Congratulations Class of 2027!
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is pleased to honor the Class of 2027 over two celebration-filled weekends this coming spring:
- May 14 – 15 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony and Commonwealth Honors College Celebration of Excellence
- May 21 – 23 Undergraduate Ceremony, Master’s and Education Specialist Ceremony, Senior Recognition Ceremonies
The schedule of events and additional details will be announced as they are confirmed. We encourage you to check this site regularly for updates.
Visa Request Letters
The Office of Community Relations and University Events will provide letter(s) of support for students who wish to have family member(s) living abroad attend Commencement ceremonies. If you would like a letter of support to supplement your guests’ visa applications to a U.S. embassy, please click and review the instructions below carefully before submitting your request.
Questions? Contact Us
Is commencement the same as graduation?
They are closely related, but not quite the same. Graduation is the fulfillment of your degree requirements, while Commencement is the ceremony that honors that achievement.
For questions regarding the undergraduate ceremony, master's and education specialists ceremony, doctoral hooding ceremony, academic regalia (caps, gowns, hoods, and tams), guest experience, and traveling to campus, contact Community Relations and University Events at @email or 413-577-1101.
For questions regarding the undergraduate senior recognition ceremonies at which bachelor’s degree candidate’s names are read as they cross the stage, contact your school or college directly.
For questions related to graduation, degree completion, eligibility, etc., undergraduate students should contact their academic advisors and/or the Office of the Registrar, and graduate students should contact the Graduate School as outlined on the Contact Us page.