Class of 2025, get commencement ready by following the graduate checklist below!

Continue to check this page for updates...

Before Commencement Checklist

Stay Informed by checking your inbox for emails from the Registrar’s Office and the SAIS Commencement Team and continue to visit the Commencement website for updates.

Apply to Graduate: The deadline for the graduation application will be as outlined below. Visit the SEAM website here to submit your application. It is mandatory for all graduates to submit their application.

• Summer and Fall graduates: deadline December 25, 2024.
• Spring graduates: deadline will be in February 2025.
• Contact SEAM for questions or inquiries to request support here.

Order Your Regalia: Purchase your cap and gown from the Oak Hall site by March 2025. 

• Graduates will have the option to secure regalia from a recent graduate or wear their military service uniform and not purchase regalia. These are the only options available to participate in the ceremony. Detailed instructions will be sent from the SAIS Commencement Team to learn of your attire.

Name Recordings & Ticket Reservations: In March 2025, graduates will receive an email with a unique link from MarchingOrder to record your name and to secure tickets for graduation day. The deadline to complete both steps is required and must be completed in April 2025.

RSVP for the Universitywide Ceremony (Optional): Graduates will also receive a separate unique link from MarchingOrder in March 2025 from Homewood inviting them to participate in the Universitywide ceremony. It is optional for graduates to attend this ceremony, but they can indicate their participation through that MarchingOrder link. More information about the Universitywide ceremony can be found here.

Attend the Hopkins in DC Grad Fair: Collect your regalia and tickets for the commencement events. The Grad Fair will take place in April 2025 at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center.

Day of Commencement Checklist

Re-visit the “What You Need to Know” email from SAIS Commencement for detailed instructions about the day. Email will be sent out in May 2025.

Arrive on time and look for your lineup.


Limit personal items to regalia, an ID and phone as there will be no storage onsite. Large bags, including backpacks and luggage, are not permitted.

Guests can re-visit the FAQ page on the website for the latest updates.


Flowers and balloons are not permitted.

Important Academic Contacts

• Registrar’s Office

  • For inquiries about the application to graduate or diplomas, contact this office by submitting a case through SEAM.

• SAIS Commencement Team

  • Contact this team with questions about the SAIS Ceremony.

• FAQs

  • Stay updated on the latest information about the SAIS ceremony.

• Universitywide Ceremony Team

  • For questions about the Universitywide Ceremony in Baltimore, MD.