Online Only Reservations
Reservations are only accepted online. We do not share any guest details or contact information with any individual, department, or outside organization: all information that is collected is used solely to make housing assignments, email relevant information (i.e., building assignments, check-in/check-out procedures, and payment receipts), and mail any requested parking passes, if applicable. Our secure online payment gateway adheres to all PCI-DSS security requirements in accordance with University of Massachusetts policies, so rest assured that your personal and payment details will be safe and secure. Please note: all information must be entered into our online registration system to secure your reservation. If you do not have access to a computer, please ask a family member, friend, or your soon-to-be graduate for assistance!

Payment Required at Booking
Full payment by credit or debit card is required during the online reservation process to complete your booking. If a reservation is received without payment it will be considered incomplete and will be subject to cancellation. Payment is accepted through our secure online payment gateway by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Reservations and payments will only be accepted until 4 p.m. ET on Friday, April 12, or until space fills: any reservation or incomplete reservation not paid in full by 4 p.m. ET on Friday, April 12 (or by the time space fills) will be canceled. 

Non-Refundable Cancellation Policy
Reservations are non-refundable. Full reservation cancellations are ineligible for a refund and the full amount paid will be retained as a cancellation fee, regardless of reason for cancellation, time frame from initial reservation, or date of cancellation. Cancellations should be made in writing to UMass Conference Services: registration@umass.edu. Because reservations are non-refundable, we encourage you to read through each tab above to inform your decision on whether on-campus residence hall lodging is right for you. Please note: if other guests will be taking your place in the room you reserved, remember to let us know the names of each guest staying in the rooms! Guests will not be able to check-in unless the room is reserved under their name.

Updating your Reservation
If you wish to adjust your reservation, including adjusting your selected nights of stay, room occupancy, or guest names, please contact UMass Conference Services (413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu) or sign back into your online account to edit your reservation. Reservations and adjustments to existing reservations will only be accepted until 4 p.m. ET on Friday, April 12, or until space fills. While all attempts will be made to accommodate any reservation update, change to your dates of stay, or room addition that is received by 4 p.m. ET on Friday, April 12, changes can only be made on a space available basis and we cannot guarantee availability. Guests are encouraged to submit any edits to their reservation as soon as possible to increase the likelihood that we are able to make any requested adjustments.

Residence Hall Damages Policy
The main contact for each reservation agrees to provide compensation to the University of Massachusetts for damage beyond normal wear and tear to the residence hall room(s), hallways, bathrooms and/or any other common area caused by any guest staying in the room(s) reserved under their name.

Required Room Key Deposit
At check-in each guest will be required to pay a $20.00 deposit (cash only) for each room key issued. Each room key remains the property of the University and may not be loaned or duplicated. Room keys must be returned at check-out (by 11 a.m. on your date of departure) and must be returned in the same condition as issued. Any guest who does not return their room key to the residence hall desk clerk at check-out, or who does not return the room key in its original condition, will forfeit the $20.00 deposit for each lost/damaged key. Refunds will not be granted for keys returned after the time of check-out (by 11 a.m. on your date of departure). The main contact of each reservation is responsible for providing this information to each guest in their party.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET, excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays. All calls, voicemails, and emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Which residence hall will I be in? Can I request a specific building or room?
We will not know the exact residence halls that will be used until later this spring. However, we do know that we will use low-rise buildings in the Southwest Residential Area (we do not use any of the towers). In previous years we have housed our guests in James, Emerson, Moore, Pierpont, and Cance, but we won't know exactly which buildings we will use or which building your party will be assigned to stay in until closer to Commencement. The main contact of each reservation will receive a housing assignment email for the guests in their party in May with their exact building name and address. Please note that because we use a finite number of rooms in a set number of buildings, we cannot accommodate requests for specific buildings or rooms, or requests to be in the same building or near the room of your graduating student.

