Convocation 2019
Watch the full video of the 2018 Convocation ceremony from Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
2018-19 Conferral Dates*
August 24, 2018 for Summer graduates
December 28, 2018 for Fall graduates
May 23, 2019 for Spring graduates
* The School's Convocation Ceremony and the University Commencement Ceremony are held once a year in May.
May 2019 Conferral
All 2018-19 graduates are invited to attend the May 2019 Convocation and Commencement ceremonies. Diplomas for Summer and Fall graduates will be mailed directly to you.
Regalia Ordering
All graduates participating in Convocation or Commencement are required to wear a cap, gown, and hood. Regalia ordering is open now through April 13, 2019, through Oak Hall at
https://jhu-sph.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome. Students are encouraged to order regalia even if participation is not a certainty. Please keep in mind that students who do not have regalia will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremonies.
Convocation Speaker
The 2019 Convocation speaker will be Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist and author, Ms. Laurie Garrett. Her bio is available here.
Graduating Student Checklist
Use the checklist to help identify administrative details that may need to be taken care of before you leave campus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where will the May 2019 Convocation ceremony be held?
The Convocation ceremony will take place at 3pm on Tues., May 21 at the Royal Farms Arena in downtown Baltimore.
I plan on attending Convocation, but have not ordered regalia. Can I still order it?
Yes. Regalia may be ordered through the Johns Hopkins Barnes & Noble bookstore (3330 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218) through Mon., May 13.
I opened my regalia and appear to have the wrong tassel/ wrong hood. What should I do?
A bookstore representative will be in W3030 on Mon., May 6 and Tues., May 7 from 9am to 3pm on both days. Adjustments can also be made the day of Convocation. Please visit the bookstore representative on the lower level upon your arrival at the Royal Farms Arena.
I will be using regalia worn by someone who participated in the May 2018 ceremonies. Is this okay?
Yes, but please e-mail jhsph_graduation@jhu.edu to let us know so that we can update our records. This ensures that you will continue to receive important communications regarding ceremony participation.
I am no longer able to attend Convocation. What should I do?
Please e-mail jhsph_graduation@jhu.edu as soon as possible.
How do I provide my consulate with a letter for guests I wish to invite from outside of the U.S.?
Please complete the request for a consulate letter found here: http://jhsph.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFIbd9XkfXZTPpj
Are tickets required for Convocation?
No. This is not a ticketed event. Expected graduates may invite as many friends and family as they wish.
Are there hotels close to the venue?
Yes. The Hotel page has a map and a list of hotels offering special rates to Johns Hopkins guests.
Are there restaurants in the area of the venue?
Yes. A list of area restaurants is available at http://www.royalfarmsarena.com/plan-your-visit/restaurants.
Where can I park for the May 21 Convocation ceremony?
Public parking is limited near the arena.
You can find information at Royal Farms Parking & Mass Transit.
Additionally The Royal Farms Arena is accessible via taxi or via ride share service. For more information about Uber or Lyft, please visit their websites or download their apps, which can be found in the App Store on iOS devices or the Google Play Store on Android devices. The zTrip service can be used to book a sedan or a taxi for pickup immediately, later in the day or at a future date. For more information about zTrip, please visit the zTrip website or download the zTrip app, which can be found in the App Store on iOS devices or the Google Play Store on Android devices.
Is there accessible parking available near the area?
Accessible parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis are located in the garage attached to the arena and in other nearby parking facilities. Parking in these spots requires a state-issued license plate or hangtag. Drop off areas are available at the Royal Farms Arena Baltimore Street and Howard Street entrances.
Please note that the Hopkins Place entrance is the accessible entrance into the arena.
What time do I need to arrive at the Arena?
Graduates should plan to arrive between 1:45pm and 2:15pm.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Upon entering the Arena graduates should proceed down the ramps from the main lobby to the lower level. Signs will direct graduates to the appropriate check-in/ line-up areas. Graduates should be in the Arena by 2:15pm. Line up will begin at 2:30pm.
What should I bring to Convocation?
