COLLEGE PARK — Already reeling from the news that the commencement ceremony would be moved from the 21st to the 22nd, UMD students and families woke up this morning to another announcement from the UMD Commencement Team: the main commencement date had been moved to 5 PM, on May 19th. This was announced at 8 AM, May 20th.

The Team said their reasons for the shift included selecting a day with better weather, “keeping it silly,” and acquiescing to the violent demands of commencement speaker Kermit the Frog. They elaborated further in their announcement.

“We wanted to move the ceremony, so that our hardworking students don’t have the moment they’ve been waiting for ruined by the weather. This is what prompted the original shift in commencement time, from the 21st to the 22nd. But then we realized the weather forecast for the 22nd had its own issues. Worse, the 22nd date would overlap with the ceremony for CMNS students. Such hardworking students remain our #1 priority here at UMD, and we wouldn’t want them missing out or stressing on their big day.”

Despite the explanation, some students continued to quibble with the administration’s decision. Graciously, the Commencement Team took the time to quell some of these complaints.

In response to “logistical concerns” about “going back in time to the 19th,” the Team explained that “such a challenge could help inspire the innovation that UMD is all about.” They also added that the last minute changes “breed quick thinking and risk-taking, key attributes for our up-and-coming entrepreneurs of tomorrow.” 

“Ultimately,” said the Team, “Avoiding inclement weather is our utmost priority, and this is the date with the best weather. The summer sun, the warming but not-quite-oppressive heat, the clear skies, it’s all so perfect. Or rather, it was so perfect. Because it happened already.”

For some reason still beset with complaints, the administration decreed that those who wanted “a graduation ceremony they could actually go to” would instead be allowed to attend next year’s main commencement ceremony, in 2026. Provided, of course, that they take at least 30 academic credits worth of courses over the Fall 2025-Spring 2025 semester.

Signing off, the Commencement Team added that they hoped this would mark a “grand finale” for the graduating seniors, and that the experience would “represent and personify everything they loved during their time at UMD.” Happy memories, Terps.

Image Credits: Zachary Robinson