I reserved multiple rooms. Will we all be housed together?
Yes, typically all rooms reserved under the same account will be placed right next to each other in the same residence hall. However, if any of the guests in your party have accessibility needs or special requests and you have a large party, we may be unable to place all of the rooms right next to each other due to space limitations and exact building configurations. For example, if one of your guests needs to be as close to a female bathroom as possible, we may have to place her room next to the bathroom but place the other rooms in your reservation down the hall. This is because we receive a large number of special requests but have a finite number of rooms near bathrooms, on the lower floors, near elevators/stairs, etc. We also only have certain buildings open through Sunday night, so if you have a party with different nights of stay we may be unable to put your full party together. However, rest assured that all attempts are made to place all of the rooms in your reservation on the same floor of the same building, as close together as possible! If we are unable to keep all of the rooms in your party together we will let you know.

What time is check-in and check-out? 
Check-in time is dependent on when students move out and when we receive access to the buildings to clean and prepare for your stay. Students typically do not move out of their rooms until Friday afternoon/evening, so access to clean and set the buildings is usually not available until Saturday morning. Because of this, check-in is typically available later in the afternoon on Saturday, usually around 3 p.m. (please note this is also the standard check-in time for many other lodging options in the area). This check-in time provides us with a small window to clean and prepare for your stay, and because rooms are not ready earlier, early check-in is not available. However, after check-in begins each building will be staffed 24 hours a day so you can check-in at any time through the afternoon/evening. Check-in times could change as final move-out schedules are determined, so the main contact will receive additional details in May. 

Check-out will be by 11 a.m. on your day of departure. Late check-out is not available: all guests must be moved out by 11 a.m. on your date of departure, and all guests should stop by the desk in the lobby to check-out with the desk clerk and return all room keys to avoid being assessed any additional charges. If you request parking passes, your pass will be valid throughout the weekend, so even if you must check-out before attending another event you may still keep your car parked in the reserved surface lot for the duration of your visit!

Can I stay Friday night?
No, unfortunately we do not have any rooms available for Friday night. Students do not have to move out until Friday afternoon/evening so we will not have any rooms cleaned and ready for use until Saturday afternoon. We apologize for any inconvenience. Area hotels fill very early so if you must stay in the area on Friday night, we recommend making your reservation as early as possible - and don't forget to look at hotels a little further outside Amherst, such as Deerfield, Springfield, West Springfield, Holyoke, and Greenfield.

How many guests are allowed per room?
A single occupancy room will have one twin bed, comfortably accommodating one guest. A double occupancy room will have two twin beds, comfortably accommodating two guests. If you book a single room we will provide you with one linen pack and if you book a double room we will provide you with two linen packs, with each linen pack including two towels, two flat sheets, a pillow with case and a thin blanket. We cannot assign a room or room keys to more than one guest per single occupancy room and two guests per double occupancy room, and we do not have any triples, extra beds, cots or cribs available to add into any of the rooms.

Is linen provided?
Yes, each registered guest will have a linen pack waiting for them in their room. Each linen pack consists of two towels, two flat sheets, a pillow with case and a thin blanket. Previous guests have found these linen packs to be sufficient for the weekend, however guests are more than welcome to bring their own linens if preferred.

Is Wi-Fi available?
We do not provide login credentials to the UMass network. However, students may use SPIRE to create temporary accounts for visitors (click here for more information). Guests are also welcome to use the public computers located in the Learning Commons on the Lower Level of the Library.

Where do I park?
During the reservation process you will be able to request complimentary parking passes (one parking pass per room) valid for a nearby surface lot. In the past we have used Lot 22, the large surface lot located across the street from the Southwest Residential Area, but the lot for this year has not yet been determined. Note at this time these parking passes can be requested but cannot be guaranteed: because the main ceremony for undergraduates will be held on Saturday morning in McGuirk Stadium, lots near Southwest are likely to fill early and remain filled through much of Saturday. We are evaluating parking options for our residence hall guests and will update this page, and those with a completed reservation, as details are finalized. Requested parking passes will be mailed to the main contact of your reservation in the spring. These passes must be displayed on your dashboard to gain admittance to the reserved surface lot (space permitting). We recommend reviewing the "Travel and Parking" tab above to learn more. Additional parking and arrival details will be sent via email and mail to the main contact of each reservation as Commencement weekend approaches.