Expected graduates should arrive at the Royal Farms Arena with their regalia. Valuables should be given to friends and family to be held until the end of the ceremony. THERE IS NO SECURE AREA TO KEEP VALUABLES. Please note the venue does not allow backpacks, selfie sticks, etc. A complete list of Prohibited Items is available on the Royal Farms arena website at http://www.royalfarmsarena.com/arena-info/a-z-guide.
What time will the doors open for guests?
Doors open for guests at 2pm.
Where should I tell my friends and family to sit so they will see me?
The approximate seating chart is available here. Doctoral and MPH graduates will be seated on the East side of the Arena. All other Masters will be seated on the West side of the Arena. Guests can sit in the seats on the corresponding side of the Arena.
Can children attend the ceremony?
Yes. Children can sit in the guest seating areas and must be supervised by an adult at all times. Children are not permitted in the line-up areas, nor are they allowed to march with graduates.
Will there be accessible seating?
The ceremony will have designated seating areas for persons using wheelchairs and up to three companions on a first-come, first-served basis. This seating is located on the Level 1 Concourse behind sections 103 and 104. For assistance finding seating, please see one of the ushers inside the arena.
For other guests with mobility disabilities, it is strongly recommended that you arrive early to ensure you are able to find a seat that meets your needs.
Elevators are on the southeast and southwest corners of the buildings. Please see a Royal Farms Arena staff member for assistance upon entering the building.
Please Note: The arena is a large facility and a considerable distance must be traveled to get to all of the seats. Guests for whom walking long distances is difficult are strongly encouraged to rent a wheelchair for the day. Wheelchairs will not be available at the arena. Information about renting one is in the next section: “Will wheelchairs be available?”
Will wheelchairs be available?
Wheelchairs are not available at the arena. To rent a wheelchair, you may call Northern Pharmacy at 410-254-2055, press “0” to speak to the operator and ask for medical equipment rentals; or email Northern Pharmacy.
Will an ASL interpreter and/or captioning be provided?
Sign Language Interpreters are available upon request. Please contact the JHSPH_graduation@jhu.edu by April 23 to request ASL Interpreters. In all situations, a good faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide accommodations.
Assisted listening devices are available at Royal Farms Arena Guest Services, which is located behind section 227. A driver’s license will need to be left in exchange for the device.
Additionally, large screens will project the ceremony and each graduate as he/she crosses the stage, so guests need not sit close to the stage to have a “good seat.” The ceremony will be captioned on the large screens on either side of the stage.
Is there a First Aid Station?
The First Aid station is located on the east side of the building near the garage entrance (behind section 101). An Arena usher can contact an EMT staffer immediately.
Is there are lactation room?
Nursing mothers are welcome to use Room 110 on the lower level.
Where are the restrooms located?
Restrooms are located on each side of the building on the concourse level.
What should I do with my regalia after Convocation?
Masters graduates may keep their regalia or return it to be recycled.
Doctoral graduates who did not return their regalia immediately after the Convocation ceremony and who are not planning to attend the University-wide Commencement ceremony on Thurs., May 23 should return regalia to the Johns Hopkins Barnes & Noble bookstore (3330 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218). Doctoral graduates who are participating in the University-wide Commencement ceremony should return their regalia to the regalia representative immediately following that ceremony.
What about photos?
Commencement Photos, Inc., (978-851-5924), will be taking photos of each graduate as they walk across the stage. Information can be found at http://www.commencementphotos.com/.
When will I receive my actual diploma at Convocation?
Spring Masters candidates will be given a Declaration of Health Rights as they walk across the stage. Diplomas will be distributed after the conclusion of the ceremony, and not before.
All Doctoral candidates are hooded at the Convocation ceremony. Spring Doctoral graduates will receive their diplomas at the university-wide ceremony on Thurs., May 23, if they attend. If they do not attend, diplomas will be available for pick up in E-1002 between Tues., May 28 and Fri., May 31 between the hours of 8am and 4pm. Diploma mailings will begin on June 3.
Summer 2018 and Fall 2018 graduates have already received their diplomas and will be given a Declaration of Health Rights as they walk across the stage.
When will my degree be posted to my transcript?
We expect degrees for May 2019 graduates to be posted to transcripts before May 31.
