Information for Families and Guests
2026 Commencement
Coppin State University is excited to welcome guests to Commencement.
As part of an ongoing effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable Commencement ceremony, additional security measures will be in place that are consistent with standard protocols used at large-scale events across USM institutions, sporting events and concerts.
These measures will include:
- A clear bag policy (see below)
- Entry screening with walk-through metal detectors
Gates open at 7:30 AM.
The doors to the Physical Education Center (PEC) Arena will open at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are required for entrance. You are encouraged to arrive early. The procession of graduates starts from the Library Quad at 8:45 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately three hours. Family and friends are asked to be seated on the PEC arena by 8:45 a.m. as the formal ceremony will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.
For family and friends unable to attend the ceremony in-person, Commencement will be live streamed on YouTube.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Doors open at the Physical Education Center (PEC) arena |
| 8:45 a.m. | Graduate Processional |
| 9:00 a.m. | Commencement Ceremony |
Parking & Shuttle Service
On-Campus Parking
On campus parking is complimentary on Commencement day only.
- Lot C (general parking)
- Lot D (general parking)
- Lot F (general parking)
- Lot G (general parking)
- Lot H (reserved for ADA guests and VIPs)
Off-Campus Parking
Marked parking will be available at Mondawmin Mall lot D ONLY (follow Coppin signage) at the entrance at N. Warwick Avenue and Gwynns Falls Parkway. Vehicles parked in non-designated locations will be towed.
Lot attendants will give guests shuttle and walking directions to the venue.
Shuttle service for Lot C starting point begins at 7:00am. The shuttle services lots D, F, G, and H and (drop off) then back to lot C. The shuttle will be making stops at Mondawmin Mall.
Shuttle service will stop at 10:00am and resume at the end of the ceremony.
Ride share (Uber, Lyft, etc.) should be directed to drop off on loop road (next to PEC/lot H) and exit the campus towards North Avenue or Warwick Avenue (one way).
Unauthorized Items
All guests and their belongings are subject to screening. The following items will NOT be permitted in PEC Field:
- Alcohol, bottles, cans, food, coolers
- Illegal drugs
- Fireworks
- Weapons
- Noisemakers
- Laser pointers
- Beach balls
- Balloons
- Signs larger than 8.5 x 11 inches
- Any other items or actions deemed dangerous or inappropriate by Campus Police
Guests are encouraged to return unauthorized items to their vehicles. Those who violate rules or regulations and any person(s) who commit illegal acts may be ejected from the facility.
Coppin Bag Policy
Approved Bags
- Clear Tote – No Larger Than 12” X 6” X 12”
- Small Clutch Bag – No Larger Than 4.5” X 6.6”
- Plastic Storage Bag – (1) Gallon clear
- Seat Cushion – 16” x 16” – No Arms, No Zippers
Prohibited Bags
- Purses
- Backpacks
- Briefcase
- Cooler
- Fanny Packs
- Luggage
- Computer Bags
- Camera Bags
- Binocular Cases
- Diaper Bags
- Drawstring Bags
- Duffel Bags
Seating
There will be open seating at the ceremony. Reserved seating is available for ADA guests in the first row of general seating (behind stanchions).
Commencement Etiquette
Guests will not be allowed to leave their seats to take photos of the graduates during the ceremony. Photo backdrops are set up on the concourse of the Physical Education Center Arena to allow for pictures at the end of the ceremony.
Graduate Gifts
The Commencement Group Inc. will be selling flowers and stuffed animals on the concourse of the Physical Education Center Arena, near the main entrance.
Photo Stations
Photo stations will be set up on the concourse of the Physical Education Center Arena to allow family and friends to take pictures with their graduates.