What should I bring?
We encourage you to bring anything that will make your stay more comfortable! While packing, please keep the following in mind: 

- For each registered guest, each bedroom will include a twin bed (80" long x 36" wide), desk with chair, wardrobe/closet, bookcase, and linen pack containing two flat sheets, a pillow with case, a thin blanket, and two towels. No additional amenities, items, or appliances are provided. There are no rooms with a private bathroom, there are no toiletries provided, and no bedrooms or residence hall spaces have microwaves, refrigerators, televisions, cots, or cribs available for use.

- Single-sex bathrooms (including individual, lockable shower stalls) are located on the same or an adjacent floor and will be shared with other guests.

- The Residence Halls are not air-conditioned.

- The Residence Halls used for Commencement weekend are the same ones occupied by students during the academic year, so when the students move out they take all of their belongings with them, leaving only the furniture in the room. These are not traditional hotel accommodations. 

We recommend packing the following:

- Toiletries and body care essentials, including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, body wash/soap, and a hair dryer.

- A bath robe, shower sandals and a shower caddy/toiletry bag.

- A thin mattress pad or some extra linens to sleep on if you're concerned about sleeping on a mattress that is on the thinner side.

- Weather-dependent necessities and layered clothing, including a fan if it will be hot, extra sweatshirts/blankets if it will be cold, and rain gear (particularly for the outdoor ceremony on Saturday).

- Entertainment to occupy you during any down time, such as laptops and/or devices equipped with streaming services, DVDs, books, playing cards, or board games.

- The miscellaneous items you might not normally think to pack, such as water bottles, snacks, a desktop mirror, an iron, clothes hangers, extra bath towels, a desk lamp or book light, hand sanitizer, and comfortable walking shoes.

Will my older family member be comfortable in a residence hall?
Our residence halls are the closest lodging option to all of the Commencement activities (including shuttle stops), are just minutes away from our award-winning Dining Commons, and are the most affordable option in the area. These rooms also offer the opportunity to re-live the college experience while celebrating your student's successful college career. We often host close to 1000 Commencement guests in our residence halls each year and most find the value and convenience unbeatable! However, these rooms are not luxury hotel rooms - the residence halls, rooms, beds, and bathrooms are designed for college students to occupy during the academic year. If your family member would have trouble sleeping in a twin bed with a mattress that is on the thinner side, would feel uncomfortable using a shared bathroom, or would prefer to stay in a place that offers all the amenities under one roof, this may not be the ideal place for them. We are more than happy to discuss the particular needs of your family member in more depth to help you determine if this option will work for them - don't hesitate to contact us at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu!

My student lives in a residence hall currently. Can they stay in their own room for Commencement? 
In previous years, students have had to move out of their residence halls by Friday afternoon/evening unless a stay late request was received and approved by Residential Life by a certain date. Students will be sent additional information from Residential Life in the spring with the proper procedures and deadlines. Please contact Residential Life for more information.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET, excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays. All calls, voicemails, and emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2024  
The Graduate Commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 17, at 10 a.m., at the Mullins Center on the UMass Amherst campus.  The Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m., rain or shine, at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the UMass Amherst campus. Tickets are not required and graduating students may invite as many guests as they wish.

Accessibility for Undergraduate Commencement
Residence Hall guests can request a complimentary parking pass to a surface lot near Southwest when completing a reservation. In the past we has used Lot 22 located near the stadium but this year's reserved lot has not yet been determined. Guests with accessible parking plates or drivers escorting guests with limited mobility may complete the Reserved Accessible Parking Form to request parking close to the stadium or to the senior recognition ceremony venue. Guests with limited mobility can also be dropped off at one of the regularly serviced shuttle stops.

Golf carts will be available near the reserved accessible parking area before and after the ceremony to assist guests with limited mobility get to and from the stadium and parking area. Spaces are limited and preference will be given to those with state issued accessible parking plates or placards.

Reserved wheelchair seating is available on the field. Wheelchairs are not available at the University, but can be rented from medical supply stores if needed. Folding chairs will be available at the rear of the field for ambulatory guests who cannot climb stairs. These seating options are level with (but apart from) seating for graduating students are are accessible from the Gate 1 stadium entrance or by golf cart via Lots 11 & 22.