How long is the ceremony?
We expect the ceremony to run between 3 and 3.5 hours. Graduates should plan to stay for the entire ceremony.
When and where will the University-wide Commencement ceremony be held?
The University-wide Commencement ceremony will take place at 1:30pm on Thurs., May 23 at the Royal Farms Arena in downtown Baltimore.
When will I receive additional information about the May 2019 graduation ceremonies?
Those expected graduates who are participating in the ceremonies will receive a detailed e-mail towards the end of April/ early May.
When and where will the May 2019 Convocation ceremony be held?
The Convocation ceremony will take place at 3pm on Tues., May 21 at the Royal Farms Arena in downtown Baltimore.
I plan on attending Convocation, but have not ordered regalia. Can I still order it?
Yes. Regalia may be ordered through the Johns Hopkins Barnes & Noble bookstore (3330 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218) through Mon., May 13.
I opened my regalia and appear to have the wrong tassel/ wrong hood. What should I do?
A bookstore representative will be in W3030 on Mon., May 6 and Tues., May 7 from 9am to 3pm on both days. Adjustments can also be made the day of Convocation. Please visit the bookstore representative on the lower level upon your arrival at the Royal Farms Arena.
I will be using regalia worn by someone who participated in the May 2018 ceremonies. Is this okay?
Yes, but please e-mail jhsph_graduation@jhu.edu to let us know so that we can update our records. This ensures that you will continue to receive important communications regarding ceremony participation.
I am no longer able to attend Convocation. What should I do?
Please e-mail jhsph_graduation@jhu.edu as soon as possible.
How do I provide my consulate with a letter for guests I wish to invite from outside of the U.S.?
Please complete the request for a consulate letter found here: http://jhsph.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFIbd9XkfXZTPpj
Are tickets required for Convocation?
No. This is not a ticketed event. Expected graduates may invite as many friends and family as they wish.
Are there hotels close to the venue?
Yes. The Hotel page has a map and a list of hotels offering special rates to Johns Hopkins guests.
Are there restaurants in the area of the venue?
Yes. A list of area restaurants is available at http://www.royalfarmsarena.com/plan-your-visit/restaurants.
Where can I park for the May 21 Convocation ceremony?
Public parking is limited near the arena.
You can find information at Royal Farms Parking & Mass Transit.
Additionally The Royal Farms Arena is accessible via taxi or via ride share service. For more information about Uber or Lyft, please visit their websites or download their apps, which can be found in the App Store on iOS devices or the Google Play Store on Android devices. The zTrip service can be used to book a sedan or a taxi for pickup immediately, later in the day or at a future date. For more information about zTrip, please visit the zTrip website or download the zTrip app, which can be found in the App Store on iOS devices or the Google Play Store on Android devices.
Is there accessible parking available near the area?
Accessible parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis are located in the garage attached to the arena and in other nearby parking facilities. Parking in these spots requires a state-issued license plate or hangtag. Drop off areas are available at the Royal Farms Arena Baltimore Street and Howard Street entrances.
Please note that the Hopkins Place entrance is the accessible entrance into the arena.
What time do I need to arrive at the Arena?
Graduates should plan to arrive between 1:45pm and 2:15pm.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Upon entering the Arena graduates should proceed down the ramps from the main lobby to the lower level. Signs will direct graduates to the appropriate check-in/ line-up areas. Graduates should be in the Arena by 2:15pm. Line up will begin at 2:30pm.
What should I bring to Convocation?
Expected graduates should arrive at the Royal Farms Arena with their regalia. Valuables should be given to friends and family to be held until the end of the ceremony. THERE IS NO SECURE AREA TO KEEP VALUABLES. Please note the venue does not allow backpacks, selfie sticks, etc. A complete list of Prohibited Items is available on the Royal Farms arena website at http://www.royalfarmsarena.com/arena-info/a-z-guide.
What time will the doors open for guests?
Doors open for guests at 2pm.
Where should I tell my friends and family to sit so they will see me?
The approximate seating chart is available here. Doctoral and MPH graduates will be seated on the East side of the Arena. All other Masters will be seated on the West side of the Arena. Guests can sit in the seats on the corresponding side of the Arena.
