2024 Commencement

Information for Families and Guests

Coppin State University is excited to welcome guests to Commencement.

The ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last approximately two hours. Tickets are required for entrance. The gate to the Physical Education Complex (PEC) field will open at 7:45 a.m. You are encouraged to arrive early. The procession starts from the Library Quad at 8:45 a.m. Family and friends are asked to be seated on the PEC field by 8:45 AM 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 at ijapi.com/watch.

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)
  • BCCC parking lot. This lot is located at 2850 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215, and is across from the Baltimore City Community College main entrance at 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, 21215.

Do not park at Mondawmin mall. You 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, the BCCC parking lot, and H and (drop off) then back to lot C.

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:

• Backpacks, duffel bags
• Oversize purses or computer cases
• Alcohol, bottles, cans, food, coolers
• Illegal drugs
• Fireworks
• Weapons
• Noisemakers
• Laser pointers
• Beach balls
• Balloons
• Signs of any size or other distracting objects
• 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.

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 at the back of the fields to allow for pictures at the end of the ceremony.

Breakfast

Breakfast will be available for purchase at the PEC main entrance (near the Fitness Center, see location 23 on the campus map). Items will include coffee, juice, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and bars.

Graduate Gifts

The Commencement Group Inc. will be selling flowers and stuffed animals at the PEC main entrance (near the Fitness Center, see location 23 on the campus map).

Photo Stations

Three (3) photo stations will be set up at the back of the field to allow family and friends to take pictures with their graduates.

COVID-19 Information

Visit Community Health Updates for the latest information.