If you or any of your guests require the services of a sign language interpreter, please contact Disability Services.

Leaving Campus on Saturday
If you plan to leave campus by car, University Police will guide you from your parking lot to the closest designated exit route from campus. Below are the typical ways guests are guided off-campus following the main Commencement ceremony on Saturday. 

- From Blue Lot 44: East Pleasant Street to Amherst center, North Amherst, Route 116, and Interstates 90 and 91.
- From Blue Lots 26, 31, and 45: North Pleasant Street to North Amherst and routes 116 and Interstate 91.
- From Red Lots 32, 34, and 71: North Pleasant Street to Amherst Center and routes 9 and 116.
- From Green or Purple Lots 11, 22, 33, 21, 25, and 12: Massachusetts Avenue to routes 116, 9, and Interstate 91.

Senior Recognition Ceremonies
In addition to the main Commencement Ceremony, each undergraduate student also has a Senior Recognition Ceremony for their school or college. You can find your student's major and corresponding school or college using the list of Undergraduate Programs (Senior Recognition Ceremonies are organized by the school or college). Scheduling of these events is posted below and can also be found here. For ceremonies taking place in the Mullins Center, please be aware of the security measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone (click here for more information). 

Thursday, May 16
6:30 p.m.
     - Commonwealth Honors College Celebration of Excellence - Mullins Center. 

Friday, May 17
10 a.m.
     - Graduate Commencement Ceremony - Mullins Center. 

Saturday, May 18
10 a.m.
     - Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - McGuirk Alumni Stadium.
2 p.m.
     - Bachelor's Degree with Individual Concentration  - Bromery Center for the Arts.
     - Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences - Recreation Center.
     - College of Education - Campus Center Auditorium.
     - College of Social & Behavioral Sciences - Mullins Center.
3 p.m.
     - Stockbridge School of Agriculture Commencement - Bowker Auditorium (Stockbridge Hall).
5 p.m. 
     - University Without Walls - Bromery Center for the Arts.
6 p.m.
     - College of Engineering - Mullins Center.

Sunday, May 19
9 a.m.
     - College of Natural Sciences - Mullins Center.
     - Elaine Marieb College of Nursing - Bromery Center for the Arts.
10 a.m.
     - College of Humanities & Fine Arts - Recreation Center.
1:30 p.m.
     - School of Public Health and Health Sciences - Mullins Center.
5 p.m. 
     - Isenberg School of Management  - Mullins Center.

Accessibility for Senior Recognition Ceremonies
All Senior Recognition Ceremony venues are accessible locations. If you or your guests require the services of a sign language interpreter or captioning, please contact Disability Services.

Guests with accessible parking plates or drivers escorting guests with limited mobility may complete the Reserved Accessible Parking Form to request parking close to the stadium or to the senior recognition ceremony venue. Guests with limited mobility can also be dropped off at one of the regularly services shuttle stops.

Shuttles
On-campus residence hall guests can request a complimentary parking pass for a surface lot near Southwest during the reservation process. In the past we have used Lot 22, the large lot located across from the Southwest Residential Area, but the reserved lot for this year has not yet been determined. However, if you attend an event before or after Commencement proper, or around campus throughout the weekend, you should plan to travel by foot or shuttle bus. Do not attempt to move your vehicle to a different parking lot as doing so may forfeit your spot in the reserve lot, alternate surface lots closer to your Senior Recognition Ceremony might be filled and/or unavailable, and increased traffic will make it difficult and time consuming to move around campus by car. Guests with disabilities or limited mobility are encouraged to contact Disability Services at 413-545-0892 for additional support/services.

Shuttle buses typically circulate around campus from about 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday (5/17), and from about 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday (5/18), with a bus every 15 minutes. Stops includes the ceremony venues and dining commons. 

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET, excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays. All calls, voicemails, and emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Can I receive Commencement related news and updates? 
Yes! Graduates automatically receive monthly emails regarding Commencement, including cap & gown pick up, photography, and opportunities such as Student Speaker and 21st Century Leader Awards. Click here for the latest Commencement information, or to stay informed sign up for the mailing list.  