Can children attend the ceremony?
Yes. Children can sit in the guest seating areas and must be supervised by an adult at all times. Children are not permitted in the line-up areas, nor are they allowed to march with graduates.
Will there be accessible seating?
The ceremony will have designated seating areas for persons using wheelchairs and up to three companions on a first-come, first-served basis. This seating is located on the Level 1 Concourse behind sections 103 and 104. For assistance finding seating, please see one of the ushers inside the arena.
For other guests with mobility disabilities, it is strongly recommended that you arrive early to ensure you are able to find a seat that meets your needs.
Elevators are on the southeast and southwest corners of the buildings. Please see a Royal Farms Arena staff member for assistance upon entering the building.
Please Note: The arena is a large facility and a considerable distance must be traveled to get to all of the seats. Guests for whom walking long distances is difficult are strongly encouraged to rent a wheelchair for the day. Wheelchairs will not be available at the arena. Information about renting one is in the next section: “Will wheelchairs be available?”
Will wheelchairs be available?
Wheelchairs are not available at the arena. To rent a wheelchair, you may call Northern Pharmacy at 410-254-2055, press “0” to speak to the operator and ask for medical equipment rentals; or email Northern Pharmacy.
Will an ASL interpreter and/or captioning be provided?
Sign Language Interpreters are available upon request. Please contact the JHSPH_graduation@jhu.edu by April 23 to request ASL Interpreters. In all situations, a good faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide accommodations.
Assisted listening devices are available at Royal Farms Arena Guest Services, which is located behind section 227. A driver’s license will need to be left in exchange for the device.
Additionally, large screens will project the ceremony and each graduate as he/she crosses the stage, so guests need not sit close to the stage to have a “good seat.” The ceremony will be captioned on the large screens on either side of the stage.
Is there a First Aid Station?
The First Aid station is located on the east side of the building near the garage entrance (behind section 101). An Arena usher can contact an EMT staffer immediately.
Is there are lactation room?
Nursing mothers are welcome to use Room 110 on the lower level.
Where are the restrooms located?
Restrooms are located on each side of the building on the concourse level.
What should I do with my regalia after Convocation?
Masters graduates may keep their regalia or return it to be recycled.
Doctoral graduates who did not return their regalia immediately after the Convocation ceremony and who are not planning to attend the University-wide Commencement ceremony on Thurs., May 23 should return regalia to the Johns Hopkins Barnes & Noble bookstore (3330 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218). Doctoral graduates who are participating in the University-wide Commencement ceremony should return their regalia to the regalia representative immediately following that ceremony.
What about photos?
Commencement Photos, Inc., (978-851-5924), will be taking photos of each graduate as they walk across the stage. Information can be found at http://www.commencementphotos.com/.
When will I receive my actual diploma at Convocation?
Spring Masters candidates will be given a Declaration of Health Rights as they walk across the stage. Diplomas will be distributed after the conclusion of the ceremony, and not before.
All Doctoral candidates are hooded at the Convocation ceremony. Spring Doctoral graduates will receive their diplomas at the university-wide ceremony on Thurs., May 23, if they attend. If they do not attend, diplomas will be available for pick up in E-1002 between Tues., May 28 and Fri., May 31 between the hours of 8am and 4pm. Diploma mailings will begin on June 3.
Summer 2018 and Fall 2018 graduates have already received their diplomas and will be given a Declaration of Health Rights as they walk across the stage.
When will my degree be posted to my transcript?
We expect degrees for May 2019 graduates to be posted to transcripts before May 31.
How long is the ceremony?
We expect the ceremony to run between 3 and 3.5 hours. Graduates should plan to stay for the entire ceremony.
When and where will the University-wide Commencement ceremony be held?
The University-wide Commencement ceremony will take place at 1:30pm on Thurs., May 23 at the Royal Farms Arena in downtown Baltimore.
When will I receive additional information about the May 2019 graduation ceremonies?
Those expected graduates who are participating in the ceremonies will receive a detailed e-mail towards the end of April/ early May.
More questions? Please contact the Office of Records and Registration at jhsph_graduation@jhu.edu
