind
All bags should be secured in a locked vehicle.
Guests may check in at the Upper West Entrance or the Lower East Entrance of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC. The most accessible entrance for graduates and guests with limited mobility is the Lower East Entrance of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
Flowers
Commencement flowers and class t-shirts will be sold onsite for guests who are interested in purchasing for their graduates.
Food and Drink
The FCC Bookstore will offer flowers, concessions, and alumni gifts from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on the upper level of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
There are vending machines in the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities
The most accessible entrance for graduates and guests with limited mobility is the Lower East Entrance of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
Seating for guests with limited mobility is available at the back of the gym. See an attendant for assistance.
There will be two English-to-ASL interpreters present on the graduation stage. There will be a small reserved-seating area near the interpreters for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing guests.
Dillion Field House/Knott Arena
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE CEREMONY?
Thursday, May 16, 2024
4:30 p.m.
Mount St. Mary’s University
The Knott Arena at the PNC Sports Complex
16251 Jim Phelan Way
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Is there a rehearsal?
No. There is no rehearsal prior to commencement.
Will an ASL interpreter and/or captioning be provided?
There will be two English-to-ASL interpreters present on the graduation stage. There will be a small reserved-seating area near the interpreters for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing guests. If any other interpreting accommodations are required, please email [email protected] as soon as possible with your request.
Will accessible seating be available for people with disabilities?
Seating for guests with limited mobility is available at the back of the gym along the designated areas. Graduates should request tickets for the limited mobility section. The most accessible entrance for limited mobility is in the front of the PNC Sports Complex on the lower level. Map
Is there food?
There are vending machines in the Knott ARCC
In addition, the FCC Bookstore will offer flowers, concessions, and alumni gifts from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on the upper level of the complex.
Will guests be allowed to attend?
Each graduate may request up to eight guest tickets.
Are tickets required?
Yes. All guests, including babies and children, need a ticket.
Will the Ceremony be streamed?
A live stream of the ceremony will be made available in the JBK Theater, located in the Visual & Performing Arts Center on the campus of Frederick Community College. There will also be a link to watch the graduation ceremony in real time on the day of the ceremony at frederick.edu/graduation and on the official Frederick Community College youtube channel.
Why did the Commencement ceremony location change?
Mount St. Mary's University offers increased seating capacity, with its facility accommodating over 3,700 people compared to FCC’s on-campus facilities of a maximum of 1,900 seats. This new location allows us to accommodate as many of our students, their family members, and supporting faculty, staff, and friends from the community as possible in one common space.
Do graduates need to RSVP to attend the ceremony?
Yes. Eligible graduates will receive an email to their FCC email address in 2024 with an invitation to participate in the ceremony and order a cap and gown.
How early should guests arrive to get seats?
Doors open to guests at 3:00 p.m.
How long is the ceremony?
The commencement ceremony is typically 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Are there restrictions on what can be brought to the ceremony?
In order to ensure the safety of all graduates and their guests, please note that guests and their bags will be subject to a security inspection prior to admission. Bags may not exceed 8.5” x 11” Consider leaving bags or other unnecessary personal belongings at home. Please arrive early to allow adequate time for check-in.
Once my graduate is recognized may we leave?
Out of respect for the other graduates, all graduates and their guests are expected to stay until the end of the ceremony.
How will I receive my diploma?
You do not have to participate in the ceremony to receive your diploma or certificate.
Printed diplomas are mailed to your address listed in PeopleSoft as follows:
• August 2023: Mailed in October 2023
• December 2023: Mailed in February 2024
• May 2024: Mailed in July 2024
CAMPUS MAP
Download Map
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES
Ceremony Information/Location
Thursday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Mount St. Mary’s University
PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC
16251 Jim Phelan Way
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
MAP
All full-time faculty and adjunct faculty who taught in fall 2023 and/or spring 2024 are invited to attend.
All full-time faculty are required to participate in the commencement ceremony.
To be excused from the ceremony, you must request permission from Dr. Anne Davis.
Security Information
The following items are NOT permitted inside the arena:
• posters
• banners
• signs
• balloons
• noise makers
• outside drinks/food
• strollers
• large bags
• weapons of any kind
All bags should be secured in a locked vehicle.
Regalia
All full-time faculty and adjunct faculty who taught in fall 2023 and/or spring 2024 should have received an email with a link to order regalia. The deadline to order regalia is April 3.
You will receive an email from Kim Madden when regalia is available. Pick up regalia packages in the Bookstore beginning Monday, May 6, 2024.
If you own your academic regalia and will be participating, notify Kara Bennett by email at [email protected].
Please email Kim Madden at [email protected] if you have any questions about placing your online order.
You should return your rented regalia to the FCC Bookstore no later than Friday May 31, 2024. Regalia will not be collected at the Knott Arena.
Arriving at the Ceremony
Arrive on campus no later than 4:00 p.m. Lot D is reserved for FCC employee parking. Attendants will be directing traffic to the designated area (campus map). Make sure to display your FCC employee parking decal.
Enter the Dillion Field House by using the East Field House Entrance. You may robe and store personal items in the Group Exercise Studio, if necessary.
Click to open PDF
Line-Up
Full-time faculty and adjunct faculty should line up in any order in the Dillon Field House by 4:15 p.m.
Graduates and faculty will assemble in the Dillon Field House before the procession.
Faculty will be seated behind the graduates on the floor.
Faculty and students will be led through the initial assembly area of the Dillion Field House and out the East Field House Entrance at the end of the ceremony.
*Note: Faculty will recess at the end of the ceremony to an area outside the building. You may return to pick up personal items from the Group Exercise Studio after everyone has exited the building.
Do Employees need a ticket?
A ticket is not needed to attend commencement, but FCC ID is required.
Do Employees get mileage reimbursement for attending commencement?
Mileage is not reimbursed for employees who are attending as guests rather than volunteers.
Food and Drink
There are vending machines in the Knott ARCC.