How many ceremonies are there?
Each student has at least two Commencement ceremonies. The Graduate Commencement Ceremony is held on Friday, May 17, at the Mullins Center.  The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is held on Saturday, May 18, at the McGuirk Alumni Stadium (rain or shine). These are fun and celebratory events where degrees are officially conferred, the band plays, and speeches are made by the Chancellor, the student speaker, and a keynote speaker. Undergraduate students will also have a Senior Recognition Ceremony for their school/college, held at a variety of times and locations on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19. The Senior Recognition Ceremony is likely what you imagine when you think of a Commencement ceremony - this is when your student's name will be called and they will walk across the stage, shake hands with their School/Colleges administration, and have their picture taken. Please click the "Commencement Info" tab above for more information on times and locations, or visit the Commencement website. Unsure which ceremony your student should attend? Ask your student for their school/college or search here based on your student's major!

What time do Commencement activities begin?
The Graduate Commencement Ceremony is held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17, at the Mullins Center. The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the McGuirk Alumni Stadium (rain or shine). The Senior Recognition Ceremonies are held at a variety of times and locations on Saturday and Sunday. Click here for more scheduling information.

Do I need tickets? 
For the Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17 and the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18, tickets are not necessary and graduating students may invite as many guests as they wish. For the separate Senior Recognition Ceremonies, RSVPs may be requested for ceremonies or celebrations for planning purposes. Students should receive additional details directly from their school/college. Graduating students will receive periodic emails regarding Commencement, so please encourage your student to read these emails. Click here to view the most up-to-date information posted on the main Commencement site.

Will there be shuttle services throughout the weekend?
Yes, shuttle buses will be available throughout the weekend. Shuttles typically circulate around campus from about 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, stopping at the Mullins Center and designated bus stops (note shuttle schedules will be posted here once determined; schedules for Friday are currently unknown). Buses service each stop about every 15 minutes.  

What is traffic typically like? 
From Friday to Sunday we welcome thousands of graduates, families, friends, faculty and guests to campus, so you should plan for extra travel time to and around campus. We recommend planning for at least an hour of travel time once you arrive in the Amherst area. To expedite traffic flow and shuttle services, local road closures and detours will be in effect on Saturday. The typical detours can be viewed here. Upon your arrival to campus you will be directed to park by the UMass Police Department. Those staying in on-campus residence hall lodging will need to have their surface lot parking pass prominently displayed on their dashboard and must arrive via Route 116 to be directed into the appropriate lot. Those not staying in on-campus residence hall lodging, or those who arrive after the reserved lot has filled, will be directed to park in another surface lot based on the exact time/location you arrive to campus and can then utilize the shuttle buses to get around. 

What options are there for guests with limited mobility?
For the Saturday Commencement Ceremony:
Guests staying in on-campus lodging may request a parking pass to a surface lot near Southwest when making a reservation online. For guests not staying in on-campus lodging, guests with accessible plates/placards or drivers escorting guests with limited mobility may complete the Reserved Accessible Parking Form (once it becomes available) to request a parking pass to Lot 11 near the stadium. Spaces are limited and preference will be given to those with HP or V plates/placards who register first. Alternatively, to minimize the need to travel long distances, guests with limited mobility can be dropped off at one of the designated bus stops regularly serviced by shuttle buses. It is a relatively low step to get on and off of the shuttle. 

On Saturday golf carts will be available at the stadium's main gate and from Lot 11 to help guests with limited mobility get to and from on-field seating. Reserved wheelchair seating on the field is available (note guests needing wheelchairs must make arrangements to bring or rent their own as wheelchairs are not provided). Folding chairs will be available at the rear of the field for ambulatory guests who cannot climb stairs.

For the Senior Recognition Ceremonies:
Senior Recognition Ceremonies are held at a variety of locations around campus, so the best travel options for guests with limited mobility will depend on where your student's Senior Recognition Ceremony will be held. However, all Senior Recognition Ceremony venues are accessible locations. Your student should be provided with additional details in the spring semester directly from their school/college, and should be encouraged to contact their school/college to learn more. If needed, you may complete the Reserved Accessible Parking Form (once it becomes available) to request a parking pass to a lot closer to your graduate's Senior Recognition Ceremony.

