Senior Celebration
We are proud to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2026.
The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) will host its Senior Celebration on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Mullins Center.
During Commencement Weekend 2026, there are two separate events on Friday, May 15, 2026 for graduates of our undergraduate degree programs and their families: the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences Senior Celebration and the Undergraduate Commencement. We hope you will plan on attending both events to send off the Class of 2026 and celebrate their achievements.
If you have questions about the CICS Senior Celebration, please email commencement [at] cs [dot] umass [dot] edu (commencement[at]cs[dot]umass[dot]edu).
Undergraduate Commencement
Friday, May 15, 5:00 p.m.
McGuirk Alumni Stadium
Undergraduate Commencement is the official graduation ceremony at which degrees are conferred for every graduate on campus.
For more information, see the UMass Amherst Commencement website.
CICS Senior Celebration
Friday, May 15, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mullins Center
200 Commonwealth Avenue, Amherst, MA 01003
This ceremony gives graduates the opportunity to be recognized individually by college faculty and administration. Each graduating student's name is read prior to the presentation of a University of Massachusetts medal and a special farewell gift from the college. Graduates' time on stage will be broadcast on large video screens and captured by a professional photographer.
Due to venue capacity limitations, tickets will be required for entry to this year's celebration. Each graduating student will be allotted 12 tickets for guests. Student registration via Tassel is required by April 18 to obtain guest tickets. Tickets will be distributed to graduates in early May.
For those who cannot attend in person, this year's celebration will be live-streamed and recorded for viewing after the event. Additional information about ticketing is available on the Commencement 2026 website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CICS Senior Celebration?
The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) Senior Celebration is a ceremony held in addition to Undergraduate Commencement, providing graduates the opportunity to be recognized individually by college faculty and administration. Each graduating student’s name is read prior to the presentation of a University of Massachusetts medal and a special farewell gift from the college. Graduates’ time on stage will be broadcast on large video screens and captured by a professional photographer.
We encourage seniors and their families to attend both the UMass Amherst Undergraduate Commencement and the CICS Senior Celebration being held on May 15, 2026.
When and where will it be held?
The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences Senior Celebration will be held at the Mulllins Center on Friday, May 15, 2026, starting at 2:00 p.m. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m.
Graduating seniors should arrive at the Mullins Center promptly at 1:00 p.m. for check-in.
Who can participate in the Senior Celebration?
An undergraduate student’s year of graduation is established by the Registrar’s Office. To be eligible to participate in 2026 commencement ceremonies, students must have fulfilled all requirements by the date of the ceremony or be scheduled to do so by September 2026.
Students who are expected to graduate in fall 2026 or spring 2027, but want to walk in May 2026, must contact the Registrar's Office, Diploma and Graduation Services, at reggrad@registrar.umass.edu no later than March 31, 2026.
Do I need to register to attend this year's ceremony?
Graduating students are required to register via Tassel to attend the Commencement Ceremony and the CICS Senior Celebration and receive guest tickets. Registering helps us track attendance and allows graduates to review their name pronunciation to ensure that it is read correctly. Students will receive a link from Tassel that will give them options for the ceremonies they need to register for. Students are required to register by April 18, 2026.
How many guests are allowed for each student? Do they need tickets?
Due to venue capacity limitations, tickets will be required for entry to this year's celebration. Each graduating student will be allotted 12 tickets for guests. Student registration via Tassel is required by April 18 to obtain guest tickets. Tickets will be distributed to graduates in early May.
For those who cannot attend in person, this year's celebration will be live-streamed and recorded for viewing after the event.
Additional information about ticketing is available on the Commencement 2026 website.
I can't attend in person, will the ceremony be live-streamed and recorded?
The 2026 CICS Senior Celebration will be live-streamed beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15. A recording of the event will be available after the ceremony.
What should participants and visitors wear?
Graduating students and faculty dress in commencement caps and gowns. Students must arrive in their caps and gowns—caps and gowns will not be available at the Recreation Center. For additional information about ordering regalia, see the Commencement 2026 website.
The Mullins Center is air-conditioned; however, it does get warm. Please dress comfortably.
Where should I park?
Guest parking is available in the Campus Center Parking Garage and in lots adjacent to the Mullins Center.
PayStation Lot 25, located in front of the Mullins Center, is reserved for disabled patrons only.
I have a disability. Can I request accommodations?
The CICS Senior Celebration will be shown on large screens in the event venue and live captioned.
For additional information about accessibility and physical accommodations, please visit the Mullins Center website.
How do I get a Manning CICS graduation cord?
Manning CICS seniors are recognized with a graduation cord to wear at commencement upon a $5 minimum donation to the CICS Senior Gift Campaign. Students will be able to pick up their cords at the Commencement Fair on May 6, during tabling events held in early May, or by contacting Corinne Briggs at cbriggs@uma-foundation.org. For more information, see the Manning CICS Class of 2026 Senior Gift Campaign website.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes; however, we ask that all audience members be courteous to each other and refrain from blocking the aisles. There will be professional photographers on hand to take photos of each graduate as they receive their medal and informal shots of graduates and families. The photography company will be in touch with the graduates soon after the ceremony to review and order their official Senior Celebration photo.
Will food be served?
Food will be available to purchase at Mullins Center concession stands. Check the Commencement 2026 website to learn more about dining options during Commencement weekend.