Are sign or oral interpreter services available?
If you or any of your guests require the services of an interpreter, please contact Disability Services. 

Where are ATMs located on campus?
There is a fee-free Bank of America ATM in Southwest at the corner closest to Moore and the Southwest horseshoe. ATMs are also located on the 1st floor of the Campus Center and outside the Worcester Dining Commons.

Where can guests buy UMass merchandise?
Stop by the UMass Store, located in the Campus Center! The UMass Store is typically open during Commencement weekend, usually from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday. Because hours may vary during the Commencement weekend we recommend visiting the UMass Store website or calling 413-545-2619 to confirm hours.

Where does my student pick up their cap and gown? 
No pre-order or online ordering is necessary. Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral students will be able to pick up their regalia on campus during the week(s) prior to Commencement and on Commencement day at the stadium. Exact times and locations will be forthcoming. There is no charge for caps and gowns - these are covered by student fees. However, doctoral hoods must be purchased. Details forthcoming. UWW, Distance learners, and Fall or Winter Grads ONLY can request alternative options by emailing commencement@umass.edu.

How can I invite my relative from another country? 
Click here to complete the Visa Request Form. Complete the form with as much detail and accuracy as possible, double checking all addresses and spelling. 

Are there any special security measures?
Yes, typically there are special security measures and metal detectors in place for the main ceremony on Saturday at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, as well as ceremonies held at the Mullins Center. Guests are advised to pack lightly for the day: all items taken into either venue are subject to search so the less you are carrying, the more quickly your party will be able to proceed through security. We recommend discussing security measures with the members of your party ahead of time so everyone is aware of what to expect. For those attending a ceremony in the Mullins Center, please be aware of additional security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone: click here for more details

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET, excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays. All calls, voicemails, and emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

From Friday to Sunday we welcome thousands of graduates, families, friends, faculty and guests to campus, so you should plan for extra travel time to and around campus. We recommend planning for at least an hour of travel time once you arrive in the Amherst area. To expedite traffic flow and shuttle services, local road closures and detours will be in effect on Saturday. Typical detours can also be viewed here.

Traveling By Car
Residence Hall guests will be able to request complimentary parking passes for a surface lot near Sourthwest during the online reservation process (one pass per room). To gain access to this lot (space permitting) please have this parking pass prominently displayed on your dashboard and arrive to campus via Route 116/North Hadley Road. Passes will be mailed to the main contact of each reservation in May. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions to the Southwest surface lot (please note road closures and detours may impact your best route of travel so we encourage you to review the details below for use in conjunction with any directions you obtain). 

Note this is the first year the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony is being held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18. The Southwest surface lot parking is likely to be heavily impacted by this ceremony. In previous years we have used Lot 22 across from the Southwest Horseshoe for parking, but the lot for this year has not yet been determined. We will provide updates as soon as more details are finalized.

From the South, via I-91 North
Take Exit 25 in Northampton. From the exit ramp, stay to the right to merge onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass Exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. If you reserve a parking pass through your residence hall reservation, have your pass prominently displayed on your dashboard to be directed into Lot 22 by the UMass police officers. If you do not reserve a parking pass or forget to bring your pass with you, UMass police officers will direct you to the next appropriate parking lot.

From the North, via I-91 South
Take Exit 36 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp turn left onto Routes U.S. 5/10/116. Follow until the lights and then turn right to stay on 5/10/116. Go one mile and turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow Route 116 South for eight miles to the UMass exit. Turn left at the stop sign. If you reserve a parking pass through your residence hall reservation, have your pass prominently displayed on your dashboard to be directed into Lot 22 by the UMass police officers. If you do not reserve a parking pass or forget to bring your pass with you, UMass police officers will direct you to the next appropriate parking lot.

From the North, via I-93 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Stay on Route 9 until you reach Route 116. Merge right onto Route 116 and go one mile to the UMass Exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. If you reserve a parking pass through your residence hall reservation, have your pass prominently displayed on your dashboard to be directed into Lot 22 by the UMass police officers. If you do not reserve a parking pass or forget to bring your pass with you, UMass police officers will direct you to the next appropriate parking lot.

From the East or West, via I-90 
Travelers have a choice of four routes:

- Off Exit 63 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

- Off Exit 54 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.

- Off Exit 49 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass.

- Off Exit 45 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 19 to Route 9 East to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

Traveling By Air
If you are traveling to Amherst by plane, the closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (near Hartford). This airport is approximately 45 miles from the UMass campus. Another option is Logan International Airport in Boston, located approximately 90 miles from the UMass campus. Please remember to organize transportation to and from the airport in advance.

Transportation Services

- Valley Transporter, 413-253-1350
- Seemo Shuttle, 413-586-1120 
- Exclusive Car Service, 877-695-4665
- Bluebird Transportation, 413-221-4512
- Enterprise
- Michael's Limousine & Transportation Service, 413-583-6392

Traveling By Bus
Amherst and the surrounding area are serviced by Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). The most convenient service is offered by Peter Pan, so when possible those traveling by bus should book a Peter Pan bus ticket using "Amherst UMass, MA" as the destination (note the "Amherst Center, MA" stop is in downtown Amherst and will require additional travel to arrive on campus). Greyhound offers bus service to nearby Northampton, MA, located about a 20 minute drive from campus. From Northampton attendees should plan to travel to campus via a taxi service, Uber/Lyft, or PVTA bus.

Residence Hall Guest Parking: Southwest Surface Lot
Guests staying in on-campus residence hall lodging will be able to request complimentary parking passes for the surface lot in Southwest during the online reservation process (one parking pass per room booked). Note this does not guarantee a parking spot and space in the surface lot in Southwest is likely to be very limited. If the Southwest surface lot is full upon your arrival, UMPD officers will instead direct you to the next nearest lot. You may find it easier to park where directed, travel to the Commencement scheduled for 10 a.m., attend the ceremony, and then plan to move your car to the surface lot and check-in to your residence hall later on Saturday. If you do not stay with us or do not request any of these parking passes as part of your reservation, UMPD officers will instead direct you to park in the nearest available surface lot based upon where and when you enter campus.

In previous years Lot 22, the large surface lot located across the street from the Southwest Residential Area (see below) was used, but the lot for this year has not been determinded. During the online reservation process enter the requested number of parking passes you will need (limited to one pass per room booked). 

In the spring we will mail all requested parking passes to the main contact of the reservation at the address provided during your online reservation. Passes will not be sent or available by email. The main contact is responsible for distributing a parking pass to any guest in their party as needed. Passes cannot be emailed, photocopied, or duplicated: each guest who wishes to park in this reserved lot will need to use the original, uniquely numbered parking pass that we provide by mail in order to gain entrance to the lot. The UMass Police Department will monitor lots throughout the Commencement weekend, so be sure to bring your parking pass with you and have it prominently displayed on your dashboard throughout the weekend to gain access to the Southwest surface lots (space permitting). We also recommend arriving early to increase your chances of obtaining parking in this lot. 

Multiple emails will be sent in April/May regarding these parking passes (including an email to confirm your address prior to the mailing, and an email to let you know when the mailing has been sent), so please provide a valid email address during your online reservation and add registration@umass.edu to your email address book to ensure proper delivery.

Accessible Parking
Residence hall guests with accessibility needs may request a complimentary parking pass for the Southwest surface lot during the online reservation process (see above). The Southwest surface lot is the closest lot to the residence halls and is close to the Gate 1 stadium entrance used for Saturday's main ceremony. Please note that guests will need to travel up a hill to get to the residence halls from the Southwest surface lot. If this is of concern please contact us when you receive your building assignment to discuss potential drop-off locations. 

Guests with accessible plates/placards or drivers escorting guests with limited mobility may complete a Reserved Accessible Parking Form to request parking near the stadium and/or near a Senior Recognition Ceremony. Additional details will be posted here and on the Commencement website once available.  

To minimize the need for long distance travel, guests with limited mobility may also be dropped off at one of the designated bus stops regularly serviced by shuttle buses.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET, excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays. All calls, voicemails, and emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

UMass Dining, America's most awarded dining program, invites you to join our table! Our campus guests can find UMass Dining at every corner - with dining commons, retail cafes, food trucks, and more, we welcome you to enjoy all that the UMass Dining experience has to offer. Looking for some off-campus options? Listings are available courtesy of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, Amherst Business Improvement District, and Visit Hampshire County.

Dining Commons
Come enjoy a celebratory breakfast, lunch or dinner at our all-you-care-to-eat Dining Commons! At Berkshire, Hampshire and Worcester Dining Commons (locations, subject to change), families and guests of graduating students on a UMass meal plan may join their graduate for complimentary meals. Other students, families, faculty, and staff may dine at the Dining Commons at the faculty/staff rate of $11.50 for breakfast, $15.50 for lunch, and $18.75 for dinner. The menu for the weekend will feature healthy and sustainable global cuisine, showcasing local and regional ingredients. Expect regional comfort foods including sushi, a carving station, sustainable seafood, delicious UMass Bakeshop desserts, and so much more! All Dining Commons are within walking distance of our on-campus residence hall lodging, with the closest Dining Commons being Berkshire and Hampshire, located right in the Southwest Residential Area of campus. 

Hours (subject to change):
Friday, May 17: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 18: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday May 19: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Hampshire and Worcester Dining Commons)

Campus Center Eateries
The Blue Wall, located on the 2nd floor of the Campus Center, is typically open on Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. (times subject to change). Come see what all the campus buzz is about and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from one of our many stations. Choose from fresh sushi, made to order salads, house roasted lunch meats, hand tossed fresh pizza, or a grass fed beef burger with local cheddar. Enjoy our gelato bar and delicious house made pastries and cakes! The People’s Organic Coffee Shop and Harvest Fresh Market, both located on the Campus Center 2nd floor concourse, both open at 8 a.m. and serve coffee, breakfast, and fresh baked organic and all natural treats.

Graduation Celebration Buffet  Friday, May 17
Graduates, families and friends are invited to join us for a celebratory dinner buffet beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 17, hosted by Auxiliary Enterprises (date and time, subject to change). The dinner will be held in the Marriott Center, located on the 11th floor of the UMass Campus Center. With beautiful views overlooking the campus and a delicious meal prepared by UMass Catering, our dinner buffet is the perfect way to celebrate the many achievements of your graduating student. 

Tickets and full event details are being determined. Click here to learn more and, once available, to make your reservation. For additional assistance related to the buffet, contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.

Stadium Food Court  Saturday, May 18
A food court will be open before and after Saturday's Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony at the McGuirk Stadium. Snacks and light meals, including a fresh grill selection, salads, fruit, desserts, and beverages, will be sold at the Stadium Food Court at the north end of the stadium. Some snacks and beverages will also be sold in the stands before the ceremony begins.

The Commonwealth Restaurant
The Commonwealth Restaurant, located on the top floor of the newly constructed Worcester Commons, offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of campus. The award-winning UMass Dining program offers a special commencement dinner on Friday, seating at 7 p.m., as well as brunch on Saturday from 10 am to 4 p.m. Dinner is a prix-fixe menu and is $50.00 per person. It includes a champagne or non-alcoholic toast. (Dates, times and price are from 2023 and will be updated soon). For reservations, please call 413-545-0255.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET, excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays. All calls, voicemails, and emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

For Commencement Residence Hall Lodging:
UMass Conference Services: 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu

For General Commencement Inquiries:
University Events Office: 413-577-1101 or commencement@umass.edu

For Additional Information:
- Academic Status: 413-545-0555
- Caps & Gowns: 413-577-1101
- Diplomas: 413-545-0555
- Disability Services: 413-545-0892
- Dining Services: 413-545-2472
- Graduate Degree Clearance Status: 413-545-0722 or degreq@grad.umass.edu
- Graduate Degree Requirements/Dissertation Questions: 413-545-0722 or degreq@grad.umass.edu
- Graduate Student Service Center: 413-545-0722 or degreq@grad.umass.edu
- Graduation Celebration Buffet: click here for more information, or contact 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu
- Hotel UMass: 877-822-2110
- Registrar’s Office: 413-545-0555
- University Switchboard: 413-545-0111